Stepping out of the corporate office and into a successful work-from-home scenario seems to have plenty of advantages like reduced commute times and being available for family needs as they arise.
Corporate offices can have plenty of distractions like conversations in the break rooms, last-minute meetings, and reports needing to be turned in. But home offices have their own distractions.
Photo: HON Ignition Chair
Dogs barking at delivery people can disrupt a train of thought. A comfy sofa is a great place to sit, but you might end up reading or watching TV for longer than you planned.
Since no one’s looking over your shoulder, you might spend more time on social media than you had wanted. Running to the store to get what you need for lunch is an interruption, usually taking longer than expected. Traffic, chatty cashiers, and long wait lines can cause delays.
So, what does it take to work from home?
Discipline and the right equipment in a focused space.
Use these tips to develop your successful work-from-home strategy.
Choose Your Work-From Home Space
You might not have many choices depending on the size of your home or apartment. You may only have a corner or a small room. Either way, try to make it near a window for natural light and then make it as pleasant and focused as you can. Keep it clutter-free. Â These are essential for a successful work-from-home office space.
If your area for your laptop and phone is crowded then set up a storage area in another room or the garage for keeping files and other materials.
Photo: OFS Beck Credenza Storage
Define Your Space
If you’re in a pathway where others will walk by then make sure you set boundaries around your desk so there’s a physical separation between household busyness and your work. Use broad leafy plants in containers and set them on chairs or bookcases so you’re not in the direct line of sight of kids or roommates.
Photo: Darran Cameleon Shelf Storage
The DARRAN Chameleon Storage unit is a good option. It’s lightweight with a minimalist design so it enhances an area but doesn’t overwhelm compact spaces.
Another way to create a boundary between personal and professional pursuits is installing acoustic sound panels or divider panels to deaden sound waves.
Photo: Snowsound PLI Acoustic Panels & Space Dividers
Translucent dividers allow light to flow through space while providing privacy, and are thus conducive to a successful work-from-home strategy.
Photo: Loftwall Hitch Privacy Panels & Space Dividers
The Loftwall Hitch Space Divider fits neatly in an L-shape with a larger panel resting on the floor, and a smaller panel fitting on the desktop surface to the wall. The Loftwall Split Space Divider blends into the surroundings and is a panel divider on casters or wheels that’s portable.
Photo: Loftwall Split Privacy Panels & Space Dividers
Equip Your Space
What do you need in order to do your best and present yourself as a highly regarded professional?
Choose the right kind of desk whether it’s a height-adjustable desk or an L-shaped surface like the ODS Artiv Desk that allows you to spread out. Accessories are important. Remember to think ergonomics so you have a supportive and successful work-from-home working environment:
- Proper lighting reduces eye strain and the chance of headaches
- Use keyboard trays to support the wrists
- Ergonomic chairs promote good posture and reduce strain on the lower back and knees
Photo: Snowsound Flap Grande Acoustic Panels
Don’t get lost in the clutter.
Choose storage containers and filing cabinets since orderly surroundings contribute to clear thinking.
You’re the Key to a Successful Work-From Home Lifestyle
But there’s something else you must have for a successful work-from-home environment and that’s personal discipline.
If you don’t have to commute to the office, then start your morning with a brisk walk or another form of exercise to clear your mind and get your focus.
Do advance planning and take a few moments on a Sunday afternoon or evening to plan the most important tasks you need to complete for the week.
Each day, tackle the things you don’t want to do first and get those items out of the way.
Do your most focused work in one large block of time and try to hold phone calls or meetings in the afternoons.
Be realistic about your daily and weekly goals.
Communicate, communicate, and communicate to let others know if you’re falling behind on deadlines or if you’re on track. According to research in the Harvard Business Review, The Realities of Remote Work (Oct 29, 2021), managers often question if employees are productive at home.
You might be out of sight of a corporate office, but you don’t want others wondering if you’re thinking about them. You may be out of sight. But let your managers know that they’re not out of your mind.
Check emails at set times of the day like 9am, noon, and 3pm. Don’t try and email back and forth on complex subjects. Instead, make a phone call or arrange a time on Zoom to discuss details.
Finally, eat properly and get the rest you need. You don’t have the stress of a morning or evening commute but rolling out of bed feeling groggy and trying to work is its own stress.
Lay the foundation for your success with a well-equipped and well-planned space, just like you would have at a corporate office.
Trust Experience
The team at 2010 Office Furniture can help you plan successful work-from-home or corporate offices for employees who work remotely full-time or on a hybrid schedule.
Contact 2010 Office and let them know about your project needs.
2010 Office Furniture staff members have over a half-century of combined experience in planning and furnishing offices for Southern California’s most distinguished corporations, nonprofits, and small businesses.
Read Also:Â Using Resimercial Office Design as an Employee Retention Strategy
Main Photo: SitOnIt Seating Reya Desk
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Darran, HON, Loftwall OFS & Snowsound