The Proven Keys for a Productive Home Office

Working from home provides the freedom to create the space you need to do the work you need to do. At home, you can control (at least most of) the features of your surroundings, while in an office, you’ve pretty much limited to your allocated space.

Here is a 'shopping list' of those things you will need for your Home Office to ensure that you have a positive and organised work area;

• A comfortable ergonomic chair 
• A chair mat to ensure that your valuable floor coverings are protected
• A desk that gives you the space you need. Sit/stand desks are growing in popularity as Home Ofiice desks
• Desktop essentials to keep your working environment neat and tidy
• Filing or storage cabinet to fit your work area and keep you Home Office papers safe and secure      

And here is a summary of some productivity tips to keep you safe and motivated when working from home; 

1. Think Like a Mouse 

...And find the quietest corner of your house. While some people need some background noise to work, others find any noise at all (a barking dog, a noisy air vent, children playing) incredibly disturbing. Make sure that your workspace doesn’t coincide with anyone’s play space. Or, at the very least, choose a room with a door.

2. Declutter Your Desk 

It’s pretty obvious that 'fighting a paper war' on your Home Office desk will delay your progress, but what exactly should you have on your desk?  While sticky notes can be a helpful tool, extra books, piles of paper, or cups half full of lukewarm coffee will strongly detract from your productivity, not to mention your concentration. You don’t want your desk to be empty—don’t stow away your pen if you’ll be picking it up again today—but giving yourself space to work allows you to have space to think as well. 

3. And the Rest of the House 

It may take a bit more than clearing your desk to focus your mind. In other words, as much as you want to ignore your messy living room, shutting your office door might not be enough to convince you that your mess has disappeared. Spend a couple minutes each night tidying up the rest of your house, so that the next morning you’re ready for business. 

4. Bring in Some Green 

Though you probably shouldn’t set up shop in your garden, you can definitely bring some of the outdoors in. A desk or floor plant is a great way to add a breath of fresh air to your workspace and create some visual variety when your eyes need a break from the screen. If you don’t trust your black thumb to keep that plant going for more than a week, try something resilient, like a small cactus or succulent, or at least arrange your desk so that you can see the outdoors.  

5. Try a Scent 

For some, a pleasant scent can make a big difference. Beyond adding a pleasant smell to your workspace, certain essential oils have proven effects that could help you get your work done. Peppermint, for example, can give you an energy boost, while rosemary can help you concentrate and get tasks done faster and more accurately. And sweet orange can help with anxiety. (Just make sure you look up how to use each kind properly and safely!) 

6. Use a Smaller To-Do List 

Before you begin tackling the day’s tasks, spend 10 minutes creating a detailed checklist. Then, spend another five making an even shorter checklist of tasks you absolutely know will get done in the next couple of hours. This trick not only helps you remember and plan for each chore, but also breaks your day down into small, actionable tasks. Plus, once you check off or cross out your finished work, those visible accomplishments will spur your productivity! 

7. Take Meaningful Breaks 

When it’s time to take a break, most of us default to clicking over to social media for a while. But for a more productive way to recharge your batteries, try reading relevant articles to give you some inspiration, learning about new innovations in your field, or even taking a walk around your block. As long as you’re timing your breaks, you’ll be back to work shortly and your brain will feel a bit more refreshed. Choose an increment of time that works better for your schedule and work habits. Just be careful not to make it so short that it interrupts you when you’re finally in the zone, or so long that it is ineffective. 

With a quiet, beautiful work space and some strategic habits, even the 3 PM work slump won’t know what hit it! To check out a selection of the products you might require for your more productive workspaces and home offices, click on the link below;

https://officeproductsonline.co.nz/  .

Office Products Online is one of New Zealand's oldest and trusted on-line suppliers of office products