If you work from home, you probably know all about distraction. Whether it’s your toddler, your dog, a mail delivery person or the buzzer on your dryer, having a home office means balancing the needs of your home with the needs of your business. Depending on the type of work you do and how many hours you need to do it, distraction can lead to the type of non-productivity that can eventually lead to a loss of pay… or even the loss of a job! Reducing these distractions can help you get your work done more quickly so you can get out of the office and spend your time doing things you love.
3 Tips to Reduce Distractions in Your Home Office
#1 Get Your Office Space Organized
Disorganization is a huge distraction. Not only is it hard to focus in a messy, unkempt area, but it’s also difficult to find what you need when you need it. Take some time to organize your space so you can work more quickly and efficiently. You can do this by making sure that everything in your office has a “home,” and that everything is put away regularly.
A custom home office organization system can help. Office cabinets let you store your supplies, while filing drawers allow you to keep your documents and paperwork in the proper order. Drawers, shelves and home office accessories keep everything neat and tidy. What you have left are clean lines and minimal visual distractions, so you can focus on your work.
#2 Make Sure Your Workspace Is Ergonomically Correct
If you are struggling with a desk that is too high or too low, an office chair that’s uncomfortable and a keyboard that is not at the proper height, some of your distractions will take the form of eye strain, neck pain and wrist discomfort. Are you commonly sore and physically tired after a day spent in your home office? This can be a clue that your workspace is not designed correctly for your body.
Make sure that everything you are working on and with is at the correct height. You might also consider having a standing desk (or one that converts to a standing desk when needed or desired), because it’s not healthy to sit all day long. Your muscles (and your heart!) will thank you.
#3 Set Clear Time and Space Boundaries
One of the most important ways that you can reduce distraction in your home office is to establish work times. During these hours, let your family members and friends know that you are unreachable unless there’s an emergency (and, if you have children, spell out exactly what qualifies as an emergency!). If you are using a corner of a common area as a home office, try to put up some type of physical barrier, such as bookcases or a set of drawers, to designate it as your private work area.
A bonus to setting aside your time and physical space is that when work is done, you can effectively leave your work behind. If you know that you can deal with all distractions after 5:00 pm, for example, without getting pulled back into your work, you will be more likely to make the most of your working hours.
Getting Help
If you need help getting organized in your home office for maximum productivity, call Creative Closet Organizers for a free, no-obligation consultation for a custom home office system. We have the solutions that can help you get your workspace under control. Call now!