Make Working from Home Work for You
It’s not the dark ages anymore. And the number of companies seeing the light when it comes to the concept of employees working from home is growing by leaps and bounds. From reduced overhead costs on the corporate end to non-existent commutes on the workers’ side, there are numerous benefits to working from home.
However, WFH (or working from home, as we shorten it) can be a double-edged sword. Distractions in your Greystar apartment can stifle focus and hamper productivity, so work emails could easily take a backseat to whatever happens to be on TV — be it a game show, soap opera, music video, reality show or whatever else strikes your interest.
Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. Creating a dedicated home office can actually lead to an increase in the quality of your work, all while cutting out the mire of your morning commute.
Creating Your Home Office Nirvana
Space may be at a premium in your home, but it’s important to intentionally create a designated “work” spot, even if it’s just a converted armoire or an inexpensive shelf. A spare bedroom with a door is the ideal situation, as secluding yourself from distractions will improve your focus dramatically. If an entire room can’t be spared, purchasing noise canceling headphones can create some solitude.
Another important reason to have a designated work zone is that at the end of the day, you can close your laptop and “leave” work. Relaxing on the couch after a hard day at the “office” isn’t nearly as rewarding if you’ve spent all day there anyway.
Keep it professional, though. Invest in a quality filing cabinet to prevent paperwork from overtaking your everyday life. This goes for your computer, as well. Spend some time developing an organizational system that works for your space and lifestyle!
Kick Clutter to the Curb
Speaking of staying organized, putting things in the proper places is the single most effective thing you can do to keep yourself on task and performing at your best, especially in a potentially distracting home environment. De-cluttering your desk (and then keeping it that way!) can reduce stress as well as give you room for your creative juices to flow. Evaluate the items you’ve actually used over the last few months, and if you find things you haven’t touched in weeks, get rid of them.
In that same vein, clean your home office space regularly. Dusting and vacuuming are essential parts of everyday life, but make sure you don’t neglect the room you may spend eight hours a day in.
Productivity Is King
While rolling out of bed and booting up your laptop for a day of working in your PJs might seem like an attractive option, it can really put a damper on your productivity. Sticking to regular, set hours for your workday and shaving/showering/getting dressed each morning can keep you on task and subconsciously set yourself up for success throughout the day.
After you’re ready to get started, make a comprehensive to-do list before jumping into an assignment. This plan will keep you on task and minimize rabbit trails.
It’s also vital to take 15-minute breaks periodically, just like when you’re punching the clock at an actual office. These “stretch recesses” are vital to maintaining creativity and focus without getting burned out. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of modern technology, such as online instant messaging, video chat and email, to stay in touch with your coworkers.
At the end of the day, you’re only going to do your best work in an inspiring environment, and there’s no greater inspiration than what you’ll find in a Greystar apartment community. Contact us today to find out exactly how to move into your next office and let your home be home to your best work as well.
