Expert Advice | Top 9 Tips for Setting Up A Home Office

Lashay Hudson is a guest writer for Life at Appen. Lashay started the blog Dream Home Based Work in 2008. To learn more about how to make money from home, you can visit Lashay’s website dreamhomebasedwork.com Working from home and remote work have become very acceptable in today’s world. Companies are adopting flexible jobs as a hiring approach and some companies have remote workers in countries all around the world. Being able to earn income from the comfort of your own home is a privilege for many, and it is important to have a certain level of discipline to achieve your tasks. One such way that many of us are able to do this is by taking time to create a home office. If you have thought about setting up a home office, you are thinking in the right direction. A home office is just what you need to achieve the focus you might have at a traditional office, even when you are at home. Before you clear up a section of your house and label it your home office, here are 9 tips that could help you plan:

1. Choose a dedicated area

Often times when setting up a home office, people are quick to choose any free area available in a home. While this is understandable, you may benefit from planning and careful consideration. It is important to choose an area of the house that will lead to maximum productivity. For example if you are sensitive to noise, choose the quietest area of your home. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself spending less time working and more time getting distracted in your home office. It is best to think critically about your success when setting up a home office.

2. Create a list of items

It can be easy to assume that you already know all the items needed for a home office without writing down a list first. Instead of getting your tools in small bursts, it is helpful to plan ahead. This will make your work experience functional and productive. A list can also help you plan for places and stores to visit when looking for your work-from-home items.

3. Find good lighting

Attention to the lighting in a room is one detail that is often overlooked. You’ll want to avoid eye strain as you carry out work. Whether it is in the early hours of the morning or late at night, it is important to invest in high-quality lighting if you want to have the best experience in your home office. Pay attention to the color of your lights. If you are using multiple bulbs, your eyes will be the most comfortable if the intensity and color of the lights match in all areas of the room. Strong natural lighting can also help with your workflow.

4. Invest in the right furniture

An office is more than just a desk and table. You may need a variety of office furniture to help with organization and productivity. If you prefer to sit while you work, an ergonomic chair can be very important. You can also consider investing in a desk that allows you to stand while you work. When thinking about the cost of home-office furniture, remember that a comfortable work environment is a long-term investment.

5. Invest in an extra monitor

As a remote worker, most of your tasks will be done on your computer. By keeping your technology up-to-date, you can perform your tasks efficiently. If you think your laptop screen is too small to work comfortably, you can also invest in a second monitor.

6. Consider using a dedicated home-office phone

A work phone is as much of a home-office tip as it is general business advice. Having a healthy separation of your personal matters from your business matters can be beneficial for achieving long-term goals. In setting up your home office, consider a separate phone for business calls and tasks so that you avoid personal distractions when working.

7. Work with a stable internet access

One major requirement for remote work is the ability to communicate consistently so that you are updated on information for your tasks and projects. This makes access to high speed internet extremely important. It is a priority in every home office. Try testing your ethernet speeds if your WiFi becomes unreliable. It is also important to consider the security of your internet connection. With a work-from-home job, you may be working on projects that are private to your company. Keep up-to-date with the latest anti-virus software to keep your internet connection stable and secure.

8. Keep a printer or multipurpose machine

Working remotely often means that a lot of materials are in a digital format. However, there are times that may need to print, fax, or scan official documents. Consider a functional machine that works well in your space. Then, you can save time going to and from a printing shop. With advancements in mobile technology, your cell phone may be able to handle document scans as well! Search for verified applications that match your workflow.

9. Power your devices with a UPS (uninterrupted power supply)

An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is similar to an extension cord that protects your equipment from electricity surges. Additionally, a UPS will store and provide you with backup energy in the event of a blackout. This can give you extra time to save copies or quickly complete a work task before your device shuts off. With these tips, your home office is sure to compete with even the best of traditional office environments. Working remotely is a great option for workers who want to take control of their work-life balance with preparation, planning, and proactive communication.     — If you enjoyed reading our expert advice article from Lashay Hudson about Top 9 Tips for Setting Up A Home Office, visit dreamhomebasedwork.com to read more advice, and visit appen.com/careers to see our available opportunities.