Working from home is the dream of thousands of Americans. It can also become a logistical nightmare for the underprepared. Working from home means the onus is on you to know how to optimize the use of time and resources. All that takes is a solid plan and some dedication. Here are six tips for maximizing productivity at your home office.
- Have the Right Tools
Once you have the infrastructure like printer paper and a good computer, it’s time to consider productivity-boosters. A boon of working from home is that many tasks are done online. A wide range of digital tools is available that let you leverage the power of automation. Digital organizers are very common. Customer relationship management (CRM) software can help manage digital marketing. Project management tools can replace physical meeting spaces for teams in the field. For example, typing “What is customer data platform software?” into a search engine produces multiple options for automated tools. Take your time and explore the possibilities.
- Streamline Your Office
Becoming more productive at home starts with your office space. Your desk is the center of your home office. Keep your desk space simple, clean, and uncluttered. Use a combination of ample shelving and bins of various sizes to keep small items out of the way. Another powerful way to cut down on clutter is to go as paperless as possible. Incorporating ergonomic design is also a good optimization strategy. Ergonomics is the science of building a workstation around how the body moves. Applying these concepts can reduce physical strain, allowing you to work more smoothly and comfortably.
- Optimize the Ambience
The ambient environment of your home office is just as important as any other infrastructure. The impact of color on mood and productivity is well-studied. Although the stereotype of an “office space” conjures images of white and beige, a University of British Columbia study suggests that blue might be the better color option for creative work. Getting back to nature can also help. There’s evidence that incorporating natural light into the environment can increase productivity. Science has even demonstrated that plants in an office can increase output and help purify the air. Bottom line: A harmonious workspace is a productive one.
- Resist Multitasking
Most entrepreneurs believe they can do everything themselves, but it’s just not so. It’s essentially the same as switching from one task to another. Psychological research has revealed that most people work far more effectively when concentrating on one task at a time. If you manage a team, don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to someone else if they can perform them almost as well as you. Also, consider time-management expert David Allen’s “two-minute rule.” If a given task can be done in two minutes, do it immediately. Excessive planning can cost more time than it saves.
- Create an Efficient Workflow
Once you’re ready to focus, it’s vital to know how to prioritize work. Research shows that people who work from home are around 13% more productive than those working in an office. Even more encouraging were the reasons. Much of that increase came from a lack of commuting time and from being able to cram more work into fewer hours. This gain, in turn, was predominantly the result of fewer distractions. Utilize work time for work alone. Rank tasks according to priority. Consider silencing digital notifications and giving phone and email responses their own block of time.
- Prioritize Your Wellbeing
Many companies are only now learning the benefits of prioritizing health in the workplace. Having a balanced diet and regular exercise reduce sick days and fatigue. Certain foods and nutrients have even been demonstrated to aid productivity by improving reaction time and concentration. Adding fruits and vegetables is particularly effective. Consider doing mindfulness exercises like meditation to stay grounded and reduce anxiety. Clearly, home-based workers are uniquely positioned to make wellness the centerpiece of their productivity strategies.
A home-based business takes just as much focus and determination as any career. Use these simple tips as a starting point toward building a more efficient workplace.
