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One of the top reasons for completing your daily tasks in co-working spaces around Manila is that these workspaces have been proven to boost productivity. In fact, you may have noticed that you seemed to get more work done when working in places like The Study.
Unfortunately, recent events have made it difficult for some people to use co-working spaces. Many people around Metro Manila have had to work from home, with a good number of them claiming their productivity has gone down the last few weeks. It’s not hard to see why since there are a number of distractions at home: television, gaming systems, etc.
As you may already know, your environment heavily influences your productivity. Creating a dedicated workspace at home can help improve your focus and get more things done. With that in mind, here is a six-step guide to help you set up a home office that’ll help you be as productive as when you were working in a co-working space.
Maintain a clear boundary between rest and work spaces
There should always be a designated space in your home that is dedicated for your office. Whether that be a table or an entire room, your work should never be mixed with spaces meant for rest and relaxation. This makes it easier for you to shift to and maintain a working mindset. It also makes it easier for you to exit that mindset and relax after your workday. A small corner that gets plenty of natural light, similar to what you would find in a private office for rent, is a great option.
Clear your desk
To start working effectively, declutter your desk from any possible distractions that may affect your productivity. Give yourself some clear desk space and only keep essential items, like pens and sticky notes, nearby. You may also want to place a desk plant, like a succulent, on your work space to give your eyes a break from staring at the screen all day.
Stay updated with your technology
We live in a time when having a fast and reliable internet connection is considered essential. Working in most companies involves having online meetings, attending video conferences, accessing cloud storage applications, and being able to respond to tasks in real time. Make sure that technology is your ally by ensuring your computer, printer, and work essentials are in good working order. Regularly back-up important files in a separate hard drive or in a cloud software.
Create an efficient storage system
Although we live in a predominantly digital era, there are still some work documents that need to be kept in hard copies. One of the most frustrating things is having difficulty locating where your files are kept. Physical clutter has a way of making your thoughts cluttered as well. To ensure productivity, sort your paperwork in an easy-to-remember manner and keep them near you. If your work is literally piling up, then you may want to consider investing in additional storage or shelving.
Get better lighting
While we have the physical space in order, don’t forget to care for your eyes too. The trick is to invest in energy-efficient lighting that works best for you. Make sure that the lighting is neither too bright nor too dim. Studies have shown that people who are exposed to dim lighting can feel lethargic. Working under poor lighting also strains the eyes, which can hamper your work.
Check the ergonomics of your work space
Since working from home entails long hours seated on a chair, it is wise to invest in items that are ergonomically-designed to promote your health and wellbeing. Many working adults complain about lower back pain from being seated down too long. You may want to consider investing in a back cushion, foot rests, soft keyboard pads, arm support, and others to keep your body feeling comfortable throughout the day.
Having a productive home office is a great idea to successfully merge both work and play. However, you may also want to consider a modern co-working space in Ortigas, such as The Study by Enderun Colleges, if you are the type of person who likes working in an office environment but don’t want to deal with the hustle and bustle of working in Metro Manila.