7 Tips To Increase Home Office Productivity

If working from home is a new thing for you, it probably occurred as you decided to work for yourself via the Internet or your employer made the pandemic-related push towards telecommuting. Either way, you’ll want to make the most of your home office so you can be as productive as possible.

The following tips will help you achieve that goal:

1. Be selective.

Your home office should be chosen strategically. This is especially true if you live in an apartment with shared walls or on a street where there is a lot of noise.

If you know certain areas of your home are louder than others, do not consider them for your office space. Each dwelling usually has that one spot that’s more peaceful and less distracting than others. Choose that as your office, and go from there.

2. Declutter everything.

With that perfect spot picked out, start decluttering your home office space, and, if you can, do the same for your entire house.

Clutter can be quite distracting and can make you lose your focus, which is an absolute must to have when working from home.

3. Invest in necessities.

A comfortable office chair is worth its weight in gold, especially if you’re going to be seated most of the time while you’re working. When choosing one, you may be better off doing so in person instead of ordering online so you can get an authentic feel of its comfort.

A sufficient-sized desk is another necessity, as are any drawers for organization so you can avoid clutter and visual “noise.”

4. Don’t forget the peaceful touches.

A beautiful view can help you relax and be more productive, but so can certain products you can buy at the store or online.

For example, if you need quiet to focus, noise-canceling headphones or a white noise machine can help you achieve that tranquility, even if you live in a noisy area.

You can also add things like mini fountains or soft lighting to help you concentrate and perform at your peak.

5. Get your blood flowing.

You don’t have to be a workout warrior, but having some exercise equipment nearby can get the blood flowing through your body and brain to boost productivity.

Free weights, a mini treadmill, elastic bands, and the like can all come in handy during your frequent breaks.

6. Keep human distractions at bay.

This can be tough to do if your kids, partner, or roommate at home, but you’ll have to set strict boundaries in your schedule for social interaction. If you don’t, you’ll get distracted and lose focus quickly, which makes it impossible to work properly.

Let your friends, loved ones, and neighbors know the best times to contact you. Otherwise, limit any interactions during work hours to emergencies only.

7. Act as if.

Act as if you’re going to the office every day.

You wouldn’t start the workday without showering or getting dressed, would you? Of course not, which is why you should pretend you’re heading out every day so you can put yourself in that focused and professional mindset.

If you don’t think this will make much of a difference, try it one day versus working on the couch in your pajamas. You should notice an improvement.