When working from home, it’s easy to put cleanliness and maintenance on the back burner. All too often, we often think of our home offices as less a workspace and more of a room (or a corner) with a desk and a chair.
But ignoring basic maintenance can put us in serious trouble. We can’t do any meaningful work if our computer breaks, and we’re also putting our health in serious jeopardy by surrounding ourselves with clutter and broken electronics.
Where we work affects how we work. If our environment is clean and quiet, we are more likely to be motivated and productive. And if you’re working from home for the foreseeable future, you need to prioritize regular maintenance as part of your remote setup. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your home workspace in great shape.
- Inspect your equipment
Regular inspections can help prevent small issues from growing bigger down the line. Many maintenance problems go unnoticed until it becomes repair or replacement is required. But if you know where to look, you can spot and fix some of the issues before becoming a headache. Make it a point to check your office equipment, such as your computer and wireless router, at least once or twice a month.
For instance, a frayed power cable might appear harmless at first, but it can develop into a serious fire hazard if left alone. Dust buildup on electronics can also damage the sensitive circuitry. Damaged computers and electronics can be repaired with the help of an expert in computer repair, but we’re sure you’d rather not have any problems crop up in the first place.
- Leave repairs to the pros
So you’ve spotted an issue in your home office. Maybe your wireless router is malfunctioning, or the printer isn’t working. The next logical step is to initiate repairs. But before you reach for your toolbox, you need to understand a DIY fix might be the wisest choice. You could end up causing more problems than you are solving.
There are times when it’s appropriate to initiate quick fixes ourselves. But when it comes to expensive electronics, it’s best to leave the repairs to the professionals. For starters, you may not be equipped with the knowledge to diagnose and fix problems accurately. And even if you do manage to fix the problem, it may not last as long. It’s best to call someone and have them handle the issues.
- Keep your workspace clean
Hygiene and productivity go hand in hand. If your desk is dirty and disorganized, your senses will be overloaded with clutter imagery, which affects your ability to focus on your tasks. On the other hand, you can enjoy better productivity and performance by working in a clean and healthy environment. Too much dirt is also a health hazard, and the last thing you want is to call in sick right before an important deadline.
You don’t have to do much to keep your home office clean. Small actions every day reduces the amount of work you have to do down the line. For instance, avoid eating at your desk since the crumbs could attract ants and other pests. Buying the right cleaning equipment, such as a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleanser, allows you to take care of spills and dust buildup easily.
- Invest in improvements
Buying new equipment and investing in upgrades for your home office might be expensive at the beginning, but you’ll thank yourself later on once you reap the benefits of your investment. For instance, an ergonomic office chair will help prevent many of the problems associated with sitting for long periods of time. And you can say goodbye to random freezes and slowdowns if you get a faster computer.
It also helps to invest in office improvements. If your home office is looking a bit drab and dreary, painting the colors a bright color will liven things up. Placing a few indoor plants will also make your workspace more healthy and comfortable. And if you’re worried about cost, think of the savings down the line. Newer equipment is often more durable and energy-efficient, which then translates to lower bills.
A final word
These pointers will help you turn your home office into an office you can be proud of. Remote work will be more common in the future, and prioritizing maintenance and investing in the right improvements will help ensure a healthier and more productive time in your home office.
