7 Tips for Organizing Your Remote Working Space at Home
By: Susan Craig
With so many people now working remotely, almost everybody faces the problem of organizing their workspace. The main reason for an uncomfortable working space is the inability to figure out what you need and don’t need. It is easy to lose your concentration in an unorganized space and to do your work slowly or worse. One advantage of remote work is the ability to independently create your unique interior, and here are seven simple tips to make your workplace more comfortable and efficient:
1. Separate your workplace
If you are going to work at home, you need to have a separate office. If there is no way to equip a whole room, you need to separate your working space. If you are interested, you can check some designers’ projects, where they use zoning to make one room look like a coherent whole and separated at the same time. So, it is psychologically easier to switch yourself from work to leisure.
2. Keep the contrast
Do not sleep where you work. It is all about your biology and habits. If you sleep, work, and relax in the same room, you can’t be fully relaxed (when you have a rest) or concentrated (when you work). The border between work and personal life disappears. Many people work at home with a laptop, and it’s important to allocate space for a table or desk wherever you plan to work. If the apartment has an insulated balcony, that can also be used as a working area.
3. Get dressed up
Maybe it sounds weird, but you have to work dressed up a bit. The image of remote workers staying in their pajamas while they work is cliche and not a reality. Of course, you do not need to wear a suit and tie. It can be simple shorts and a T-shirt, but they should be clean and neat for video calls. Some remote workers have a small chest of drawers or a closet in their room where they can put on a change of clothes based on the type of video call.
4. Create conditions for breaks
Set a clear work schedule. Colleagues should get used to the fact that you are in your workplace from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or whatever your working hours are.) Ideally, they should not bother you before and after this time. Your family should know that you are at work until five in the evening. It is useful to recharge your internal batteries sometimes during the day. Hang thick curtains on the windows and buy a comfortable chair. Try ten minutes in a relaxed position, with closed eyes, in silence and twilight to return your inspiration.
5. Get rid of the trash
Set yourself up for success by working under comfortable conditions. Clear your desk of unnecessary things, such as empty boxes, unnecessary items, and trash. Be sure all you need is at hand and you have enough free space on your working table or desk. To solve many functional problems use a monitor, a keyboard, magneto-chalks, decorative boards, and whatever office supplies make you happy. Make sure you have your calendar and weekly goals readily accessible. In order to do your best work and concentrate on the task at hand, everything should be prepared and organized correctly.
6. Walk
Allow at least 15 minutes a day to walk. You can go to the market and do some shopping, or jog through your local park - it doesn't matter. Just walk! If you have iron willpower, you can put a sports trainer in your room. Allow yourself two to three breaks during the day to exercise on it. If space is limited, try to get up and move around at least 1-2 times every hour.
7. Do not ignore your holidays
If you have an opportunity to get away from your desk on weekends, do it. Don’t waste your weekends, as it’s important to get a little bit of relaxation and downtime.
Bonus: Create beauty
To make your space even more serene while you’re working, surround yourself with beautiful things, your favorite colors and knick knacks. Take into account your interests and personal qualities. Ask yourself what sparks creativity, helps you feel productive, or motivates you at work? Consider all this, and then you can create an ideal atmosphere and workspace.
Susan Craig is an HR manager, personal trainee in management, freelance writer and active guest contributor. Susan believes you shouldn't waste your precious time because HR software has already created the system for you!
