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How to create a productive home-office environment

Brokers who work from home will know the pros and cons of a home office.

While there’s freedom and flexibility, it’s also easy for productivity to slip with no-one to encourage you.

Here are some tips to help.

Your work environment plays a critical role in your productivity. Studies show office workers with bright, attractive spaces, comfortable furniture and a supportive culture work better. But how does this apply to brokers working from home?

Self-employed broker Adrian Willenberg, who has been running his business, Broker Intelligence, for seven years, says he spends eight to nine hours in his home office. When his business began, the first thing he did was make sure he had a dedicated space.

“It’s not ideal to work on the kitchen bench or loungeroom,” says Willenberg. “A dedicated space prevents distractions such as snacking or TV. Just entering your office helps you mentally prepare for work.”

Another idea is to start and finish the day at the same time as you would in any other office job. Willenberg chooses 8:30am to 5:30pm.

While you could work in your tracksuit pants or pyjamas when not meeting clients, try making it a habit to dress for work instead. This puts your psyche into a more productive work mode.

For Willenberg having enough desk space is also vital. “My desk is large enough to accommodate two screens, a printer, in-tray, as well as extra space for paperwork, client files, phone and so on,” he says.

“Plenty of natural light also really contributes to productivity,” he adds. “I never need artificial light.

“My office is a quiet space, but I always have the radio on in the background as I love my music.”

Taking a lunch break will also boost your afternoon productivity. “Whether that’s a run around the block or a quick walk to get some fresh air, just get out for at least 30 minutes,” says Willenberg.

Being organised is the key element of a highly productive home office culture. “If client phone calls need to be made, make them from 9.00am onwards,” advises Willenberg. “That leaves plenty of time to follow up again later in the afternoon as clients can’t always answer on the spot.

It’s critical to keep in touch with existing referral partners too: “Book appointments to see them frequently, or even a quick phone call or email is important for you to stay front-of-mind.

“Then complete the working day by outlining tomorrow’s tasks in order of importance.”

Willenberg adds that his golden rule is to keep his desk clean: “When I finish work, all files are put away and locked in the cabinet, so my office is ready for the following day.”

Other tips for creating a productive environment include:

1. Reproduce elements of a location that makes you feel most alert and productive, such as a coffee shop or park.
2. Organise drawers by importance for quick access to your most frequently used items.
3. Sync up your important documents to be accessed on any device.
4. Automate the opening and closing of the apps you use.
5. Invest in ergonomics to prevent poor posture and fatigue caused by uncomfortable furniture and reduce eyestrain by lowering the brightness of your screen.

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