Inexpensive Ways To Improve Your Home Office

For most people, working from home is their fantasy come to life. However, it comes with its own challenges. Mentally transitioning from “personal mode” to “professional mode” can be difficult if you are physically on the same place and just steps away from your bed. How can someone be inspired to produce outputs on such cozy conditions?

While it is easy to wear sweatpants in the home office, you need to establish new routines to improve your productivity. Take time to thoughtfully choose the right setup. Improving your home office is a worthy investment of your time and money.

#1: INVEST ON A BACK PILLOW

If you do not have the budget to purchase an ergonomic chair, revamp a standard chair by adding a back pillow. You can buy an affordable curved foam cushion for your chair or roll up a towel to act as your back support. This will give you the comfort you need for countless hours of working.

#2: RAISE YOUR DEVICE

Notice how you are working. Usually, your monitor or laptop screen is too low. This is why many people hunch over or crack their necks in the working process. There are two simple solutions. Firstly, you may purchase a laptop stand or riser. The stand allows a few inches of height and tilt. Secondly, you can add a few books under the base of your monitor. Raise it to a comfortable height. You will know what is best!

#3: ORGANIZE YOUR CORDS

There is nothing more annoying than tangled cords. If you are working from home, you are more likely to rely on several devices to keep your efficiency up. Manage the excessive cords by using zip-ties or double-sided Velcro. You can add labels too.

#4: KEEP A CLOTH BESIDE YOU

Do not let pet hair or dust distract you. Keep an inexpensive microfiber cloth on your desk to wipe your screen or your table. You can use two cloth towels – one for wet substances and one for dry substances. Replace these towels every day. Alternatively, you may use a pack of disinfectant wipes to clean your surfaces.

#5: BOOST YOUR LIGHT

Lighting is the key. Having a good light can have a significant impact on one’s concentration and productivity. In fact, a study showed 16% increase in efficiency by using good office lighting. Boost your productivity by repurposing a vintage or antique table lamp.

#6: ADD SOME PLANTS

Image credits: pixabay.com

You must never underestimate the power of nature. Adding a few plants on your home office will not only make it aesthetically pleasing, but also make it a suitable place to work. Plants have positive effects on one’s body and mind. Improve your mood by adding indoor plants to your space. The snake plant is my personal favorite!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

Read More...

Positive And Negative Sides Of Working From Home

Gone are the days when employees are boxed out of their cubicles! Modern technology and contemporary changes paved way for more freedom at work. Nowadays, we can choose to work from our own sweet home.

CONS

1. Working from home is not for everyone. It takes a strong sense of self-discipline to conquer the tasks at hand. Discipline is important to start work and to focus during work. Be honest with yourself! Are you capable of practicing your self-discipline?

2. Working from home entails no outside pressure. If you are motivated by your boss who oversees you all the time then, this may not be for you. Some people find it hard to stay on task without the pressure from another co-worker or a supervisor.

3. Working from home diminishes social interaction. It is no secret that freelancers are vulnerable to being lonely due to their remote location. Loneliness can be dangerous to your mental and physical health. Rethink whether you will thrive in an isolated environment.

4. Working from home puts a gray area between your work and personal life. It is hard to tell whether you are overworked or not due to your environment. There can be an imbalance in your work and personal life, which is unhealthy for you.

5. Working from home lessens vicarious learning. Due to the minimal interactions with other people, learning from a team of like-minded individuals is minimized. There will be no idea sharing or brainstorming face-to-face. There will be no work lunches too.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

PROS

1. There is no commute when you work from home! Employees will be able to save time and money. These factors often lead to boosting overall morale.

2. There is more productivity, if you are working in a comfortable environment. Some employees are willing to work harder in order to continue having the freedom of working from home.

3. There will be few sick day leaves. This time, employees will be less exposed to the infection brought by the commute or the workplace. People will be able to get work done from home.

4. There is less overhead costs when you switch to working from home. A small business will be able to thrive when they eliminate the costs of rent, office supplies, office snacks, and so on.

5. There will be less chances of experiencing burnout. When employees are working on their own terms, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed by their work experience and the tasks at hand.

When taking the leap of faith, you have to weigh both the potential positive and negative sides of your decision. Good luck!

Source: APOLLO

Read More...