Anyone who's always wanted to change their working life will sooner or later encounter the alternative of working from home. While this offers a significant increase in convenience and independence, it also presents a host of challenges. The biggest problem with working from home is often the risk of distraction. These 10 tips will help you work productively from home!
Tips for choosing the right work environment
The first step towards the best possible productivity is choosing the right working environment. At first glance, there might seem to be many suitable places for a desk, but that's not the case. Quite the opposite – finding the ideal workspace requires a lot of planning and consideration. Question No. 1 to ask yourself: Is my office separated from the rest of the apartment?
The answer to this is crucial when it comes to typical home office problems. Because if the workspace is not a separate area, There is a risk of various distractions that can lead to concentration being lost. Even if the coffee table seems quite homely, the risk of secondary activities is particularly high here. If the cat comes around the corner to be petted, the kids just want to quickly find out a thing or two, and the clothes rack tempts you with the prospect of a quick break, then this is the wrong place to work.
The following tips will help you Choosing the ideal workplace in your own four walls:
Tip #1A separate room with a closed door not only dampens unwanted noise levels but also signals a clear separation from private life. This makes it clear to everyone present: it's time to work!
Tip #2: as few non-office items as possible. Too much decoration creates a sense of leisure and invites distractions. While coziness isn't inherently wrong, it conveys the wrong feeling. Avoid choosing an overly cluttered room where personal furniture is difficult to move.
Tip #3: You should also consider how you can use your office for a break. Instead of hanging out in the kitchen or somewhere else, you can use the office space for this purpose. Another idea is to set up a kind of brainstorming corner—this allows you to change perspectives without any annoying distractions.
Tips for equipping your home office
Once a room has been determined, it is time to suitable spatial and technical equipmentThe office may still need some optimization. These tips will help:
Tip #4: Does the work environment meet the necessary requirements for good lighting? Plenty of daylight allows for efficient work, but artificial light also works well, provided it provides indirect illumination. Spotlights tend to be disadvantageous because they cast shadows. You should also never have direct light shining on your screen or sit in backlight.
Tip #5A good chair is good for your back! Since other offices also have ergonomically adjustable chairs, you shouldn't miss out on this standard at home either. To prevent back pain, a good chair is essential. There are even standing desks available today that don't require a chair. This is another alternative.
Tip #6: Of course, technical equipment is also essential. Fast internet is the first step towards achieving this goal. But a sufficiently large screen, a comfortable keyboard, and a high-quality mouse with a soft pad are also essential. If you'll be communicating extensively with external parties, a headset is essential.
Tips for a productive work attitude
Now that you've sorted out the space and furnishings, it's time to consider your personal attitude! Here are a few good tips for finding the right mindset:
Tip #7Office attire. The old adage applies here again: Workwear looks also build morale! Pajamas may be comfortable, but they're definitely not meant for work. It's best to dress as if you were actually going to work.
Tip #8: Use your breaks to relax. If you master this aspect, you've already fulfilled most of the home office criteria. Recognizing the difference between good and bad breaks contributes enormously to productivity. By the way, surfing the internet doesn't count here! Eating lunch next to a screen isn't restorative either. On the other hand, getting up, stretching, or taking a tea break (without a cell phone) are good options.
Tip #9: Manage your time consistently. This is often one of the most difficult tasks. Getting up early, even though you can actually set your own time, is actually quite difficult to manage. Not every homeworker has the same time of day! Everyone has their own personal peak times, which they can skillfully utilize.
Tip #10: Plan your daily routine. It doesn't matter when you're most productive. The main thing is to recognize these times and schedule them into a fixed daily routine – that's where effectiveness comes from! This also applies to the end of the day: when it's over, it's over. Fixed times are the best way to help with this.
Conclusion
Working from home can certainly be a highly productive and attractive alternative to a traditional office. However, this effectiveness can only be achieved when all the key factors come together: the space, the equipment, and your own work ethic must be in perfect harmony. Then nothing stands in the way of your long-desired spatial independence!
About the author Mag. (FH) Stefan Gassner:
Stefan Gassner is the successful head of Real estate agency SAGE Immobilien in Zell am See, Austria. With his experience and market knowledge, he is considered extremely reliable and competent by clients. These factors are partly responsible for the company being named "Best Real Estate Agent in Austria" three times at the European Property Awards.
