Now that most of the world works from home in some capacity or another, small business owners have had to make major changes in how they work with their team members, vendors, and customers. They also might be working from home much more than they were before. With access to video conferencing tools and new team resources, remote work has become easier than ever. Small business owners are learning to juggle their work lives with their home lives. As a small business operating remotely, Succeeding Small understands the importance of an efficient home workspace. As a digital marketing agency based in Colorado Springs with team members working remotely around the country, we understand the importance of implementing efficient work habits. In order to help increase your productivity, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best work-from-home tips you can start implementing immediately.
- Create A Permanent Workspace
- If you’re going to be working from home long term, it’s important to create a productive workspace. Whether you use an empty bedroom or simply set up a desk in a free corner, having a designated workspace is incredibly crucial for your productivity. When you establish a place that’s designated for work and you commit to working there every day, you will be able to focus and complete tasks quicker.
- Set Work Hours
- Whether you work from home full-time or part-time, it’s important to set consistent work hours for yourself. Setting work hours allows you to set expectations, whether that’s for your co-workers or your clients. Co-workers will appreciate knowing your routine, and it will help your team run more smoothly. Clients will know exactly what to expect from you because they will understand when your office hours are and when you will be available.
- Get Comfortable Office Furniture
- You’re going to spend a lot of time in your home workspace. Imagine spending entire days at the computer in an uncomfortable chair. You might start to notice back problems, neck pain, or any number of complaints. Depending on the space available to you, consider purchasing a comfortable office chair and a suitable desk. You may also want to consider purchasing bookshelves or other office items to help stay organized.
- Invest In Quality Technology
- Depending on the nature of your business, having high-functioning technology is an essential part of your home workspace. Your business may require you to invest in a high-quality laptop, tablet, or desktop. A high-performance router is also an integral part of your home office. Make sure to invest in any high-quality technology that will help you efficiently do your job.
- Don’t Work In Your Pajamas
- Wearing comfortable clothes is one of the many benefits of working from home. However, staying in your pajamas all day doesn’t create a productive environment. In fact, working in your pajamas can subconsciously tell your brain it’s not actually time for work yet. Putting on a fresh set of clothes and getting ready for the day gets you into the right mindset for your work day.
- Stay Off Social Media (Unless It’s Your Job)
- Unless you’re a social media manager, you might want to consider muting your notifications during your work day. Browsing social media can be a huge waste of your time if you’re not careful. Checking one notification can easily turn into 45 minutes of scrolling aimlessly. Minimizing your use of social media apps is immensely helpful in avoiding unnecessary distractions.
- Go Outside
- When you work from home, it’s easy to forget to take breaks and get some fresh air. You have nowhere to drive to, which means you don’t need to cross a parking lot to get to work or take a short walk to go to your favorite lunch spot. Remember to open up the blinds and let the sun in, and take some time to go outside during the day. If it’s a nice day, consider eating lunch outside. Taking regular breaks is incredibly important, especially if you have been holed up at home working for days on end.
- Stretch Regularly
- Moving your body has been shown to boost your endorphins, and therefore, increase your productivity. Taking a few minutes to stretch is especially important for people whose work requires them to sit at a computer all day. Stretching regularly also helps you maintain good posture and prevent soreness.
- Check In With Co-Workers
- If you are not a solopreneur, you’ll have to interact with people on a daily, or almost daily, basis. Dedicate some time for weekly team meetings to check in with everyone. Also, take time to meet privately with team members throughout the week and check how they’re doing. Checking in regularly allows you to share and receive status updates, as well as get to know your co-workers on a more personal level.
- Invest In Good Headphones
- Even if you’re using a great laptop or smartphone, it’s important to invest in a good pair of headphones with a microphone. Whether your home is occasionally noisier than usual or you have to work outside of your home at times, you’ll appreciate being able to have high-quality calls at any time. Noise-canceling headphones with Bluetooth capabilities make headphones an even better work-from-home tool.
Helping Small Businesses Succeed | Succeeding Small
Working from home comes with its own set of unique challenges and advantages. While you’re adjusting to your new remote workspace, Succeeding Small is here to help your small business continue to grow. We help small businesses in Colorado Springs and beyond obtain the visibility they deserve by providing premier digital marketing services, including SEO services. If you’re ready to grow your small business and join the Succeeding Small family, connect with us today!
