Collaborative Post¦ There are so many benefits to working from home. You can make as many cups of coffee as you like, you can stretch, move a little more and no longer worry about ironing your suit in the morning.

Of course, some people dislike being able to separate their working life from their home environment, with claims that their mental well-being is severely, negatively impacted. Whatever side of the fence you’re on, when it comes to home working, having a productive and effective home office environment is crucial. Not only will it keep your output levels high, but if you’re someone who struggles with working at home, it can help you make the lines between work and play much clearer.

Here we’ll explore how to make your home office a hive of productivity.

Surround yourself with your motivation

Working from home means you don’t have to suffer the strict rules of a traditional office. You can decorate your workspace however you wish. No more business paraphernalia, no more “hang in there!” kitty posters. You can keep your working area as decorative or as simple as you wish. However, if you’re looking to focus on your productivity then surrounding yourself with plenty of motivation will keep you going. Consider a customised picture collage of that holiday location you’re working towards, the smiling faces of your children, your pets or your retirement plans! There are no rules when it comes to motivation, but decorating your walls and desk space with photos of what means most to you will help.

Keep it organised

Searching for your headset and trying to untangle all the wires whilst the phone rings is a nightmare. You’re already stressed and agitated before you answer the call! By keeping your workspace organised, you’ll be able to move between tasks smoothly and efficiently. Before you start work for the day, get into the habit of having everything you need placed around you, neatly. Don’t log on until you’re ready and poised to work.

Try to separate your home and work-life

Not everyone has the luxury of office space. With many people struggling to work effectively from the kitchen table and even their bedrooms, it’s easy to see why so many people are worried about their mental wellbeing. Being able to separate your home life and your work life is not only better for your overall wellbeing, but it’ll also boost your productivity and efficiency when you are working.

Keeping the physical reminders of your job hidden when you’re not logged in is a simple, yet effective way to keep your lives separate. Don’t just turn the laptop off, put it away in its bag and place it out of sight. Tidy your notes and place them in a drawer etc. Also, avoid bringing too many homey items into your work area.

Finally, get comfortable

If you’re hunched over the dining room table or sitting cross-legged on your bed for 8 hours a day, it’s going to show in your health and productivity. Invest in a high-quality office chair and make sure it’s at the right height. The more comfortable you are, the more productive you’ll be.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.