Let’s get one thing straight: if you work from home you need a home office and, no, the kitchen table does not count. We’re not saying you have to kick your kids out on the street so that you can have a separate room and a notice on the door that says “Do Not Disturb”, but you do need to have a designated working area, even if that is just a corner of your living room or a chunk of your bedroom. Why? Simple. Productivity. It is the not-so-secret ingredient that ensures your business has the best chance of succeeding.
Of course, where your office is located is not the only variable that is going to have some sort of say over your productivity because what is in your office also falls within the bell curve of important.
With that in mind, we have pulled together a list of the essential things your home office needs:
(NB: we’re not talking luxuries here, so if you are after a pretty place to work, then you may want to hit the back button).
Number 1: The Desk
If you’re using the kitchen table because it is the only flat surface you have available, then you already know what your first purchase needs to be; a desk. This is just the most crucial move you can make in your hunt for productivity. However, don’t just settle for any desk; think about your needs. Do you need drawers for organizing your work? Do you need a lot of surface space? Do you need something that can be moved easily? Once you know what your needs are, you can then start looking for the best value option.
Number 2: The Internet
Unless you are a blacksmith or a cobbler or a Luddite, then you and your business no doubt rely on the Internet. That’s right, rely. So, if you want to be any level of successful and even a smidgen of productive, you need to get yourself high-speed Internet access, in which we recommend you visit i3Broadband for more information and a quick speed check. The other thing that is worth taking into consideration is where your hub is, which is our way of saying put it in your office or, at the very least, get yourself a wifi booster.
Number 3: On The Move
We live in a day and age where you can – and should – work from anywhere you are. In life – and business – time is the most important commodity, which is why you need to be able to work while you’re on the move. That is why you need to get yourself a laptop or a tablet, which is the world is heading. Not only will this allow you to work effectively while on the move, but it will also grant you access to thousands of apps, many of which are specifically designed to make running a business easier.
Number 4: The Chair
Being comfortable is one of the most critical factors to take into consideration because it has a direct impact on your productivity. That’s a fact. Like an actual fact. Not one of those “facts” that Donald Trump likes to spew on Twitter. Of course, comfort is subjective, so try before you buy. As a little tip, however, get something that is adjustable in every sense of the word.
