Getting lots of work done at a regular commercial office is pretty easy. Everyone’s there to do the same thing: work hard and advance their careers. But pulling off the same feat in a home office is more challenging. That’s because you’re at home and not with workers in person.
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When you work from your home office, there’s always the temptation to be less productive. Fortunately, you can fight back against this malaise by modifying your office. Here’s everything you need to know about turning your home office into a productivity haven:
Make Your Home Office Silent
The first step to a productive home office is to silence it. You don’t want annoying noises, like sirens, coming in from outside, ruining the peace.
The most straightforward way to do this is to install double-glazed windows or service your existing ones. Ensuring the barrier between the window panes is working can be an excellent way to protect yourself.
You can also install insulating foam. This technology has come along leaps and bounds in recent years and can block out pretty much whatever is going on outdoors.
Create Boundaries
The next step is to negotiate boundaries with other people living in your home. If you’re in the office, they’re not allowed to disturb you – that should be the rule. You don’t want children running every five minutes when you’re trying to work on a report or conduct a video call. That’s not ideal.
Add Objects That Motivate You
While you’re doing all this, it also helps to add objects that motivate you to the room. Including items that encourage you to get work done and make you feel cozy is essential. The last thing you want is for a home office to feel stark.
One method is to put a vision board on the wall describing what you want to achieve. These can help keep you focused and motivated and prevent you from stopping to concentrate on other things. You could also add family photos. Again, many people find these motivating.
Clear Up Clutter
You can also make your home office into a productivity haven by clearing up clutter and getting rid of mess. Putting files in office storage cabinets and arranging stationery on racks can be helpful.
Don’t underestimate the amount of space you can save with judicious use of storage furniture. Shelves, bins, and organizers can all come in handy.
Use Color To Your Advantage
A pro tip is to use color psychology to your advantage in home offices. If you can find a tone that promotes calmness, you’re more likely to get into the zone and get more done.
For some people, neutral colors are best. For others, it’s purples and greens. It really depends. You might also have luck bringing nature indoors. Adding pot plants makes the space feel more homely, manageable, and friendly.
So there you have it: how to turn your home office into a place where lots of work gets done. Of course, it should go without saying that you’ll need to remove other distractions from the environment, including things like smartphones and games if you want lasting success.