With over 4.2 million Brits now choosing to work from home, remote working has become a hot topic of discussion in offices up and down the country - and for many workers, the move is a welcome change of pace. Away from notoriously distracting open-plan areas, workers can get away from the hustle and bustle of office life - but working from home presents a very different set of challenges. Whether it’s crying babies, a lack of motivational team meetings or just the temptation to watch TV, going remote can be a difficult transition for those who are used to the routine of office life.
It can be tricky to nail down productivity when you’re taking your work home, and that’s why, in today’s article, we’ll be taking you through our top home office hacks for staying focused when working remotely.
Invest in the essentials
First and foremost, you need to make sure that your home office is kitted out with the essentials. From ample office storage to sufficient desktop stationery, you’ll want to avoid missing out on any items that you’ll be using on a day-to-day basis - or risk having to venture in and out of the office during working hours! Make use of wall space and under your desk as areas you can install extra storage - as by tidying away everything from your laptop cover to your scissors, you can reduce clutter and create a more efficient work environment.
Suitable lighting is also vital to your work, so make sure you have both task lighting for nights and plenty of natural light to keep you awake during the daytime. If possible, try and position your office desk by the window as the natural light can help improve productivity and will help you sleep better at night.
Be strict with your routine
Avoid the temptation to take it easy and stick to a solid routine. You should structure your day in a similar way to if you were in the office: wake up early, start and finish at the same time each day, take your lunch break around the same time and don’t try and fit social activities in during working hours.
It can be tempting to work in your lounge wear, but getting washed and dressed for the working day will give your brain the time it needs to switch mindset from sleep mode to work mode - even if you’re only working in casual attire.
Take a break
You might feel inclined to work feverishly when based at home to try and ‘prove’ you can deliver the same results when working remotely, but taking regular breaks is essential when it comes to productivity. Even within the confines of the office, we don’t work 100% of the time, so don’t feel as though you have to at home.
Lunch breaks are also important, so make sure you step away from the computer and take your full break - whether this means meeting friends for food or simply stepping outside for some fresh air. This way, you’ll be re-energised and ready to go when you return to work afterwards.
Create an office you love to be in
Whether you work a second job after-hours at home or your day job has you out of the office for five days a week, your home office is where you’ll spend a large chunk of your time - so make sure it's somewhere you feel relaxed and enjoy spending in.
Whether you're introducing smart desk tech or colourful floor tiles, attention to design can make all the difference when it comes to staying switched on. From smaller design changes like a classy glass desk or office chairs in your favourite colour, these interior tweaks can help you create a space you’re actually happy to spend time in.
Invest in the right furniture
Creating a legitimate workspace for yourself means investing in the right furniture. Supportive, ergonomic office furniture will safeguard you from developing back problems, which can be a painful distraction and can take up valuable time. Tick off the ergonomic seating boxes - back straight, feet flat, elbows at 90 degrees - and you’ll feel better for it in the long-term.
As more of us embrace the home-working lifestyle, it’s important to recognise that each of us work productively in different environments. From personalised office decor to a stringent daily routine, working from home can be just as productive as working from an office - and with our guide, you can make sure you stay efficient when you’re working remotely.
Top Tip: keeping your conversations productive is also important. Instead of trying to complete projects with multiple emails back and forth, use online meeting software to stay aligned with your team.
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Guest post: Suhail Laher at Tiles Direct