Tips to Set Up a Home Office When You Work Remotely
Remote work has become increasingly prevalent, making the home office a vital space for productivity. Whether you’re a blogger, a business owner, a seasoned remote worker or have recently transitioned to working from home, creating an efficient and comfortable workspace is crucial to ensure productivity. In this blog post I’ll share my tips to help you set up a home office when you work remotely that maximizes productivity and enhances your overall at home work experience.
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Before we dive into my tips, I want to mention the importance of creating an at home workspace and the effects it could have on work-life balance if you are not careful in separating the two.
Creating a defined workspace is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and effectively separating work from home. Without a designated area for work, it becomes challenging to mentally switch off from professional responsibilities, leading to potential burnout and stress. A dedicated workspace not only helps create physical boundaries but also establishes a psychological barrier between work and personal life.
When you step into your home office, you should enter a mindset focused on productivity and work-related tasks. Conversely, leaving this space at the end of the day signals a transition to relaxation and personal time, fostering a sense of balance and well-being.
This separation is essential for preventing work from encroaching into personal time and vice versa, allowing you to recharge and maintain a sustainable work routine.
Alright, now let’s dive on! Here are my tips to set up a home office for maximum productivity!
1. Determine the Right Location and Furniture to Create a Workspace in Your Home
Selecting the ideal spot for your home office is the first step to creating a productive workspace. Ideally, choose a quiet and dedicated area with minimal distractions.
When determining a location try to stick to one spot in your home so you are not moving your home office around on the daily. You want to be able to set it up and leave it. You’ll waste time carting stuff around with you or searching your house for it if you don’t have a designated space. By setting up a designated work space you will also be more inclined to separate “work” from “home”.
If your house is anything like mine, we have high traffic areas and areas that would not be conducive to productive work. Working at my kitchen table is not an option for me because my fridge would be calling me to come for a snack all day long.
If the only room available is in your bedroom, a small desk is the best option. If the space is not available within your room to add a desk, then look into mobile and foldable workstations that can be used while sitting on your bed. I personally can only do this when I am sick.
If it is not the fridge calling me for a snack, it would be my bed calling me for a nap…
All jokes aside, if you are trying to work from your bed(room) due to limited space, or for a quiet and private space, ensure you set yourself up with a folding laptop table or laptop mobile desk cart.
Consider a location in your house that offers natural lighting to reduce eye strain and boost your mood. A well-lit space can significantly impact your focus and overall mood. If you are required to participate in video calls or need to use your work space for creating content ( social media content creators, bloggers, etc. ), adequate lighting can impact your video and images. This ring light is amazing and also comes with a phone holder. I purchased this for myself, but my husband tends to steal it for conference calls when he has to hide in our basement for meetings.
2. Invest in Ergonomic Furniture
Your chair and desk play a crucial role in maintaining your physical health and promoting productivity. Invest in ergonomic furniture that supports good posture and reduces the risk of musculoskeletal issues. An adjustable and comfortable chair, a sit to stand desk, a laptop or monitor riser, and an ergo keyboard and mouse can contribute to a more pleasant and productive work environment.
3. Personalize Your Workspace
Make your home office a pleasant and motivating space by adding personal touches. Decorate with plants, artwork, or items that inspire you. Personalizing your workspace can contribute to a positive and more inspiring work environment.
4. Invest in Quality Technology and Home Office Equipment
Ensure that your home office is equipped with reliable and up-to-date technology. A fast and stable internet connection, a powerful computer, and effective communication tools are essential for a seamless remote work experience. Regularly update your software and invest in tools that streamline your workflow.
If your work requires you to access multiple applications simultaneously, consider setting up dual monitors. This can significantly enhance your productivity by allowing you to view and work on different tasks simultaneously without constantly switching between tabs or windows. There are now also options to attach a portable monitor to a laptop.
Selecting office equipment that suits your unique business needs can also help you with your workflow. As someone who works in Human Resources, I have different needs for home office equipment. For example, I manage confidential documents and often receive printed paper documents. Investing in a document shredder is essential to ensure proper document handling and so I don’t have to wait until my next visit to the office to shred my confidential files. That would be too much paperwork to manage in my small home office.
5. Organize, Declutter, and Clean
A cluttered workspace can lead to a scattered mind. Keep your home office organized with document holders, notebooks, and pen holders and declutter regularly. I used to be a sticky note kinda girl, but I found that they got a little out of hand – and I started losing them. Now, I prefer to keep one notebook for note taking and a separate planner for managing my to do list and daily schedule.
Set a schedule for regular home office maintenance. There is no “office cleaner” coming around every night to empty your garbage and dust your desk top. Create a schedule to ensure you stay ontop of organizing, decluttering and cleaning your home office.
A tidy and organized workspace fosters a clear mindset and allows you to focus on your tasks without unnecessary distractions.
6. Establish Daily Office Hours and Break Periods
Create a daily routine that mimics the structure of a traditional office day. Set regular working hours, including breaks, to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Having a routine helps signal to your brain when it’s time to focus on work and when it’s time to relax, improving overall productivity and mental well-being. By pre-determining your “office hours” your lines between home and work are less likely to become blurred.
Avoid burnout by taking regular breaks. Stand up, stretch, or take a short walk during your designated breaks to refresh your mind and prevent fatigue. Incorporate physical activity into your routine to promote overall well-being and maintain energy levels throughout the day. This will also help muscular skeletal issues that come along with sitting in a desk all day.
Establish and time block your calendar for designated lunch breaks. This tip may seem silly, but like I mentioned above I can get easily distracted by my fridge at home – making me less productive during my work day. When you work remotely, make your lunch and snacks the same way you would if you were leaving to go to the office in this morning…
Like literally pack your lunch. This is a huge time saver and promotes a more structured workday – with less “home” distractions.
Final Thoughts – Tips to Set Up a Home Office When You Work Remotely
Periodically evaluate your home office setup to identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to your productivity, comfort, and overall satisfaction with your workspace. Be open to making adjustments based on your evolving needs and preferences.
By implementing these tips, you can create a home office that not only enhances productivity but also contributes to your overall well-being. A thoughtfully designed workspace tailored to your needs can make a significant difference in your remote work experience. I hope these tips to set up a home office when you work remotely helps you create a motivating, inspiring, and productive workspace.
