The Short Office Commute

My, how times have changed during the last few weeks. A majority of the population has picked up their offices and started working from home. Whether this is a short or long-term solution, as they adapt, there will definitely be adjustments. The situation is fluid. Where will you work? What supplies do you need? What kind of extras will make it more appealing to go “into” work? And, how do you stay motivated?

After working from home for more than 15 years, me AND my office have gone through many adjustments. Some worked, some didn’t. However, I’m so grateful I learned how to do it, especially in times like these. My office has evolved into the best space possible. It all started at my kitchen table, and once I invested in a beast of a vintage desk, filing cabinet, and soon-to-discover uncomfortable chair, I moved into my office. Finally, I have the perfect desk, comfortable chair, curved monitor, online files, and wireless equipment. These things didn’t happen overnight, but now my office is a sweet spot of creativity and productivity. Although I still like to tweak it every now and then ;)

During the mid 90’s, while working for a major corporation, I was introduced to the concept of working from home. We were each given a laptop, and a printer to communicate sales, product needs, and fill out territory reports to help grow our business. Starting small was the perfect opportunity for me to learn how to work autonomously from home. I loved it. And, throughout the span of my career, I’ve had several roles where I’ve worked solely from home. Unfortunately, in this current climate, there’s been little time to prepare for this concept that may be new to many. A majority of us have been forced to adjust to the all day/everyday model quickly. Hopefully, I can help. I’m sharing some tricks of My trade, along with the adjustments I’ve made to be more efficient working from home.

One thing I didn’t do well in the beginning was to create separation between my work and personal space. It’s hard to do when you’re working from home. However, it’s important to distinguish between the two to help keep your sanity, and not feel like you’re working ALL of the time. If it’s in a conspicuous spot, you may find it difficult to turn it off and “go home.” If possible, please carve out a space to work. Even though you may not have a designated office space, there may be a few workarounds in your space.

Get creative by exploring ways to re-purpose the space you live in to hide your “office.” Maybe your office can slip into a drawer, ottoman, or bench? Maybe you can hide it behind a decorative basket in your bookcase, or stacked artfully on the floor next to a chair or couch. On Instagram, I’ve been sharing video of a few spots where I’ve worked from throughout my home in, The Short Office Commute series. Even though I have an amazing office, sometimes it’s nice to have a change of scenery and work from the other spots in my home. It’s especially important right now. In some weird way, it helps me to feel like I’ve stepped “outside” my home to work. Admittedly, I’ve been craving that lately. Once you designate your space, try to personalize it. Because if it’s unappealing, you may find it challenging to work. 

Here are the main components of my office and, the investments I’ve made:

Desk + chair 
Laptop + desktop 
Wireless printer
Filing system
Chalkboard
Supplies

Power strip. An item I invested in early on, that has paid for itself a thousand times over, was an energy saving power strip. I can turn it on and off when I’m not working on my bigger electronics. Because it has a surge protector, I have peace of mind if a spring shower turns into a major storm. Belkin

Paint. This was a necessity after a tree fell on the back of my house, right where my office is located. Everything changed, and eventually for the better. A few years later, I finally got around to hanging some artwork to spruce up the space. I have a few other wall decor ideas to work on, it’s definitely a work in progress. After obsessing over the perfect white, I ended up choosing the shade of white on the shelf (note to self: if you ask your partner for color advice, well just don’t, haha!). Behr-Home Depot

Desk. Once I realized the benefit of being able to stand while working-click here for some good info I shared in a newsletter-I started searching for the a desk where I could stand and sit to work. Lo and behold, I found a desk that checked off ALL of those boxes. It’s a perfect desk disguised as a work bench we found at Home Depot. It has a handle you can turn to raise and lower the desktop, I smile every time I make a rotation. Whenever I stand intermittently throughout my work day, it helps to open up my mind and gets my blood flowing. I experience unexpected inspiration. And, as a bonus, I can work in a few exercises (note to self: ask them for advice here, you may just “get” a desk!). Husky-Home Depot

Adjustable desk mount. Before finding the perfect desk, I purchased an adjustable, gas spring desk mount for my monitor. It was incredibly affordable, and so worth it. In fact, I still use it. I’m able to raise, lower, and swivel my monitor back and forth. It’s ideal if I’m working in another space in my office. It’s the perfect addition to my perfect desk. Monoprice

Chair. Thankfully I was gifted an extremely, comfortable chair with lumbar support, arms, and casters for mobility. It fits in perfectly with my decor. You can find many gently used chairs and other equipment at used office supply places, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, pawn shops, etc. Keep your eyes open. When I’m working in the Momentum office, I have a new comfortable chair from Office Depot. Brenton-Office Depot

When I wake up in the morning, before I start anything, I grab a cup of tea or coffee and contemplate a plan for the day. I may feel inspired to dive in immediately, however I may also feel the need to carve out 30 minutes for reflection, or motivation before I start on any projects. That may come in the form of reading an article or post I’ve saved, or getting on my yoga mat. Thankfully, once I make a plan, I don’t have to wait until the office is open, or when the rest of the team starts their day. And, if I’m on a roll later in the day, I can stay up later than normal to finish a project, emails, etc. to wrap it up. It’s up to you. Understand, the beauty of working from home is, you pick the time. As long as you get your work done. In choosing the time that works best for you, you can be more efficient, committed, and effective. This may be especially advantageous for people with children, or when working in alignment with YOUR Circadian rhythm. Honor those feelings. 

Here are a few more tips I’ve learned over the years that have been especially important in light of recent events, and the weather. In addition to charging your personal battery with sleep or self-care, always charge the batteries that power your devices overnight, or when you first wake up in the morning. During a recent team call, my electricity went out due to downed power lines. I’m not sure about your area, but we’ve had an exorbitant amount of rain in a neighborhood with an abundance of trees. Some can’t withstand the sustained soaking and eventually fall. Thankfully, my battery was charged, and I could use my phone as a hotspot, so….check your plan to see if you can use your phone as a hotspot. It is an added bonus for instances like these, and a bonus when you’re traveling. 

For the most part, I work from home alone. Since my partner qualifies as an essential worker, he’s gone the majority of the day. I have very few interruptions, and have no experience working with children in the home who are managing their studies, or who are too young to entertain themselves. My Momentum Leaders CEO, April Benetollo, shared a few tips on our blog that have helped her navigate working at home with her family, here’s the link to her post. And, if I have any other guidance to share, I’ll send it your way. 

Hopefully, you’ve found some inspiration for your space. However, if you need help to adapt to the space you’re working in, let me know. I’d be happy to connect online to take a virtual “look” at your work space and help you out. One last thing, try to adhere to your normal work routine. Pour your go-to drink, like; coffee or tea to make it feel as normal as possible. Take breaks, and be sure to make time for a healthy lunch to keep you energized. You’ve got this.