As the world has transitioned into remote work, many of us are struggling with productivity. When working remotely, it is often difficult to create a balance between work and life. Creating an office at home that boosts productivity could be the key to getting work done remotely, especially if you're doing a remote internship and you're away from the formal office experience.
Here are 5 of our top tips on how to make the best home office:
1. Prioritize comfort in your home study
You will be spending long hours at your home office while working remotely. If you feel yourself shifting uncomfortably in your current desk chair, and you frequently relocate to different areas of your home, a new chair or a new home office setup might drastically improve your productivity at home.
Focus on what is best for your body. If you feel yourself slouching, or sitting for long hours, look into a standing desk. It might not radically change your health, but it could increase focus and productivity if you're working in a comfortable and practical space.
2. Declutter your home workspace
The goal is to optimize your time, and having a clean and organized office at home plays a critical role. Take some time out of your day to clear your desk and surrounding areas. In addition, it might be worth finding new storage spaces for your supplies. Having designated places for your materials, and a spacious area to work, can help you stay focused as you won't be stressed by distracting clutter.
3. Make your space visually pleasing
Your home office should be a space of tranquillity and quiet that you look forward to spending time in. If you cannot find a room or space with great natural lighting, you might like to invest in a quality desk lamp.
Once you have decluttered your workspace, you can bring some aesthetically pleasing decorations back in. Think of your preferences. For example, which colors make you feel more at peace? Does working near house plants put you at ease? Surrounding yourself with visuals that make you happy will bring you one step closer to a great home office.
4. Clear distractions in your office
After you have built your ideal remote workspace, you can focus on the smaller details. Since most of our work is now done virtually, it is difficult to turn off your cellphone as many recommend. We suggest finding alternate ways to use technology without getting sucked into your Instagram feed or the Twitter bubble.
There are numerous desktop and cellphone applications that will help you achieve productivity. Extensions such as Block Site on Google Chrome will allow you restrict sites such as Netflix and YouTube for specific amounts of time in the day.
5. Remember to take breaks
Finally, don’t forget to take breaks. Moving away from your home study while you are relaxing will allow your brain to make the switch from work to play. You will be training yourself to associate focus and productivity with your office, while giving yourself time to breath in other parts of your home. Keeping work to your home study or office will ensure you feel productive when you're there.
Having a home study or home office to retreat to when you're working during your virtual internship or your full-time remote role will make you feel like a more productive and organized person. When you're doing your internship, you can take these helpful tips into your home workspace and feel the benefits of this flexible work experience option!
