As cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continue to
rise, companies have asked the majority of their employees to work from home in
a bid to curb the spread of the disease.
In Kenya, despite the Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe
ordering businesses to allow their employees to work remotely, some have
declined as most of them are casual workers.
However, as employees are adapting to working from home,
some still find it challenging.
Creating a functional working space is not as hard; here as
some of the ways you can ensure your workspace at home is conducive.
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A good desk and chair
One of the most important things to consider when you are
working from home is the chair and the desk you'll be using. A good chair can
ensure you don't break your back or tire easily. Choose a chair and a
comfortable desk; otherwise, you'll hate working from home.
Minimal interruptions
The last thing you want is to be interrupted when you are
working remotely. Having kids at home, especially now that institutions have
been closed, can cause you a lot of distractions. To avoid this, make sure that
your kids have something to do. Engage them in some online learning or even
games to keep them busy. Also, if you don't have a home office, choose a room
where you can lock yourself to reduce the distractions.
Good lighting
There's nothing more frustrating than straining your eyes
when working from home. Choose a corner or a setting with proper lighting if
you have the option. If your work requires you to do meetings online, e.g., on
Zoom, choose an area that brings you natural light; otherwise, your colleagues
might struggle to see you.
Decorate your working space
You don't want to get bored when you are working from home.
Putting up inspirational quotes or artworks around your working space can make
it easier for you. However, don't put up too much decorating that will cause
distractions.
Look for a way to keep time
If you don't create a working plan, you might overwork
yourself. Have a way you can track time to know when to take a break. It's easy
for time to pass by when you are working remotely, and before you know it,
you've been working for over 12 hours. Whether you'll choose to hang a wall clock,
or set up an alarm, find a way to track time.
Equip your working space
Depending on what kind of work you do, consider what
equipment you'll require. If you are a designer, consider all the tools you'll
need and keep them in place; otherwise, you'll struggle to find them when you
are trying to beat a client's deadline. Make sure your working space is well
organized to help you work efficiently. Arrange your equipment at the end of
the day in a way you won't struggle to find them in case the need arises.