Working from home sounds like the ideal set-up. No coworkers dropping by to distract you, no commute, and no need to dress up. You get to lounge around in your sweatpants and grab snacks from your own fridge in between taking important calls and answering emails. 

There's a potential downside to the freedom to work when and how you want, though. If you're not careful, work can stretch out and fill the entire day, making it feel like you're never quite at work but never off the clock, either. You may find yourself doing laundry and binge-watching your favorite show in the middle of the workday and then scrambling to finish an important project at midnight.

Instead, stay focused by setting up a remote workspace at your Parkside Redmond Apartment so you have all the benefits of working from home with none of the downsides. 

<h2>Top Three Tips for Creating a Productive Remote Workspace</h2> 

<h3>Take Inventory to Determine What You Need</h3> 

It may sound obvious, but different roles require different kinds of workspaces. While a writer may only need a strong WiFi connection and a laptop, a graphic designer might be more comfortable with a drafting table, multiple monitors, a high-quality printer, and a larger work area. If you're used to going into an office every day, ask yourself what aspects of your workspace you use the most. Which contribute the most to your productivity? While it may not be possible to fully recreate your office at home, it is possible to create a pared down version that has all the essentials. 

<h3>Create a Dedicated Space to Limit Distractions</h3> 

The worst decision for your productivity is to change your workspace from day-to-day, working from the couch one day, then moving to the dining room table or your bedroom later in the week. Not only does this contribute to the sense that you're working all the time, anywhere and everywhere, but it also slows you down when you need to use those spaces for daily living. There's nothing like having to clear files off the table before you serve dinner to keep you from getting to work in the first place. To be productive, create a dedicated space where all of the tools you need to do your job are easily accessible and never have to be cleared away for another activity.

If you have one of our two-bedroom apartments, now might be the time to quickly convert that guest room into a home office. Being able to shut the door while you work (and when you're done with work) is ideal. However, our one-bedrooms and studios are so spacious, there's plenty of room to create a private workspace. Consider using a bookshelf to establish a nook where you can work in peace. Or, in a pinch, a heavy curtain will do. Anything that separates your workspace from your living space will keep distractions away while you're working and keep work from intruding on your home life. 

<h3>Look for the Light</h3> 

Did you know that Harvard business productivity experts have determined that natural light is the most preferred office perk? And that adequate amounts of natural light significantly improves mental health while at work, contributes to better sleep, and increases worker productivity? When setting up your home office, you have the luxury of choosing the corner office and giving yourself the natural light that you need. In other words, put your desk near a window and open the blinds while you work. Your brain will thank you. 

With a little planning, a remote workspace can be as productive and inviting as your regular office. Protect your personal time and boost your productivity by setting up a home office that works for you. If you're looking for a place to call home, contact us today. We'd be glad to schedule a tour of our luxury apartments in Redmond.