Top 5 Tips For Maximum Productivity In Your Home Office

Working from home has many benefits, but it’s also important to be effective and to maintain productivity. Setting yourself up for success means having the right resources and equipment to show your boss, or yourself, that just because you’re not in the office, doesn’t mean you can’t do the job. Get an office background for virtual meetings so no one knows your secrets for maximum productivity or sees your cluttered desk.

Use Good Lighting

Natural light is good for your health. It makes you sleep better at night. You’ll be more productive. If natural lighting is limited, install enough ambient lighting to ensure you can see well whenever you’re working. A lack of lighting can make you feel tired when you work. You want a bright and inviting atmosphere for work. String lights, LED lamps and light therapy lamps are all good choices to enhance the lighting in your workspace. Use these work lamps only when you’re working as a reminder to have a good work-life balance.

Time Blocking

Keeping up with priorities can be tough when no one looks over your shoulder. Use your calendar to help you manage your day. Block out times for meetings and projects to give you the best chance to be productive. When you choose how to break up your day, you can choose the time of day for each task. If you work best in the morning, tackle your biggest projects first. Save the afternoon for tasks that aren’t as challenging, like meetings or answering emails.

Minimizing Distractions

Working from home has a whole new set of challenges. Family and friends think you are home, so you can do things for them. Your kids may want your help when they get home. You’ll have to train people to leave you alone when you’re working. Having a dedicated workspace is one thing. Setting boundaries with them is another. Turning off your devices that are distracting is another thing you can do to be more productive. Use an office background during meetings to limit distractions.

Taking Breaks

It can seem counterintuitive to take regular breaks to be more productive, but it actually works. After 20 minutes of looking at your screen, shift your gaze to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps to prevent eye strain. After one hour in your chair, stand up, stretch your muscles and move around for five minutes. Replenish your drink. Let Fido outside for a potty break. Take 15-minute breaks at regular intervals. Eat your lunch away from your work. You’ll be more creative and productive when you get breaks.

Creating a Home Office

Make a space that invites you in. Keep your home office clean and free of clutter. Get a comfortable chair. Invest in little things that make you happy. Headphones can help minimize distractions. Have a wall clock to watch the time. Pop in some colored pillows. Hang artwork that you like. If you’re worried about not looking professional in meetings, use an office background when you’re videoconferencing. Make your home office a place that you enjoy.