Even with the pandemic coming to an end, many employees are still opting to work from home. Working from home offers the convenience and flexibility that an in-office position lacks. But, preparing a home office that promotes productivity and focus is not so easy. Oftentimes, working from home comes with distractions that a standard office space does not. Cultivating a space that allows for high efficiency is essential to maintain your productivity whilst at home. And if your work requires a certain level of digression, having a private space away from family and friends is necessary.
Privacy Enhancers
One perk of the office, especially one with cubicles, is privacy. In some lines of work, the files and content that exist on the computer are meant to be kept private. It can be difficult finding this privacy balance at home with a family and children. However, there are several options on the market for making sure your space is kept relatively private. Aside from monitoring your online privacy, by limiting your cookie settings, you can privatize your screen by opting for a screen protector that tints the display a shade darker. This way, you can see your screen but other people passing by cannot. Another option is looking into a room divider or privacy shade. These are miniature, movable opaque walls that shade your area for some seclusion.
Revamp Your Files
Having an organized and convenient filing system is necessary. It is important to keep track of all your important documents. There are several methods for organizing your filing system. Ultimately, each person will find a different way that works best for them. However, ideally, you would have some main categories accounted for. Creating a folder for meetings will help you be prepared much quicker for those Zoom calls. Putting items that are ready to be discussed in a separate area will prevent you from losing an important document prior to a meeting. Along the same vein, putting together a “high priority” documents folder is another necessity. While these documents may not be as immediate as the meeting folder, they are still documents that should be kept at an arm's reach. Additionally, having a “follow-up” folder is important for not losing track of documents that may be awaiting a response. Periodically check in on that folder and see if any papers have been followed up on and moved to a separate place. While some people do still use an actual physical filing cabinet, many work entirely virtually. This filing system can still be implemented online whether it’s email folders, desktop folders, or even Google drive folders.
Purge Your Desk
If you’ve ever worked in a cluttered space, you may have realized that your productivity struggled. While there are some who thrive in the chaos, many do not. In fact, research shows that there is a direct correlation between clutter and a decline in productivity. Being at home can enhance clutter in the workspace. Whether it's dishes from various meals, kids’ toys, or other miscellaneous items, your desk may be becoming less conducive to productivity. Purge your main workspace of clutter is a one-way ticket to enhance productivity. Try keeping, at a maximum, 5 items on your desk. Whether that’s a laptop or desktop computer, your coffee mug, a note pad, a picture frame, or a plant, make sure only the necessities are present. As for the rest of the home office, consider a shelving system with concealed spaces. This way you can toss all the clutter into those bins or drawers and it is out of sight. While this doesn’t eliminate the clutter completely, it at least keeps it out of your way while you’re trying to work.
Bottom Line
Working from home has a lot of perks. A more flexible schedule allows for you to maximize your day in the way that works best for you. However, working from home also comes with a set of distractions that don’t normally exist in the traditional office setting. Organizing your space at home can help maximize your efficiency and productivity. And the more efficient and productive you are, the more you can do with the rest of your time. While these are just a few tips, there are plenty of ways to make your space match your needs. Ultimately, your choice in organization will be personal to you and how you work.
