More than two years since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, even as workplaces have reopened, a majority of workers who say their jobs can be done mainly from home have opted to do just that, rather than return to the office. It’s a trend that started even before coronavirus shut the world down in March 2020. Not surprisingly, flexibility of scheduling and the additional advantages of remote work were already catching on.
If you enjoy working as a recruiter from home and plan to make it ongoing, good on you – and your employer. It’s a terrific privilege to have. And it helps to do all you can to set yourself up for success – and focus on doing your job efficiently and productively. (Note: Think twice about moonlighting. It’s career misstep number one! If you need a better work/life/financial/career balance, talk to a pro about it. But don’t shoot yourself in the foot.)
Here are some tips for creating the ideal work-from-home space:
Find your space.
Find an empty space in your home like a spare bedroom, attic or basement. It should be quiet and free from distractions. If you don’t have an extra room, find an out-of-the-way area in an existing one, such as a corner of your dining room table. Avoid working in your living room or bedroom. Keep these areas free for rest, relaxation, and getting away from work.
Brighten it up.
If possible, set up your home work area near a window so you have access to natural light. It can do wonders for your focus and mood. But if not, overhead lighting works, and you can take it a step further by adding a desk or floor lamp.
Invest in the right furniture.
Ergonomics and comfort count for a whole lot, wherever you work. Select a chair that’s the right height and provides good back and arm support. If you don’t have an office chair, look for another chair in your home that meets these requirements.
A similar rule applies to your desk. It should be big enough for your computer and other basic supplies, ideally with some additional room to spread out. And it also needs to be the right height and work with the chair you have selected.
Declutter and organize.
If you’re not sure how to get started on this one, here’s an easy solution: Remove anything from your work area that doesn’t need to be there. Then, look at ways to organize what does. Separate important documents and files in a secure cabinet or drawer, and use a desk organizer for writing utensils, post-it notes and the like. You can always add wall shelves or labeled storage bins for books and other larger items – and hang favorite photos or art behind your desk.
Work/life balance and the right work environment are deal breakers. To find the best opportunity and culture as you grow your talent acquisition career, reach out to the Search Wizards team. We focus solely on connecting recruiting pros with leading employers to meet their unique goals, aspirations and needs. Contact us today to learn more.
