Millions of professional Americans work from home full-time. Many millions more work from home at least two days per week. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you count yourself among them.
There’s also a good chance that you find working at home challenging. Not because your boss is breathing down your neck or your colleagues can’t seem to take the hint that you’d prefer to be left alone. Quite the opposite — because working at home can be really boring.
Is anything to be done? Yes, and it’s not as difficult as you might think. These six strategies could make the home office a little less stifling and a little more productive.
- Take Short, Frequent Breaks
As a work-from-homer, do you allow yourself what corporate wellness expert Alan Kohll terms “the long lost lunch break”? You should, along with several shorter breaks throughout the day. Research suggests that workers perform better when they’re given short, frequent breaks. The “five in sixty” rule is popular: breaking for five minutes every hour. Give it a try and see where it takes you.
- Pursue an Opportunity That Gets You Out of the House
Is your work-at-home boredom due mainly to lack of social stimulation? Pursue an opportunity that involves face time with real people. Fundraising distribution is a great example, and an awesome way to raise money for worthy causes. What’s more, the experts at ABC Fundraising tell us that full-time fundraising distributors can earn $5,000 or more working from home.
- Add Softer Touches to Your Workspace
Mood lighting? Landscape photos? Calming paint tones? Pictures of loved ones? Whatever works. This is your workspace, after all, and your home. Treat it as such.
- Have at Least Two Working Configurations
You’re probably aware of the possible benefits (and downsides) of working at a standing desk. Perhaps you use one already. Unfortunately, standing at a desk for hours on end isn’t any less stimulating than sitting at one. So, change things up with at least two working configurations: a standing desk and a sitting desk, or an adjustable alternative.
- Let in Natural Light (And Liven Up the View)
Even if your home office isn’t blessed with grand picture windows, do what you can to let in natural light. That might mean leaving a door open to an airier part of the house, or removing the blackout shades up from when your home office was a bedroom. Outside, add a bird feeder or flower pot to spruce up the view (if you have an eye-level window).
- Connect With Other Work-at-Homers
Two words: coffee date. Reach out to other at-home workers in your area via LinkedIn and arrange a weekly or monthly meetup. Keep it casual and open-invite. This is about socializing, not scheming.
Rekindle Your Love for Working From Home
These could be the first steps in your campaign to rekindle your love for working from home — a love no one should fret about losing, given the alternatives. You may recommend other strategies to make the home office a bit more bearable. Don’t be afraid to pipe up and share.
