TIPS FOR CREATING THE IDEAL HOME OFFICE

The Covid-19 outbreak put new demands on "Home Sweet Home" as employees were being asked to work from home.  If you are one who is working from home and still are struggling to set up a great work space, take heart.  Countless numbers of workers have created office space where there once was none.  Everything from converting a spare bedroom to planting a desk and chair in the family greenhouse.  You are not alone in your quest for the ideal home office.  Below are some tips that can help you transform any space into your "Office Sweet Office".

1. Choose the right equipment

• Invest in a comfortable chair as you may be spending a good portion of your day in it.
• Buy a second monitor to make tasks easier and multi-tasking more productive.
• Keyboards and mice are crucial in improving productivity and making tasks more comfortable.
• Have you considered a standing desk?  Research shows that sitting for extended periods of time is bad for your health.  Although a standing desk offers no magical cure for health issues, you may find that it improves your productivity and enables you to better focus on the task at hand.
• Follow ergonomic rules and minimize sitting for long hours.  Good body mechanics goes a long way to enhance productivity.
• Spruce up your office space with a few green plants to reduce stress.  Pick plants that are easy to maintain and help improve air quality - Ficus and Boston ferns are known for their air filtering qualities.

2. Setting up your home office space

• Select a space according to your needs.  Will you be having clients come over to your office?  Do you need keep pets and kids away from your workspace?
• Get natural light, pure natural light, it makes you feel better. 
• Allow space for brainstorming - a couch or a  whiteboard - during the day.
• Good decor - family pictures - goes a long way to create a welcoming workspace.
• Clean regularly.  Goes without saying during covid -19.  Avoid clutter that creates distractions and wasted time.

These are a few tips to help you along the way as you create the home office space you always wanted.  

Do you have any tips or tricks to offer for maximizing productivity at your home office?  Share them with us below.