Career Tool kit

Chances are that you have laid claim to a particular area at home, found a go-to coffee mug and have really worn out those fuzzy pink pajama pants since the pandemic hit in March 2020. It is tough striking a balance between work, life and home school, for some, so let’s resolve to add order in the world around you. Whether you are still temporarily working remotely, are a home-based business or maybe the kids have flown the nest and you reclaimed their bedroom as your “for her only” space, here are some tips to design your domain on a dime.

Let’s set the scene. With all of the virtual, video and team meetings on your calendar, put yourself in the Director’s chair and take a “lights, camera, action!” approach for these home office hacks.

Lights

Natural lighting

Face lighting

Wall Colors

Camera

Decor

Area rugs

Sound control

Action

Design

Working Space

Leisure space

Now lets organize your space into two sets

On-Camera

Trending now: one seat with a minimalistic, well-lit background, up to two pieces of wall art with an inspirational word art piece placed nearby.

Behind-the-scenes

Although out of the camera’s view, this space determines how well you will function. If this space stays organized, your clarity and focus improve.

Every Director needs an assistant. You are likely already paying for one and now’s the time to put ‘em to use. Calling out “hey Google,” “hey Siri,” “Alexa help” or “hey Cortana” can simplify your work routine with one quick command…after another…after another. Your virtual assistant can help with dialing phone numbers, reading and writing your text messages and playing your song list that really gets you into organizing mode.

TAKE 1: Lighting and Color

 These two choices make a tremendous impact on your productivity. When possible, sit facing a window to enjoy the radiance of the sun and to absorb energy from natural daylight. Choosing a wall color or covering that is muted creates a work-friendly environment. Beige, white, lavender, heather gray and soft pink are known to spur creativity, as well as create relaxation. Matte finish paint colors absorb extra light for a subtle, yet smooth look. For those on-camera meeting appearances, use a ring light or a clip-on laptop light source if your space is not otherwise well-lit. Creating a well-organized office space begins with setting the tone for a workspace that motivates you. When you’ve achieved that feeling, move on to—

TAKE 2: Sound and Décor

Noise can be stressful and distracting background noises can be a productivity[1]killer. For the win, hang sound absorbing decorative panels around your office. For added relief from your noisy home-based colleagues (family and furry friends, alike) try noise-cancelling headphones. Also try protecting your peace with door signage. Colorful adhesive notes work just fine and you can post them on your closed door for whatever fits your occasion or mood, such as—

  • Come in
  • In a meeting
  • Working – knock gently
  • On a call/video – please text
  • Got a deadline – ask someone else

TAKE 3: Design and Space

Imagine that your home office is a tiny house. Tiny homes are popular, in part, for the ingenious storage hacks that are built-in to the design. Convertible furniture and space-savers round out our home office hacks. Benches with built-in cubbies to hold your files, bookshelves that pull double duty as reading nooks for your leisure time, as well as wall-mounted mirror cabinets to hide your supplies, are helpful. Keep your favorite reading materials nearby; Career Mastered Magazine is a great addition to your reading room. Oh, and while you’re at the mirror, try some positive self-talk to boost your mood.

One more thing. Kick the trash can out of your home office. By keeping garbage outside of your home workspace, you stand to keep this inner sanctum cleaner…and you get a few more daily steps in when you discard your trash elsewhere. That’s a wrap for this edition of the Career Toolkit.

Tisha L. Hammond is known as The Small Business CheerleaderTM. She is the International Bestselling Author of ‘Daily Devotional for Entrepreneurs: Your Season to Grow,’ a 12-week guide to faith-based, profit-first entrepreneurship. Find her weekly ‘Pep Talk LIVE’ on YouTube and at www.tishahammond.com.

Scroll to Top