Working from home is not for everyone. If you’ve never done it before, you’re probably still trying to get used to it. But the coronavirus outbreak is forcing a lot of people to give up the drive to the office for the walk instead. And even though the home office will never be quite the same as your traditional one, there are some simple things you can do to make your work from home space feel a little more professional.
It's important to be able to separate your work life and your home life. By creating a dedicated workspace, this can help you do just that. If possible, find a room that has a physical door so you can close yourself off from the rest of the house. Having a room that is strictly for working will help put you in a different mental state and keep you focused on your work. It’s much harder to stay focused and get valuable work done if you are sitting in front of your TV in pajamas.
Creating a space that is well lit will help put you in a better mood, which in turn will increase your productivity. Additionally, having enough light flowing into the room during a video conference call helps brighten your video and make it look more clear.
An easy way to improve your lighting is to have an office space with a window to allow natural light to enter the room. If this isn’t possible, you can use a standing light fixture or desk lamp. Whatever method you use will literally and figuratively brighten up the space.
Having a clean and organized working space can benefit you in multiple ways. On the most basic level, it will make sure your belongings are organized so you always know where to find them. It also makes you look more professional by having a tidy video conferencing background. Finally, having a clean desk can be linked to reducing stress, which can give you better output.
By putting up color around your space, you can help stimulate ongoing inspiration throughout the day. This can be in the form of a plant, personal artwork, framed professional certificates or credentials, books you enjoy, and everything in between. If you are constantly being reminded of things you enjoy in your workspace, it can help keep you motivated and boost creativity just when you need it.
By making your home workspace feel more professional, it will help you get into the right mindset for work. Having a dedicated area with good lighting, that’s organized and shows off a touch of your personality is a perfect place to start and end your day. Now, if you could only get that cool coffee maker from the break room...
