One of the key benefits that attract many professionals to the work-from-home (WFH) setup is fairly straightforward: you get to work from home. There’s a widely held belief that the lifestyle of a remote worker involves working from the couch in PJs, and a lot of people probably do so given the level of comfort and freedom that a WFH setup affords. Despite what the name suggests, WFH does not necessarily have to entail working from home—at least, not all the time.
Apart from the desk, the bed, and the dining table, there are other places where one can get tasks done while working remotely. In fact, many remote workers recommend having more than one workspace because it enables them to get a change of environment along with a fresh perspective on their tasks. That’s the beauty of remote work: you get to choose where your office should be.
If you’re a professional seeking work-from-home jobs hiring experts in your field, you may need to start determining the arrangements that best suit you. To guide you in this task, here are some tips you need to consider when vetting your options for a secondary workspace:
1. Switch between multiple work areas.
Switching from one work area to another throughout the day can do wonders for your productivity. Sometimes, you don’t even have to leave the house in order to switch up your workspace. When working from home, you can try doing tasks in different areas of the house that may seem comfortable and appropriate for the task.
For example, heavy research and focus-intensive work will need a dedicated desk with access to electrical outlets and wifi. On the other hand, less bandwidth-heavy tasks such as sending emails, setting appointments, and attending webinars can usually be done from the couch or any area with a table. How you choose the areas for specific tasks depends on you, but a helpful tip would be to stay in workable areas for heavy tasks and switch to more comfortable spaces once your body starts to feel tired.
2. Make sure there’s enough lighting.
This probably goes without saying, but you need ample lighting to get your work done. That said, you may want to go beyond your everyday fluorescent lights and get plenty of natural light to keep you motivated every day. Some studies even show that working in daylight can increase one’s productivity and sense of well-being.
Natural light also plays an important role in boosting creativity. So if you find yourself working and thinking better when you can sit in the sun and have a view of the outdoors, you may want to opt for a secondary workspace that provides such a benefit.
3. Check for distractions.
Avoiding distractions is an important skill that you need to learn if you want to succeed in a WFH arrangement. This could also be a reason why you need a second workspace for your tasks. For instance, you might be working the night shift when your neighbors decide to have a party next door. If you work during the day, there might be construction and renovation work in the area that could keep you from working properly. Alternatively, it could be the deafening lack of noise that’s keeping you from concentrating on your tasks. Wherever you choose to work, you need to ensure that the area supports your need for productivity rather than hindering it.
4. Consider places with ambient noise.
Although comfortable noise levels vary from person to person, there is a reason why people like working in coffee shops or prefer listening to nature sounds. Studies have shown that a degree of background noise can improve attention span and stimulate the brain’s capacity for processing information and coming up with creative strategies. Of course, the kind of noise that’s ideal for work depends on your preference. As long as the noise isn’t disruptive, you may want to consider places with plenty of bustle in the background.
5. Try working amid strangers.
Another reason why places like coffee shops, coworking spaces, and libraries are popular among remote workers is the sense of community and belonging they provide. Some people find working alone to be too isolating, which might impact the way they perform tasks. If you feel comfortable doing your own thing while being in the presence of others, you may want to go someplace where people are present. Of course, make sure to be mindful of your surroundings and always prioritize your safety whenever you’re in a public space.
6. Ensure access to electricity and the internet.
Being online is a basic requirement for most WFH jobs, so you need to make sure that you have internet access before choosing your alternative workspace. In addition to internet access, you also need to ensure the availability of a nearby electrical outlet in case your devices’ batteries drain out. If you’ll be staying in the area for just 1 to 2 hours and don’t have bandwidth-heavy tasks, it’s usually enough to charge up your laptop, phone, and other devices. Still, it’s best to bring your device chargers and stay somewhere with internet and electrical access for good measure.
Final Word: Find a space tailored just for you.
Taking all these tips aside, you should understand that it might take some trial and error before you determine the best workspace strategy for you. There may be times when you find coffee shops counterproductive, or maybe you don’t take to working from bed. Nevertheless, this list should serve as your rough guide to exploring the many ways you can perform day-to-day tasks as a remote employee. Ultimately, it takes a great deal of patience and creativity to find the right spaces that would make working from home work for you.