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The art of the home office: 3 key tips

If you're new to the art of the home office, keep in mind the factors that can make or break the productivity of working from home.

home office
home office · Photo: Vida en Yucatán

The home office is a fine art learned with discipline and the odd technique… If you’re new to remote work or find it hard to be productive in your pyjamas, here are three pillar tips for beginners.

Modernity demands new methods and work alternatives. Young people are the pioneers of the generation that wants to go freelance and start remote-work businesses.

To do so, you need the basics for a home office: an internet connection, a computer and a workspace.

There are different companies, and even restaurants, that offer the best internet-connection services and coworking spaces that replace and improve on the office-work experience.

On the other hand, one of the fundamental problems of taking work home or starting a home-office schedule is the lack of organisation.

And not only that: you can make lists and a schedule to follow, but without discipline and self-control, nothing we can advise you will be useful.

Once the above is sorted, it’s worth checking these three tips to boost your creativity and be more productive during your home-office time.

Tips for a productive home office

1. The best room in the house

If your house has a yard or garden, make the most of those outdoor spaces as a way to gain more productivity.

Being in an outdoor environment and in contact with nature will keep you more focused on your home-office tasks.

If you work indoors, besides being near an internet source, you can adapt the space so you feel more relaxed.

To do so, choose a place with a window or access to natural light and reinforce the lighting with a functional lamp.

2. The colours of the space

Pay attention to the colours of the walls and choose accessories that encourage creativity.

One example is blue. Others, like green and white, help you concentrate. It’s also important for the room to be dominated by light, bright colours so you feel more motivated.

The choice of colours can be useful when creating a to-do list or activity calendar — whether a manual one where you put up post-its and decorate with your favourite colours and designs, or a virtual one. Organisation is the key to making the home office a success.

3. The value of comfort

Another point to keep in mind for working from home relates to furniture. The sofa is a good option, but after several hours of work your body may not take it.

Instead, invest in a small desk and a comfortable chair. Finally, give the space your personal touch with an accessory and stationery items that motivate you to work.

An idea you’ll love is that you can work in comfortable clothes. Use the time you save on commuting to eat and take breaks; don’t forget to change positions.

And if you want to work remotely and live by the beach, Mérida has an extensive coast dotted with super calm, relaxed resorts. One example is Progreso, less than 30 minutes by car from the city.

Home office
Home office

Read: Manage your business remotely with these 5 apps.

Do you know about coworking spaces?

For those who prefer to work outside their home, besides many cafés or restaurants, there are several coworking spaces. But what should you keep in mind when choosing them? There are three key points:

Location. Try to make sure the space you choose is near a physical environment that meets your needs and interests.

Amenities. The services a coworking space offers go beyond WiFi and conference rooms. Offers such as parking, standing desks and other options are also appealing.

Cost-effectiveness. One of the main reasons you’re choosing that space is cost-effectiveness. Look at several options and decide which one best fits your budget.

In Mérida we recommend these coworking spaces:

UrbanHub: it has open and closed offices, conference rooms and runs different kinds of promotions.

Location: Calle 11 No. 338.

Clustar: besides the usual amenities such as open and closed workspaces, it has an open area with a pool and terrace, and there’s a zone for going with children.

Location: Calle 61 No. 217.

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