Creating a blissful workplace in your home might seem counterintuitive but actually it can really help your productivity. What with the rising cost of office spaces and coffee shops often being too noisy and distracting, building a home office can be a great way of motivating yourself. Shane Clifford, co-founder and CEO of new bill management app WonderBill, is on hand with some top tips on how to build your work nirvana.
Be prepared
Seeing as you’ll be at home more and using your devices, expect some of your bills to rise. You’ll be using more energy, broadband and mobile data so get your magnifying glass out and start looking around for some more accommodating contracts, as you don’t want to be caught up with extra charges at the end of the month.
Create a dedicated workspace
Because you’re at home you might be tempted to stay in your comfy pyjama bottoms or take some semi-regular social media breaks at your desk, but self-control is key. Establishing a solid routine of treating your home office just as you would any other professional workspace is really important. Set regular work hours and use your office as just that: your office. No Facebook updates or instagram scrolling while you’re on company time.
Getting the right equipment
You can’t expect to be successful if you’re slouched in an uncomfortable chair at a ratty old desk. Invest in your space by getting yourself ergonomic desk furniture and professional quality hardware. It’s worth the money to be comfortable because your productivity will get a massive boost. A good quality chair, desk, filing system, keyboard, monitor and mouse are the best places to start.
“Because you’re at home you might be tempted to stay in your comfy pyjama bottoms or take some semi-regular social media breaks at your desk, but self-control is key.”
Go green
Get some plants for your office. Not only will they improve the air quality, they’ll help you keep your stress levels down. A pop of colour and some fresh air will make all the difference when you’re feeling the pressure. You can grow useful plants like aloe vera, which are hardy and visually striking or easy-going ones like spider plants. They’ll be there to cheer you on as you work away.
Let there be light
Lighting can make all the difference when it comes to boosting creativity. No one does their best work under flickering fluorescent glare, so get yourself some nice quality eco-friendly light bulbs as well as a desk lamp that’s not too harsh. Using a program like f.lux to control the blue light your screen emits can also save your eyes at the end of a long day.
Now that you’ve got the foundations for building a successful workspace, it’s time to start building your empire. Rome wasn’t built in a day but getting yourself a nice spider plant might be the action that sparks a great idea. Working from home is a great way to motivate yourself if you’re comfortable and in control of your space, so take it seriously as the great opportunity it is and make the most of it.
