Small Changes to Increase Your Productivity in Your Home Office

Your workplace is your productivity center. When productivity begins to wane, consider looking at your home office for the cause. A few small changes can make all the difference.

#1 Distractions
Is there a television in your home office? If so, consider getting rid of it. It’s a likely distraction. Additionally, while having several monitors and computers may seem like a productivity enhancer, it can also be distracting – particularly if one computer monitor has email or a social networking site up on it. Evaluate what you REALLY need in your home office and pare down if possible.

Of course people can be a distraction too. If you’re constantly bombarded by visitors or the telephone or text messages, consider turning these items off. Hang a “Do not disturb” sign on your door.

#2 How Comfortable Are You?
If you’re uncomfortable in your home office you’re going to be fidgety and distracted. Many things contribute to your comfort level. For example, is your office chair supportive? Do you have a comfortable place to rest your feet? Is your desktop too tall or too short?

What about the temperature in your home office? Too hot or too cold and you may spend time feeling sluggish or shivery.

#3 Lighting
Lighting can be a tricky thing in a home office. Natural light is best but it can often cause a glare on your computer screen. Task lighting and overhead lighting can be difficult to get right. Consider using high quality natural daylight light bulbs. These bulbs are the closest thing to natural light. They make you feel awake and improve your ability to function and be productive in your home office.

#4 Eliminate Clutter
Clutter is distracting. It’s also stressful and a waste of time. If you have to spend more than a few seconds looking for something in your home office, it’s too much. Create systems that keep your office organized and your workspace clutter free. Follow through on those systems by creating habits. For example, when you get the mail each day, don’t just dump it on top of the pile. Sort it and file it immediately.

#5 Color and Design
Your home office doesn’t need to look like it came out of a magazine to be effective. However, it does need to make you feel positive and productive. Consider the colors on your walls, the layout of your furniture and how you feel in your home office. If you dread going in there then it’s certainly not doing the job.

Look for colors that support your personality and productivity. Rearrange the furniture so you’re comfortable. You want your home office to be a place you look forward to going into each day.

Spend some time analyzing what is and isn’t working in your home office. Make a small change and evaluate the outcome. Are you more productive? Chances are the answer will be a resounding YES!