Some people love working from home, and they can’t imagine anything better than attending meetings dressed in their most comfortable loungewear; while others miss the structure of a formal workplace. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying the fact that working remotely has a lot of perks. A study conducted by Stanford University, California, USA, found that working from home increases productivity by 13 percent. This increase in performance was due to a quieter, more convenient working environment and working more minutes per shift because of fewer breaks and sick days. In the same study, employees also reported improved work satisfaction, and attrition rates were cut by 50 percent. To boost the productivity levels even further, we have curated a list of some easy-to-follow tips that will help you achieve the perfect balance between work and comfort.

1. Keep your work and personal life segregated

Working from home might sound comfortable but it requires a lot of self-motivation and dedication. You want the place you’re working from to inspire you. It can be a plain desk at a corner of your bedroom or one in the living area of the house, wherever you feel motivated and excited to sit down at, is a good place to set up your workspace. But make sure that you set up your workstation at a place where there are no distractions from your personal life. Remember to set up some boundaries so that you can work efficiently.

 

2. Make sure you are near a power outlet

While extension cords can provide for a power outlet in any area of the house, they also come with a lot of unnecessary wires running through your floor that can create clutter. Therefore, to ensure your electronic devices are charged at all times, you should place your desk near a power outlet.

3. Add personal elements for motivation

One of the great benefits of working from home is that you get to decorate your workspace as you want. You can put up pictures of your loved ones, motivational quotes or scented candles for some much-needed aromatherapy. Some even prefer green plants as they can add positivity to your work station. A study published in the journal Hortechnology, states that keeping a tiny plant on your work desk can reduce overall levels of stress as looking at greenery can provide a momentary escape from the immediate reality of work. Feel free to decorate your workstation however you like, because it is a great way to keep you motivated to work harder.

 

 

4. Don’t sit at the same place for too long

It is important to make sure you’re seated comfortably because you might be working for long hours, but always remember to keep taking breaks in between. Sitting in a good posture is also very important to increase productivity. If needed, you can raise your laptop to eye level to take the pressure off your neck and back by not having to bend constantly. You might also want to consider some desk workouts or taking a walk every now and then to ensure you’re not hunched over a screen for very long. And don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water in between tasks.

 

5. Make sure your station is well lit

Sunlight is a great source of positivity (and vitamin D) while also being a great replacement for artificial light that can cause unnecessary stress to your eyes. It’s beneficial to station your workspace near a window or a balcony where ample sunlight can enter. Poor lighting can cause eye strain or eye fatigue, please bright light bulbs and lamps around your workstation to make sure you don’t end up working in the dark. Studies show that yellow light doesn’t harm the retinas as much as blue light, hence yellow light bulbs/ lamps should be preferred. Artificial sources of blue light include fluorescent light, compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, LEDs, computer monitors, smartphones and tablet screens.

 

 

6. Organise your desk

It is very important to keep your workstation clutter-free and clean. One of the easiest ways of doing that is by returning items like pens and notebooks back to their designated places after use, so that you don’t waste time searching for something as simple as a pencil. Keeping your desk neat and tidy is also necessary to stay focused because looking at clutter only adds to your work stress. It’s important to have a dustbin at your side to dump any waste.. You can also use a cork board to put up your to-do lists or reminders so that you can stay ahead of any upcoming deadlines.