home-office Archives

Here Are 10 Ways to Make Your Home Workspace More Productive

Working from home can be exciting, but you have to make the most of the time you have at your computer. When you need a more productive workspace, the solution is to make changes. You might change how you do certain things or just rearrange your office in a way that works for you. Here are some ideas to try out.

Set a “No-Knocking” Rule

Recognizing what your distractions are is the first step to eliminating them. One issue you may have working from home is avoiding the distractions that come from others in your household. You can ask your family for some alone time where they don’t disrupt you, but the best course of action may be to set “office hours” — periods of time you must absolutely not be disturbed during your work. If you promise to be done with work at a certain time every night, your household may be more likely to respect the rule.

Have a Separate Office Room

To work alongside the “no-knocking” rule, your office space should be in a separate room, ideally. Working on the kitchen or dining room table will only lead to more distractions if someone else is home simultaneously, as they’ll be walking in and out — and you won’t be able to stop the noise. Also, working in the living room isn’t great for you because it doesn’t support good posture. Having a separate office room will allow you to do all your best work in peace.

Take Breaks

Take a break at work, even if they aren’t automatically built into your schedule. Small breaks can improve your decision-making habits, meaning you’ll be more energized and interactive throughout the day and when you get home. You’ll be able to get your mind off work and let it wander for a few moments.

Allow yourself to be distracted during your breaks. To experience your break fully, it’s not enough just to sit at your desk. You should get up and stretch your legs. You can check your phone or watch part of your favorite show during your break. Making yourself a nutritious snack is a great opportunity to give yourself a break while nourishing yourself properly.

Put Your Phone Away

The best way to up your productivity is to put your phone away. Eliminating all distractions is the best way to increase your productivity. On your breaks, you can stop and look at your phone or walk around your home. When you’re committed to only having your phone out on your breaks, you might be more motivated to get your work done so you can check your phone regularly.

Change Your Lighting

The lighting in your office needs to be optimal. Since sunlight can help stave off symptoms of depression, you must get enough light in your office space to keep you motivated. You can buy lights that mimic the sunlight if you don’t work an average day, but you should always ensure your lighting allows you to work and doesn’t leave you in the dark.

Set Designated “Simple Task” Times

You might be tempted to check your email during one of your more important tasks of the day. Doing things like checking email and instant messages from your team can take up valuable time, so you should specifically set aside time for those simple tasks. They’re great to do right before or after your lunch break when you need that crucial transition time. When you set specific times to check things that aren’t a high priority, you won’t feel so compelled to look at them when you should be doing something else.

Write Your To-Do List Every Morning

The first thing you should do every morning is write your to-do list. Your to-do list will help you set your intentions for the day and show you what to prioritize and focus on to maximize the time you have at work. You’ll always know what to do because you’ll have the next task right before you, maximizing your productivity time.

Declutter Your Desk

You can’t work well in a cluttered space. Make sure your desk is clear of things that don’t need to be there. Even if you aren’t a minimalist, you should see the benefits of keeping a desk with only the necessities. Consider keeping some paper, writing utensils, something you can squeeze or fidget with when stressed, and anything else you may need for the job on your desk. Anything else can go onto shelves or in storage containers.

Add Greenery

Just adding green to your office can lower your stress and help you fight against burnout. Putting plants in your office is a great way to improve your working life. You should choose a plant that doesn’t need much care, like aloe vera, which can be good for skin issues and promote your health in several other ways. Make sure to pick a plant whose care fits your lifestyle.

Change Your Clothes

When all else fails, change your clothes. You may easily slip into comfort when working from home. Working in your pajamas may feel great at first, but it doesn’t work well as a transition between “home life” to “work life.” You might just change into comfortable clothes, but you should always change clothes after you wake up. Doing so simulates getting up and “going” to work — even if you’re just walking from the bedroom to your office.

Make Working From Home Work For You

An office specially designed for you to be productive may look different from the standard office, so you may need to be receptive to changing things up and trying new things out. Over time, you’ll find the perfect balance of good clutter and productivity support. Working from home is nothing new, and if other people have managed it, you can, too. Once you understand how you work best, you can customize your office to suit your needs.

About The Author

Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for body positivity, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or smashing the patriarchy.

Money-Saving Hacks for Owners of HP Printers

Like other printer giants, Hewlett-Packard charges handsomely for its ink. Cartridge prices look exorbitant, particularly in comparison with the aftermarket. Now, consumers have a reprieve from costly brand-name replacements. Here is everything you should know about cheaper HP ink in 2022.

Many Officejet Pro models work with 952 cartridges. A set of 4 XL pigments from HP costs around $150. By shopping for HP 952 ink at Smart Ink, you can save over $85 (the full pack costs $63.50). This price seems too good to be true, but the quality is just as impressive — here is why:

Quality Comparison

Cheaper does not mean worse! Reputable brands comply with stringent quality requirements. Look for references to standards like ISO, Reach, CE, and STMC. Any differences in printing are either minor or invisible to the naked eye. Excellent quality makes low-cost products real bargains.

This industry has advanced a lot in recent years. Thanks to improved technologies and rigorous testing, suppliers have all but completely bridged the print performance gap. If cheaper ink is just as good, why pay more?

Are Genuine Cartridges Overpriced?

Why are original HP cartridges so expensive? According to the company, it spends billions on R&D programs every year. It takes pride in its reliable equipment, but why should consumers pay so much for ink?

The cheapest HP printer will set you back around $100. Inkjet machines are the most affordable, but they also require frequent ink replacements. You may need to purchase several original cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) every time. As a result, expenses add up to a hefty amount shortly.

Like Canon, Hewlett-Packard seems to have the “razor and blades” agenda. In this model, core products (printers) are priced close to or under the break-even point. Cartridges have higher profit margins as the real objective is selling expensive ink.

Why Compatible Ink Is Always Cheaper

Price is still the key selling point for many customers. Independent brands are smaller than the printer corporation. They do not produce office equipment, so their expenses are fairly limited. This explains why generic cartridges have more reasonable prices compared to HP. Consumers save several hundred dollars annually just by switching to another brand.

Are Compatible Cartridges Legal and Safe?

These products are not counterfeit — technically, they are just as original as OEM supplies. By law, manufacturers have no right to prohibit the use of cheaper ink or punish customers for it. Printer warranties may not include anti-competitive terms.

Thanks to consumer protection legislation, you are free to choose any supplies you like. Your warranty will remain valid as long as you install new cartridges correctly. Products from reputable stores will not cause any damage, as they are assembled similarly to the OEM counterparts.

Find a Trusted Store

Buying OEM cartridges is a no-brainer — you just need to order them from the HP site. Stores with cheap ink are not created equal, so finding a supplier requires some effort. Feedback on Trustpilot will tell you which companies deliver on their promises. Stores with a stellar reputation offer:

● Quality marks (certificates of compliance with global standards like ISO, CE, Reach and STMC);

● The latest version of the chip for immediate recognition;

● Extended warranty (2 years is best);

● Free shipping;

● XL or XXL volume;

● Ink level tracking (on some cartridges);

● Recyclable products;

● Helpful support.

Reliable brands are reachable 24/7 by email, live chat and phone. Some also boast a strong social media presence. Free shipping, large volume and additional discounts will help you maximize savings. Start your 2022 by adopting smart shopping habits!

How to Stay Motivated When you’re Working Remotely

Is Monday killing you? Has work from home affecting your mental and physical health. If you dread Monday’s then it’s time you motivate yourself.

Telecommuting has many advantages such as you get to be close to your family, or roommates, or have the luxury of wearing whatever you like and comfort zone of home. The flexibility due to remote working is productive and boosts motivation but it can be distracting too.

With pandemics most of the companies have made work remotely a mandatory option due to lockdown but if you are not able to get into your usual work groove then there are surefire ways to motivate you, and give boost to increase your productivity.

Dedicate space at home for Home Office

Netflix and Chill has become a mantra these days with so many rules and regulations on all other entertaining options. And Netflix available on all the devices that you work on its pull is too enticing.

People enjoy sitting on the couch, watching television, and snacking in the kitchen so let’s face it if you combine the working with any of these favorite home activities then you are not going to be so motivated to get the work done.

As a matter of fact you would want to finish one more episode of your favourite season as you munch on snacks such as popcorn or Doritos. Only to realize that you haven’t worked on the assignment and you put the hours for your rest to work and thus affect your productivity to great extent.

So if you want to get your work done then first and foremost ensure you have space dedicated for your work. The space should be hundred percent free of distractions such as away from television.

You need to have a door that locks you in for privacy and a silent place to work.

Set rules with the family, especially children about your office timing, during the working hours so as not to disturb you. No barging in the middle of the meeting. A corporate office kind of environment should be made.

Make the dedicated room look like an office. Like you have a table, chair, appropriate stationary, easy access to tools and supplies that you would need. Your table is well set with video conferencing equipment, papers, and more.

Decor of the room should be able to inspire you. Display your career awards, achievements and certificates. Room should feel like an office. This will motivate you like the workplace.

In case you have a space crunch, just make sure you are not working at the place where you sleep. The desire to sleep will be more powerful here. That 5 minute nap will keep you off mode from working and you will miss your deadlines.

Renting space or community work space is also a good idea as it has the same benefits of working remotely but few distractions from your home.

Wake up Early

The wish to stay in bed is too much to get out and start working from home.

When you have an office at eight, you are organized in your schedule to wake up, get dressed and leave on time to reach your office.

However with work from home there is a set schedule and desire to stay in bed or work on home projects or watch series is too high.

So it is advisable that you wake up early. Make a schedule. Morning is a good time. Studies have shown that morning people are more productive. They are more in charge of making things happen.

If you are not a morning person then no worries you are not doomed for failure. Night people are known to be more creative and even smarter. So if you know that mornings aren’t going to work for you, then do not try and waste time to be a morning person instead set aside time when you are able to focus best and do best work.

Regular Routine is key

Disorganization will lead to an overwhelming situation and so a better approach is to have a habit or schedule. Determine your working pattern, when you work best, when you need a break or rest, time to eat your meals and so on. Make a checklist of everything you want to accomplish in a day on a daily basis such that you are able to set a routine.

Once a routine is set, and you get into the mode it will be easier for you to stay motivated to accomplish your tasks daily. Achieve set goals as you plan ahead and execute them.

Use technology

Technology is there to make our lives easy. So guess what for this there is productivity software. You are reading it right. You don’t have to handwrite your to do list or memorize your schedule task.

There are several productivity tools or software which help in staying organized.

Examples of such software are Slack, Dropbox, Focus Booster, Asana etc.

These software help in organizing your work schedule, meetings, communication and files placements.

Clothing

Work from home entitles me to have casual Friday everyday doesn’t it? Casual clothes give a casual attitude. It is recommended that you wear custom jeans or office wear at the time of working. It gives a professional feel and motivates me to work. Keep your sweat pants aside and dress up for work. It will boost your confidence, make you feel powerful, and increase your ability to see the big picture. You feel better about yourself and more productive.

Regular breaks and Vacations

Work piles up at times and it feels like you have no escape from it. Working remotely has that burnout effect. The best thing to do to avoid all this is take well calculated and regular breaks. Be away from your desk. Taking breaks helps and plenty of scientific studies have already proven this.

Taking breaks helps better brain function, helps to stay focused and reevaluate the day’s goals. Keeps you on track.

Vital to take vacations as well. You need time to rejuvenate, recover and for that vacation is the best solution. Vacation helps in relaxation, recuperation and when you are back you feel refreshed to work and voila better motivation to work.

Eliminate the distractions

Your personal work space is great but if you still have those distractions such as checking on Instagram, or chatting or spending too much time on Gchat then your work is going to suffer.

The Internet is a huge distraction and so you really need to concentrate and ensure your attention to your work is hundred percent.

Turning off notifications on the phone is the first thing you can do.

Set up Reward System

Simply put if you are able to manage your work, achieve set goals then reward yourself which in turn will push you to work harder as well as be organized.

You can reward yourself as you are your own boss.

Fresh Air is the best remedy. DO go out for a walk. Get some exercise done.

As long as you are focused on the task, work from home is great. Follow the advice and you will have a thriving home office and stay motivated and be highly productive.

6 Fun She-Shed Ideas That Are Easy to Put Together

There isn’t always enough space in your home for you, your family and your hobbies. The good news is, if you have a garage or similar area, you already have the space you need. You’ll just have to convert it into a “she-shed,” a place just for you.

Need some inspiration? Here are a few simple ideas to get you started.

Remote Workspace

Have you been sharing a small home office with a spouse or partner? Are you ready to have your own space again? You’re not the only one. Last April, Google queries for office sheds began to increase and, now, thousands of people are converting their backyard spaces into remote offices. Why not do the same?

Save time and money by building a shed — or using a pre-existing structure — rather than adding on to your home. Remember to add plenty of windows to make the space feel light and airy. Then, fill your office with plants, office furniture and a filing cabinet or two.

Backyard Bar

If you already have enough space for an office, convert your shed into a backyard bar instead. Invite your friends over to unwind after work and shake up the best cocktails in town. All you need is a few hundred dollars and a few free weekends to make this dream a reality.

Use brick effect wallpaper to create a British pub vibe or use old shiplap for a farmhouse chic style. Authentic bar signs, mirrors, shelves and a quality counter are must-haves for this space. Put stools outside or inside and add a few finishing touches before raising a toast to all your hard work.

Craft Shack

Would you rather spend your evenings knitting and painting? Regardless of which hobbies you enjoy, a small, secluded space is necessary to finding your flow and cultivating creativity. Thus, the best idea might be to turn your shed or garage into a craft shack.

If you’re into gardening, make your little shack into a potting shed, complete with a potting table, stool, planters and stands. On the other hand, if you’re into painting, you could set up an easel, hang a few blank canvases on the walls and create a small space for potential models to sit and pose.

Shala Shed

Mindfulness and mediation have become more popular in recent months. So, if you’ve discovered a passion for yoga, breathing exercises or other mindfulness activities, you may want to create a safe, quiet space in which to relax and find your center.

Convert your shed into a shala — or studio — by clearing out the space until you’re left with four bare walls and an empty floor. Then, add a mat, some blocks, a bolster and a strap if you’ll be practicing yoga. Otherwise, you might only need a meditation pillow, a few candles and maybe a journal or two to begin your mindfulness practice.

Garage Guesthouse

Maybe your mother-in-law likes to drop by unannounced or your friends frequently stay the night. If the couch is the only place for them to rest their heads, it might be time to turn the garage into a guesthouse.

Remember to insulate all the walls, including the door, to protect against inclement weather and fluctuating temperatures. Then, install some softer flooring on top of the concrete or lay down a few rugs. Add a fresh coat of paint to the walls and maybe even the overhead beams and decorate to your liking. Regardless of who comes to visit, they’re sure to be impressed with this little space.

Breakfast Nook

What’s better than soaking up those first rays of sunshine? Watching the sunrise from your private breakfast nook, of course! Ditch your formal dining room and create a serene sanctuary right in your backyard.

Install windows or even skylights to create a greenhouse effect and warm the space while you sip your coffee. Then, add some plants, a little breakfast table and one or two cozy chairs. Make sure everything faces east so you can watch the sun pop up over the horizon each morning.

Build, Buy and DIY

If you already have a garage or shed with good bones, work with what you’ve got. Otherwise, you might want to build one from scratch or buy a prefabricated structure.

Remember to get a permit first and hire an inspector to approve electricity and water use. As long as you get the a-ok from them, you can turn your shed into practically anything as long as it makes you happy.

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About The Author

Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors, and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.

How to Change Up Your WFH Routine: 6 Fun Ideas

When you’re working from home, one day can bleed into the next like the movie “Groundhog Day.” Unless you enjoy doing the same thing over and over, it’s probably time to mix things up a little. So how can you make your telecommuting experience more exciting?

The following six ideas will help you to change up your WFH routine in interesting ways.

Play with Various Start Times

Does your WFH arrangement come with a flexible schedule? If it does, or if you fall under independent contracting rules and set your hours yourself, why not play with the times that maximize your productivity and fun?

For example, if you frequently wake up at 4 a.m. and can’t fall back asleep, why not use that time instead of tossing and turning? While you don’t want to call clients, you could balance spreadsheets or write reports. The more hours you put in early, the more time you have later in the day for doing things you enjoy — or taking a siesta.

Personalize Your Seating

The WFH life means never having to settle for the chair that human resources selected for you. Choosing your own can mean improved ergonomics, which can supercharge your productivity.

When selecting your model, find one where your thighs are horizontal with the floor, your feet are flat and the backrest supports your lower back. You might have to shop around if you’re exceptionally short or tall.

Who says that you have to go with the traditional setup, anyway? Those who use variable-height desks often report less back pain. Standing up for part of your day can compensate for a less-than-perfect seat, and you can use stacked boxes to replicate the effect if you are on a shoestring.

Another low-cost, pain-reducing option is an inflatable exercise ball. According to the folks at the University of New Hampshire, this option may up your daily calorie burn if you need to lose weight. You engage your core muscles to keep you upright — plus, you can lay back and stretch your lumbar region as necessary. Many versions cost $20 or less.

Elevate Your Eating Game

Working from home doesn’t necessarily mean taking a 3-hour lunch — unless you count haphazardly munching a salad while you type. However, nor does it mean settling for a bag of stale chips from the vending machine when you forget to brown-bag it.

Learn how to up your meal-prep game by making big recipes on the weekend and freezing what you don’t immediately eat in individual portion sizes. That way, when it comes to lunchtime, you can zap your meal while you check in on your kids ’homeschool activities.

Add More Active Break time

Did you know that your most disruptive distraction might be spending too much time at your desk? Increasing low-level activity ups your oxygen intake, which helps boost brain power and productivity.

You should get up and walk for a few minutes each hour — but strolling to your kitchen for a snack each time will result in unwanted pounds. Instead, why not outfit your home office with some active games?

If you live to hit the links, an indoor putting green sounds fancy but can create the ideal stress-busting activity. If the game of kings is a bit out of your budget, why not mount a Nerf basketball hoop?

Don’t forget your backyard. Your deck or patio might offer the ideal secondary home office space in warm weather when you use an anti-glare cover to see your screen. When break time rolls around, you can putter in your garden or toss the football around with the kiddos.

Start a Side Hustle to Earn Extra Income

You probably have a hobby you pursue on the side. Maybe it’s a gig making handcrafted jewelry boxes, frames for artwork or something similar. Regardless of your interests, today’s websites like Etsy make it easy to monetize your pastimes.

Of course, this kind of side hustle is often a labor of love, and you may feel uncertain about putting your work in the hands of other people. You have to trust everyone from the admins at Etsy to the driver delivering your goods. Fortunately, delivery is safer than ever, even in the winter months, and Etsy provides support.

If you want to change up your routine and make some money at the same time, consider a side business on top of your current employment. It’s an easy and fun way to earn extra income.

Set the Mood and Indulge Your Senses

Your WFH freedom involves much more than liberating yourself from the aroma of your co-workers’ reheated salmon. From colors to lighting to scent to sound, you can design your office space to spark your creativity or induce a feeling of serenity.

Painting the interior of your home can ring in a hefty 107% return on investment (ROI) — so get out that paintbrush. If you have to tuck your office into a corner of your living area, an accent corner can define the space with the color contrast creating a sense of division.

Harsh, overhead fluorescents might have given you blinding migraines at the office. However, you can replace them with compact desktop versions or LEDs that are gentler on your nervous system at home.

Speaking of which, remember, you have five senses to indulge, not only sight. Invest in an aromatherapy diffuser — scents like lavender help calm you while citrus aromas energize your spirit. Invest in noise-canceling headphones if you must share a noisy space or fill your dedicated room with gentle tunes. Indulge in a Sherpa blanket to keep you toasty if your office sits above a chilly garage.

Change Up Your WFH Routine with These 6 Fun Ideas

When you telecommute, it’s natural to fall into the same boring patterns each day. Change up your WFH routine with these six fun ideas.

About The Author

Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.

How to Work Up and Wind Down in Your At-home Office

Working from home comes with many benefits. One of the most convenient benefits is the flexibility it offers, allowing a chance to improve on your work-life balance.

However, having a flexible schedule can also be a hindrance to your productivity. Switching to work mode in the morning can be a real struggle, especially knowing that you have the flexibility to work at your own convenient time. The opposite can also happen in the evening where you extend your working hours rather than wind down the day and step away from work.

If you are to be productive working in your home office, you need to be able to step into work at the beginning of your day, charge through your tasks, and sign off at the end of the day. Below are some tips to help you with this.

1. Set specific times for work

As simple as it sounds, setting a specific time to start work prepares your mind in advance. You can struggle for a few days, but eventually, it becomes natural to step into work when that time clocks. Likewise, set an alarm to remind you to switch off from work at a specific time. Make sure that you actually step out. Resist the temptation to start replying to emails or slipping to social media at this time. Assess your day to determine the time that you are most productive and schedule your day around it. If you are not a morning person, you will find yourself struggling through the hours if you set your time in the morning.

2. Have a dedicated office space

At-home office could mean a corner in the living room or bedroom, especially if you have limited space. However, such spaces could be having distractions that are hindering you from working up your day. For instance, working near your bed could be calling you back to sleep in the middle of a workday. If your living room doubles up as a kids’ playroom, you have to deal with the noise. While you can find a workaround to make such workspaces work for you, having a separate room dedicated to work helps. It becomes easier to get geared for the day and remain productive throughout the day.

To create a workspace that puts you in the mindset to be productive at home, you can consider a home addition project to create that designated space in your home, to specifically create an adequate ambiance where you can work up, and wind down in the comforts of your own home.

3. Have a morning ritual

While you can work in your pajamas, taking a shower and changing into proper clothes gives your mind the perception that it is time for work. Additionally, have a morning ritual that boosts your motivation and morale. It could be something you love such as reading a book or taking a short walk. It could also be sharing something you have learned with your colleagues.

4. Set goals for the day

Just looking at the number of tasks you have remaining is a sure recipe to keep you working longer. However, overworking yourself can diminish your productivity the following day.

Set clear goals for the day and reward yourself when you achieve them. Additionally, plan for the next day and remember to prioritize the most important tasks. You will feel at ease knowing that you have a plan to accomplish your tasks, and you won’t feel guilty for ‘abandoning’ work.

5. Ask for clear expectations

One of the worries that come with working from home is whether you are doing enough or whether your managers are pleased with your work. This, in a way, sends you more pressure to work beyond your limits and find it hard to disconnect at the end of the day.

Ask for clear expectations from your managers. It would also not hurt to ask for feedback on your projects. That way, you will have a clear picture of what you are expected to do in a day, and an easier time disconnecting from once you have accomplished them.

6. Plan the next day

Switching from office to home office working has been daunting for most people. Our dynamic daily routine has simply been ‘turned-off’ with the new governmental restrictions due to Covid19. Because of that, in order to have your day as smooth as possible, you need to start planning your day in advance so that you do as much as possible and don’t waste any precious moments. What you can do is, after you finish your work, take 10 minutes of break and simply plan what you are going to do the next day. This, apart from allowing you to relax and contemplate on what you did during the day, will also give you peace of mind by knowing that you have accomplished something big today, and tomorrow it’s a new day with new projects.

7. Treat Yourself

After a long and tiring day, of course, the best way to reward yourself would be a nice treat. Make sure to take frequent and short breaks either for coffee or simply by going out on the balcony to stretch your legs. If you are allowed to go out, make sure to go down to your neighborhood coffee shop and take a coffee. This will be good for you because first, you will conduct some physical activity, and second, you will be able to socialize with some of your neighbors who you probably haven’t seen in a while. Alternatively, if you like to stay at home and not go out, you can probably enjoy a webinar or video that is either a documentary or something funny that will put your mind at ease for a couple of minutes.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy to work up or wind down your workday when working from home. Everyone has his or her own unique challenges depending on their type of work and circumstances. The above tips give you a place to start. Keep assessing your situation to know what works for you. You will eventually be able to tailor-make your day in a way working up and winding down becomes easier for you.

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About The Author

Eve Romley is a psychologist with 6 years of expertise by profession, but she is really passionate about writing, and always curious to learn new things. In her free time, she likes to explore the outdoors and exercise.

Working From Home in a Post-Coronavirus World

The coronavirus pandemic has affected many aspects of daily life, including how people work. From virtual meetings to online video calls, the way people interact continues to change. COVID-19 has led to quarantines and lockdowns around the globe, which has increased the number of people working from home. It is likely that the trend of jobs at home will continue in a post-coronavirus world, so you have to be prepared.

Changing to a New Normal

Telework or telecommuting, which means using the internet and phones to allow people to work from home, is on the rise. Although COVID-19 forced many businesses to switch to this job mode, there are strong indications that telework may become permanent. For example, both Facebook and Twitter are exploring how their employees can work from home indefinitely.

During the coronavirus outbreak, many businesses have faced financial challenges, which may continue in the post-pandemic world. Saving money by offering telework may appeal to struggling companies that do not want to let workers go.

While you save money and time by not commuting to an office, companies save even more money by having remote workers. They no longer have to pay for office space or all the associated costs, such as heating, cooling, electricity, security, supplies, and phone lines. Simple solutions like using virtual phone numbers enable companies to save while providing top-notch communication.

For example, if they conduct business in Canada, getting a Canadian virtual phone number allows them to forward and receive calls so they can establish strong connections with their clients. In addition, studies show that productivity still remains high for people who work from home, so there is no danger of telecommuters slacking off in their living rooms.

There is another important benefit to working from home: Most people claim they are less stressed and happier. Telework allows greater freedom and flexibility, while eliminating common complaints such as long commutes, uncomfortable business attire and boring chit chat with coworkers.

Starting a New Career

The impact of COVID-19 has been widespread with some workers losing their jobs or seeing their hours cut. This has forced many to consider new careers that can survive a post-coronavirus world. In addition to looking for a different direction, many are interested in finding a job that allows them to work from home long-term.

Accounting is one example of a field that is flexible with many work from home opportunities. Accountants need access to the internet, phones, computers and software to do most of their jobs, which means they do not need to be in an office building with other people. In addition, the median salary for an accountant is $67,190, and this field is projected to grow in the future.

Since most accounting work is digital, it can be the perfect fit for telecommuting. From working with large corporations to small business owners, accountants are always in demand.

Time Management

Managing your time effectively is a crucial part of working from home. Whether you create a digital to-do list or use a paper one, the first step of time management is figuring out what you must accomplish. Make a list of the top tasks for each day and cross them off as you finish.

Another way to stay organized is to schedule your time daily. Start by listing your tasks and add them to a calendar. Blocking off time to work, plan or organize things will help you stay on track. Consider setting aside one to two hours to work on a specific project and then taking a break before the next block of tasks.

Distractions are one of the biggest issues when you are working from home. From pets that want constant attention to neighbors arguing in their yard, it is hard to concentrate. You have to create boundaries that are right for you. For example, reduce social media distractions by removing the apps from your phone and turning off notifications on the computer. Tell your partner and kids that you are working and not to disturb you. Invest in noise-canceling headphones and close the drapes.

You may also want to explore productivity apps, such as a digital focus booster. Try different apps to find the best one for you and be willing to experiment with them.

Comfortable and Stylish Clothes

When you work from home, it can be easy to slip into comfortable clothes like pajamas and stay in them all day. However, dressing a little better can improve your productivity and make you feel better. The key is to find a balance between comfort and style that is right for your body.

You may also need to dress up for a video or conference call with clients, so make sure you have outfits that will look professional. Sweats and torn shirts will not impress customers online. Although it is hard to accept, people still judge others based on their appearance.

Working from home will become more common in a post-coronavirus world. It may be an adjustment, but you can get used to it and make it work for you.

How You Can Make Your Home Office Calming and Productive

In recent years it’s been more and more commonplace for people to work for home. The development of communications and the internet means that it’s gradually becoming less and less essential to come into the office. One argument that occurs time and time around this subject, however, is how productive one can actually be when they are working from a home office space.

Are employees who work from home are more productive than those who work in an office, or do those who work from home get more done? It’s largely personal and dependant on the individual, but one thing that does make people more productive at home is the lack of noise and distraction. This simply is because of the quiet working environment allowing more productivity.

However, a quiet working home environment isn’t always as easy to achieve as it seems. Here are 6 top tips on how to make your home office a more productive environment:

Seek out the peace and quiet.

While many may need noise in the background to get things done, others find any kind of noise disturbing. This is why keeping away from any distractions – televisions, social areas etc. – is the way forward. By doing this you are allowing yourself to focus solely on the work that needs to be done and you are much more likely to be productive.

Think about your seat.

You may think that your choice of seating is not of any importance, however being comfortable while you work is vital, especially if you are spending the majority of your time sitting down. Statistics show that nearly 90% of adults experience back pain at some point in their lives and when you don’t pay attention to your back, the desk chair can take a toll on your mood, health and consequently your work productivity.

Look at your lighting.

People often forget to take note of the lighting in their working environment and this can have consequences. The best way to ensure good natural lighting in your workspace is to position yourself near windows – allowing as much sunlight as possible. Research has shown that people often feel lethargic during winter months. This being because there is less natural sunlight, therefore, it is imperative to have as much artificial lighting during these times as possible.

Keep your tech updated.

When working at home, it is important to keep your tech up to date and reliable as it is your best accomplice. Experiencing frequent technical faults can be extremely frustrating and one of the main reasons that people who work from home experience stress. Keeping stress to a minimum is a key to success, therefore ensuring you have reliable tech will ideally minimize stress levels and boost productivity. In addition to this, technical issues can cause large expenses if things go severely wrong so save yourself unnecessary costs and conduct regular maintenance checks on all of your devices. Obviously, if you have various technical devices in your home office you’ll need Contractors Insurance to ensure security and peace of mind for your company.

Incorporate your own personal touch.

Despite aiming to maintain a neutral professional home office. You should also aim to include your own personal touch for inspiration. Having things such a paintings, plants, decors, photographs etc. should improve your mood and allow for a positive working environment. If your work requires you to do a lot of creative thinking then ensure to incorporate things that will help you spawn ideas and capture them such as a sketch pad or, for those looking for a solution that allows greater in-office visibility, a glass whiteboard is another solid option. The decor itself, as well as the furniture and scents, can also have a large impact on your mood so make sure you put plenty of thought into them both.

Go back to basics

Go back to basics and simplify your office. Having a complicated workspace can be overwhelming and confusing making work life more stressful. Keep your area clean and minimalistic. This should prevent procrastination as having too much to organize around you leads to time being spent on organizing your space rather than doing work. Additionally, keep your desktop clear with minimal apps and files that you are working on open. This will allow you to keep a clear head – preventing distraction.

Experimentation is key, so have fun with it and explore all of the possibilities when attempting to create your own perfect home office. It may seem time-consuming and hard to find the best office for you, but sticking at it and exploring different layouts and organization methods will inevitably help you in the long run!