10 Home Office Productivity Tips for Running a Successful Home-Based Business
Small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) across the globe have had to move their operations to their homes as many countries went into some kind of lockdown over the last few months. Thanks to the internet, consumers and small businesses can easily connect from across the globe. This can all be achieved from the comfort of your house. However, the convenience of operating a business from home can lead to confusion when drawing the line between your personal and office space.
And you’re not alone either. Close to 1 in 3 home-based workers feel that they have a hard time separating business and their personal lives. Below you’ll find a list of tips and strategies to help you get the most out of your living space and while growing your home-based business.1)
1) Standardise processes for your home business
Keep receipts, documents and files stored in a dedicated cabinet. Set up a routine when shipping orders. Keep the office tidy. Be a stickler for procedure. This allows you to maintain a constant level of professionalism across your operations and establish protocols within your home-based company.
2) Ensure you have proper lighting
Studies have shown that proper lighting is not only good for your eyes, but your mental health as well. A dark basement is not the ideal place to work. Invest in some lamps and bright LED lightbulbs that give off a white light. Try to work in an area where sunlight is abundant.
3) Separate business and pleasure
Draw a line between your business and your personal life. It’s tempting to work from your sofa only to end up distracted by the television. Create a dedicated workspace away from the areas where you relax. Set a clear working schedule to avoid procrastinating during work hours.
4) Ergonomic rules still apply
Make sure you set up your workspace properly. Consider purchasing an ergonomic chair, a standing desk or whatever office furniture that will make you more productive and comfortable.
5) Automate as many tasks as you can
With only 24 hours in a day, your time is better spent on important tasks that will help grow your business. Automate as much as you can. A smart assistant can help you stay organised. If you send a lot of mail and parcels, consider an integrated technology solution like SendPro™+. If you’re just shipping parcels, consider SendPro™ Online, our new online parcel sending platform where you can add your own carriers and even integrate your eCommerce stores such as eBay, Shopify and WooCommerce.
6) Create a green workspace
Surround yourself with plants and greenery to boost your mood. Studies have shown that employees are 15% more productive when their workplaces include some houseplants. Plants help get you psychologically engaged while promoting happiness, which results in better work.
7) Dress for success
Rolling out of bed and wearing your activewear all day may be simpler, but it can also affect your overall mood and productivity. Getting dressed allows you to present the version of yourself you want to be to the world and puts you in the right frame of mind.
8) Get some fresh air
Get out of the house and take meaningful breaks. When working at home, it can be easy to lose track of time. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery or time to recharge. 77% of small business owners have stated that they feel the effects of burnout. A recent study has identified that more than 70% of professional workers are experiencing burnout during these COVID-19 times, making it clear that people need to get better at separating their work-life and personal life.
9) Stay connected for a better working situation
One study shows that 21% of home-based workers feel lonely from time to time. Isolation is great for concentrating, but it stifles creativity and reduces motivation in longer intervals. Dedicate time for face-to-face contact, be it through virtual weekly meetings, discussions, or as restrictions relax working remotely from a coffee shop or coworking space.
10) Invest in the right tools
Working from home lets you save on office space rent. However, you should always invest in the equipment needed to get tasks done properly. Accounting software is a must if you need to track expenses. If you ship packages regularly, consider getting a SendPro Online account. You can also consider getting a Pitney Bowes SendKit bundle, which has an integrated scale and printer, so you can easily send packages from home. Accurately weigh packages with the scale and print professional looking shipping labels right from the integrated label printer. When it comes to home office productivity, you need a balance between concentration and stimulation. The perfect home office should let you focus on your work while getting you in the perfect state of mind. For more information about solutions like SendPro+, SendPro Online and other tools to help your business, click here. For shipping, office and cleaning supplies, check out the Pitney Bowes webstore.