A Gallup poll from 2016 estimated that roughly 40% of Americans were at least partially working from home during that time. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, that percentage has dramatically increased. Since spring 2020, thousands of workers who did not previously work remotely are now working from home.
A survey from Stanford estimates that 42% of U.S. workers are now working from home "full time," while 26% are working as essential workers, and 33% aren't working at all. In fact, remote work has been going so well for some companies like Twitter that they're considering maintaining remote work for the foreseeable future.
However, keep in mind that with more people connecting, there is more online crime like identity theft, especially with cybercriminals stealing identities to make fraudulent unemployment claims. If you're working from home, make sure you can enjoy the benefits while mitigating the associated risks. Consider these tips for creating a dynamic home office space designed with productivity in mind, and let Town & Country Federal Credit Union help you keep your information protected when you're connecting from your home office.
Reliable connectivity
When working remotely, everything depends on your connectivity. If your internet access is unreliable with frequent outages or interruptions, you're going to have a frustrating time--and your employer will feel the frustration too. Investing in the best wireless router you can afford can underscore your own reliability as a remote employee. When you can't connect online, you can't meet your employment obligations. Ensure that you have a fast and reliable router so that you can virtually go to work consistently.
Additionally, it's a good idea to have a backup plan in case your internet provider runs into a problem and you temporarily lose your connection. A personal hotspot will allow you to connect even when your Wi-Fi fails. As an additional protection, consider upgrading your home internet service to a business plan. This means your provider will prioritize your service if you experience any technical issues.
The right hardware
Working from home with your laptop may get the job done temporarily, but if you're working from home on a routine basis, you should have the hardware support you need. This may require some investment. Fortunately, Town & Country Federal Credit Union is offering personal loans to help workers set up their home office spaces with all the necessary computer and electronic equipment.
A reliable laptop or desktop computer is essential. You should also consider investing in a large monitor (or two depending on your needs), backup hard drive, printer, scanner, and any other items that are essential to your job. Invest in the right home office equipment so you (and your employer) can feel confident about your productivity. Talk to Town & Country Federal Credit Union to learn about its fraud prevention features when working from home via your connective devices.
Carve out the space
With a laptop and an internet connection, you're ready to work and be on those Zoom calls in a pinch, even if your last-minute setup is on your living room sofa. However, when you're designing your new space, you'll need to choose an actual site for your office. Ideally, you would have a spare room to re-purpose, but that's not always possible.
Many employees have creatively designed home offices under their stairs, in their basement or attic, or in a corner of their dining room or living room. Assess your current floor plan to determine where you have extra space. You might be able to transform your walk-in closet into a home office, or install a room divider in your living room to block off a workspace.
Lighting considerations
People who get plenty of natural light during the day have been shown to sleep better at night. That means they are better rested before each workday. Poor lighting can sabotage your productivity. It can cause you to strain your eyes and suffer from headaches. Light up your workspace, especially if you're working in an area that doesn't get much or any natural light. The ideal spot is near a window to take advantage of the natural light during the day.
Desk or tabletop
Your space will determine the size of your desk or worktable, but you'll have lots of options when it comes to style. Sit-to-stand desks are a trend you might want to consider. Since you won't be running--literally--to catch the early train into work, you should consider ways to maintain your fitness. Standing up to do work may help you reduce the risk for some health conditions that are associated with long hours in a chair. At Town & Country, for instance, employees rely on both seated and standing models. Ultimately, you should choose a desk where you are comfortable working because you're going to be spending a lot of time with it.
Ergonomic chair
A high-quality ergonomic office chair that complements your desk setup is another item that can enhance your productivity. It's hard to stay motivated when your back is aching because your chair doesn't provide adequate support. There are several chair styles on the market today. An ergonomic chair can reduce back pain, neck pain, and relieve hip pressure. While it can be tempting to order a chair online, this is a purchase you might want to make in person so you can test out some chairs before you settle on one.
Add plants
You might not initially think that healthy, green plants are essential, but they can definitely enhance how you work. Many types of houseplants actually improve air quality. Hanging a spider plant or aloe vera plant near your workspace could even reduce your stress levels. Studies have shown that the presence of a few indoor plants can actually boost productivity by about 15%.
Design a space you'll love
In a typical office setting, you won't have a lot of choice when it comes to design or aesthetics. That changes when you set up your home office space. If a film poster of Tom Hardy placed above your computer monitor motivates you to work hard, you can have it. This is your ideal space to create. Think about what motivates you, colors or images you like, or small decorations that can brighten your desk. Just be sure to avoid a crowded workspace or unnecessary distractions.
Set some ground rules
Creating a productive home office isn't just about tangible items like chairs and tablets. It's also about behavioral practices. To ensure that you stay on track with work, it may be necessary to lay down some ground rules if you live with others or have children. If you're perpetually disturbed, you'll find it difficult to get your work done. Then, work will bleed into your personal time.
Let your household know your work hours so they can refrain from disturbing you for anything but emergencies. Similarly, avoid taking personal calls during work. It's a convenience to interrupt your work for calls, chores, or cooking, but too many distractions can prevent you from doing your best work.
Stick to your office hours
To enjoy a positive work-life balance, confine your work to a set period of time. That way, you can maximize your most productive hours. With a structured day and expected routine, you can schedule your tasks in a manner that suits you best. You might want to tackle your emails first thing in the morning or complete your most difficult tasks first. Set goals that you can meet during your scheduled time frame. Let your employer know that you're abiding by a structured schedule so they will know when you're available to meet or take calls.
Document your work
Even though you're working at home, you're still obligated to your employer. Each company will have different methods for keeping tabs on their remote workforce. For your own sake, document how you spend each day so you can plainly show your work if you're faced with a productivity audit. You don't need an elaborate system. You can simply make lists of tasks on your daily calendar or download a helpful app that tracks your work. This documentation may help you gauge your productivity as much as it lets your employer know you're completing your responsibilities.
Take breaks
Just like at your employer's office, work breaks are important. Don't skip them just because you're home. Take those breaks to move around and get your blood flowing. Use your lunch break to actually prepare a healthy meal. Because you're spending so much time at home, it's a good idea to get away for your breaks a few times each week.
A home office that's designed with your productivity goals in mind is achievable with careful planning. You can begin with a budget so you know what you can afford to spend on the various features of your home office. If you'd like to invest in a major renovation to create a home office, talk to Town & Country about applying for a personal loan. Investing in your productive office space is an investment in your career, and we'd love to help.
For more information and personal loan options, schedule an appointment here to speak with a Town & Country representative.
The Link LonkFebruary 12, 2021 at 01:30AM
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