5 Steps to Optimizing Success in Your Home Office Space

By Published On: January 7, 2019

Working from home has become increasingly popular as Millennials and Generation Z are entering into the workplace with many people choosing the comfort of a home office space over an office cubicle.

More than ever people are demanding the opportunity to have a work/life balance including working from home and commuting less. As of 2017 over 3.7 million Americans work from home accounting for 2.8% of the workforce. Over 70% of people are also telecommuting globally at least once per week.

While working from home is an amazing opportunity many people do not have the proper home office set up in order to succeed.

As we enter into 2019 decluttering your work space is imperative to your future successes.

1.Allocate Space in Your Home for the Office

Have you allocated a specific area in your home to your “office”?

If not the first step is to create a space solely for working whether it be a desk, dining room table, or a laptop desk for your couch or bed create a space that you feel comfortable working from.

Having a space designated for working will help you stay motivated and less distracted from other areas of the home. Try to create a space similar to an office environment free of distractions such as the TV, laundry, etc..

2. Evaluate Your Needs

What do you need to be successful in the space?

Evaluate your current work space to determine what you personally need to be more successful. Often times purchasing items such as a keyboard, mouse, or office chair will help the space feel more official. If you are working on having healthier work habits investing in a standing desk may also be helpful.

If you are lucky enough to have an employer who allows you to work from home these purchases may be eligible for reimbursement – all you have to do is ask! If you are self employed research tax breaks and write offs for your home office space as they can save you money in the long run.

3. Declutter Your Space

What items can be removed from your workspace?

Do you have piles of papers from 2018 that need to be filed away or shredded? Now is a good time to go through all old paperwork clearing your space for the New Year.

home office

 

Declutter your space and your mind

Go through your office supplies to make sure everything you are holding on to is in working order, restocking the items that you need. Put away any items that no longer serve a purpose clearing your workspace leaving only the essentials.

You’ll find it’s easier to focus on tasks when your space is clean and clear of distractions, plus you’ll actually be able to find what you need when you need it!

4. Change Your Point of View

Have you been working in the same corner of your house for the last year?

Take a look at your current perspective. Are you getting enough natural light in your current set up? Do you need to move your office space to another area of the house to brighten your point of view?

Often times we become stagnant in our routines doing the same things over and over again. If we change our perspective suddenly we will feel a refreshed sense of excitement and feel more motivated to complete menial tasks. Take a look at your current set up and see if there is another area of the house you can move your office to or simply rearranging or redecorating the current space can give you the boost you need to feel refreshed.

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Natural Lighting in your home office

5. Keep Your Work Space Clean

How often do you clean your home workspace?

Often times in a cubicle environment someone else is coming in and cleaning the office space for you. At home there is no janitor to come by to dust and vacuum your space, as a result it’s up to you to stay clean!

According to Discovery Health the average desk contains about 400 times more germs than a toilet seat. Once a week wipe down your keyboard, mouse, computer, desk, and other items with a disinfectant to keep your space clear of germs. Take time to vacuum or sweep the floor removing any dust and debris from your work space.

Cleaning your workspace weekly will keep the space organized, combat germs, and keep your mind clear to work and stay focused on tasks.

Utilizing these 5 Steps will allow you to create a workspace that is organized, clean, and effective in order to be the best worker you can be in 2019.

Do you have any tips for creating a successful home office environment? Comment below.

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