A significant shift in the workplace since COVID has created the opportunity to work from home. Working from home has caused a drastic change in the way people perceive their work lives. Digital office management tools, video conferencing and remote working environments have been new for most workers. While some people have faced challenges around working from home such as bad connectivity, difficulty learning digital tools, and domestic distractions, others have embraced the remote working routine with enthusiasm.

For those still struggling to cope up with remote work, a way out could be to curate your work from home station to boost productivity. Your work environment has a great impact on your overall productivity and your ability to focus. It helps you feel motivated and prepares you for a working mindset. To get you started, here are some ideas that have helped people survive work from home.

1.  Keep it Neat

Mess causes stress. Whether you’re an organized person or a messy one, when having to focus, your brain works best when your surroundings are clean. If there is clutter around, your brain will focus on removing that and you will not be able to concentrate. Lack of concentration will either make you lazy or cause stress and anger.

As office spaces are maintained by staff, at home, you’re responsible to clear your mess. Keep your workspace minimal so there is less stuff to put away at the end of the day. For example,

• Instead of using a clutter of wires, use a single device that can be connected to multiple appliances.
• Rather than using internet cables, switch to strong Wi-Fi systems like the one that come with Mediacom internet, which is reliable enough to support multiple devices at a time.
• Use less paper and move all your to-do’s to digital tools.

2.  Set up a quiet corner

It is very challenging to focus amidst domestic disturbances. To make sure you avoid most of it, take a quiet corner where other family members would not disturb you and set up your work space. Choose a comfortable chair and desk so you don’t tire yourself quickly.

If there are any pets in your home, make sure to keep them out as anything can be a distraction if you’re already finding it hard to adjust. Try to take breaks outside of your home office so you do not feel trapped all day. Eat on the dining table with your family so you do not feel lonely. If you live alone, cook yourself a quick meal in your breaks. Take yourself out for fresh air. Since you’ll be home all day, you can go for a walk or take your pet for one.

Working alone all day can be quite lonesome. To tackle that, you can also go out for a lunch break with your friends during the day. Since you’re working at your own pace and time at home, you can take out a part of your day to socialise. 

3.  Adjust your lighting

What most people overlook while setting up a work space is the impact of good lighting. Install lights keeping the uplighting technique in mind. Uplighting involves hanging lights from the roof so that they do not obstruct your direct view or reflect from surfaces like your screen.

In addition, you should also avoid placing a lamp near your screen as it will cause distraction through reflection. Ideally your monitor should be brighter than other light sources so it becomes the focal point for you.

4.  Invest in necessary office equipment

When shifting your work home, you will also need to invest in essential equipment like keyboard, mouse and a reliable computer system. Your work will depend on this equipment. Alternating this equipment with a laptop may hinder your performance as your reflexes have been built over a long period.

Provide yourself an experience closest  to what you’re used to so you feel as  comfortable as possible. If you have to frequently attend online conference calls, make sure to have a headset to aid you. Having to hold out a phone can be tiring and may cause an uneasy posture. 

5.  Personalize your workspace

Adding your touch to the workplace can make you feel calm and composed. Curate your corner with collectibles or objects that hold a deeper meaning for you. It may be a picture of your family, pet or a plant that you like.

Add your favorite colors around through paintings, rugs, curtains or a wall hanging. Create a mood board with photographs, quotations and inspirational ideas that will keep you motivated. Keep adding to your mood board every now and then and remind yourself of your goals and ambitions. It is eventually important to keep remembering why you’re doing what you’re doing. This will rekindle your greater purpose in life.

In today’s day and age, it is not possible to not be flexible or adaptive if you want to survive working. It may seem like a big shift initially, however once you adjust well, you will realize how comfortable and productive work from home can be. You cut down on your travel cost and time and instead focus on utilizing your time effectively. If you’re someone who is still struggling to adjust to the new work routine, we hope our ideas helped you out!