Make Your Home Office Work For You

More Australians are working from home now than ever before, thanks to advances in personal computing and the internet to connect us with partners and customers all over the world. As of 2021 The Australian Bureau of Statistics census data revealed that out of 12 million people employed, more than 20 percent were working at home, that’s 2.5 million people! Working at home saves time and money, as well as allowing us to enjoy the comforts of being in our personal space. It sounds great, and it is, but there are some things we need to consider. Sitting at your laptop in the middle of a busy kitchen is not going to be conducive to producing your best work. You’ll require a quiet, private space dedicated to your job, that’s outfitted with all the tools you need to get it done.

In other words, it’s time for you to create your very own home office! The following are some tips on making your home office work for you and your career.

• Points of contact – You are going to have to be connected in one way or another, so whatever part of your home you choose to set up in will likely need a phone connection, and, depending on your ISP, an internet cable or solid WiFi connection. If necessary, it’s not that hard to DIY some lines from another room to your desk. If you really want to stand above the crowd invest in a private phone line connected to an answering machine to use as your business line. It may sound old-fashioned in the age of cell phones, but having a customer call you and reach a professional-sounding message really makes a difference in how you are perceived. It really impresses if, instead of your own voice, your message features the work of voice over artists in Sydney, their talented professionals are guaranteed to give your callers a positive and polished impression of your business with every call. This is especially true if you business requires any sort of interactive voice response.
• You are where you sit – That old kitchen chair and a repurposed end table are not going to cut it in the long run, you are going to want to invest in some proper office furniture, even if you are working at home. You will be spending a lot of time sitting at your desk, so you need a set up that contributes to productivity by ensuring you stay comfortable throughout your workday. Ergonomic, adjustable office furniture has been scientifically proven to bring out the best in us as we work.
• Light the way – Even though much of our time is spent looking at a monitor, insufficient lighting in your work area can cause eye strain and headaches, which are not conducive to getting our best work done. Try to pick a space that receives as much natural light as possible, and boost your overhead lighting with an adjustable desk lamp.

Working at home is a wonderful way to do business, but keep in mind you really shouldn’t wear your fluffy pink bathrobe during Zoom meetings!