Have You Set Up Your Home Workspace?

How to set up a home workspace? Why dedicating a workspace is a must-have for your home office.

At times, the current situation in the world may be confusing, unsettling and scary. We’re all experiencing the unknown, and many people will be required to work differently as we navigate each day. Some large and national organisations have mandated that employees work from home for at least a couple of weeks. Many other small and medium businesses are following suit.

I work from my home office most of the time and have created an environment where I can focus and be productive. If you’re in a position where you need to work from home, there are several factors that you should consider. Some of these include:

• Where to work- do you have a room you can turn into an office?
• Is there an area in your house/apartment you can set up and work undisturbed?
• How will you structure your day?
• With school holidays approaching (in Aus), school closures and isolation a possibility, what activities can the kids do while you work?

Some days both my husband and I work from home, and at times I setup up at the dining table when he has to make a lot of calls in the office, as I like to work in quiet spaces, or he’ll work from the dining room when I run virtual training sessions and webinars.

Working at home? Set up your home workspace!

On an average day, I start the work day by using my Brendon Burchard planner to structure my working hours. I set tasks and goals, read emails and info, reply to inquiries and calls, post content on social platforms, prep and deliver training when it is scheduled, take an hour break to have lunch and go outside. The afternoon may involve more training and or designing training programs for clients.

During school holidays, I set up a little space for my 6-year-old daughter in the office where she can colour, practice writing, or do activities on her tablet. She likes to be close at the beginning of the day, and as the day progresses, she moves further away, doing her own thing. Through trial and error, I’ve learnt during this time, I need to take frequent and short breaks to do something with her. It could be playing a little game, drawing, sitting and watching something with her, or chatting. Older kids will have less of a need to be close but need it in other ways.

It is possible to work productively from home. In my experience, planning how you will work, what you will do, and how you can work with family or housemates in the same space is important before you start. Talk to your manager/leader about what support, resources and tools you need to get started.

Some essentials include:

• laptop and charger
• keyboard and mouse
• headset
• stationery
• platforms to stay connected

Sit or stand at a table that is the right height, and use a comfortable chair. Avoid sitting on a couch and using cushions as a table. This will become uncomfortable very quickly. Take screen breaks, have lunch, move around and stretch. It can be easy to get in a zone, ignore tummy rumbles and stiff joints, and suddenly, it’s 3 pm, and you’re HUNGRY. It’s not a great state to be in on any given day. Eat well, rest, move your body, stay connected to your team and enjoy your work.

Summing Up

Set yourself up for success and consider your new work arrangement and what you need to get the job done.

Reena

Have you set up your home workspace? It is important to have a place where you can work and be productive. A place that is free from distractions so you can focus on your work. Having a workspace that is well-organised and functional can increase your productivity.

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