With remote work becoming increasingly common, it’s time to level up your home office game. Whether working a few days from home each week or permanently, you must adapt and get through your workload. The novelty is gone, and it’s time to get down to business.
Know that when you spend time creating the perfect home office, you can further your career in the long term and boost productivity and happiness in the short term. So, let’s take a look at what you can do to build a home office.
Start with a Private Office
Currently, where do you work at home? Most people are guilty of camping out on the dining room table or setting up a desk in the living room. But, you have to remember that these are living areas in your home. They’re where you are supposed to feel relaxed and safe. You don’t want to mix business into this equation since it can affect your home life, as well as bring down productivity levels when you’re working. It’s best to have a private home office.
Know that you don’t have to use a room in your house. Instead, you can take advantage of your garden. There are structures you can have installed that will create your own working space and increase the value of your home at the same time. Head to https://www.leisurebuildings.com/product-category/garden-rooms-offices/ to see some examples of the garden room offices on offer. Then, you can boost your productivity and focus by having a space dedicated to working. Then, you can return home at the end of the day without the commute.
Focus on Ergonomics and Furniture
You might not realise it, but your desk and chair are the backbone of your home office. We’re not just talking about somewhere to sit during the day. This is the foundation of your productive work day. When you’re comfortable, you are more focused and hardworking.
Therefore, invest in ergonomic furniture to keep your posture in check. A desk at the right height and a chair with good lumbar support can make marathon work sessions feel like a breeze. You’ll thank yourself later on.
Think about the Ambiance
Let there be light! Adequate lighting can turn a dull workspace into an inspiring haven. Opt for a combination of natural and artificial light sources. Sunlight is a mood booster and makes the most of the day. This means having your curtains open and allowing the sun to pour into the room. Then, when it starts to get dark in the winter, use artificial light to illuminate your tasks and reduce eyestrain.
Organise and Declutter for Productivity
Clutter is the enemy of productivity. It can affect your mood and you can start to procrastinate and tidy the place when you should be working. The best thing you can do is Organise your space with shelves, drawers, and cable management solutions. Keep only what you need on your desk to minimise distractions.
If you find that your desk gets messy after a working day, ensure you tidy it in the evening or in the morning. You don’t want to spend your working hours on this distraction.
Personalise the Place for Motivation
Don’t underestimate the power of personalisation. This can make you feel a lot better when you’re working. Indeed, it can motivate you to keep going. Think about what drives you and makes you push harder. This could be Inspirational quotes, artwork, or a touch of greenery.
Don’t forget some personal photos of your loved ones. Infuse positive energy into your home office. Just make sure that all these personal touches are not creating clutter and taking up space on your desk.
Use Technology for Efficiency
Reliable tech is non-negotiable. Ensure your internet connection is up to speed, invest in quality peripherals, and keep your devices up to date. A smooth tech setup keeps your workflow flowing. It means that all of your tasks online are going to be efficient and you can meet your deadlines. What’s more, think about how you feel when you’ve got a tech error. It can mean you’re frustrated and left in a bad mood. You want to do everything you can to avoid this.
Manage Sound for Concentration
Noise can be the ultimate productivity killer. It robs you of your concentration and it can lower your mood. Consider noise-cancelling headphones if you’re in a noisy environment. Alternatively, use white noise or calming music to drown out distractions. You want to minimise anything you feel can distract you from difficult tasks. Even if this means not having a television in your office or putting your phone in the other room. You want a calm and quiet environment to help you focus.
Watch Your Time for Productivity
Time is your most precious resource. Implement time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused. Set clear boundaries between work and personal time to maintain balance. The last thing you want is to be working from home and procrastinating. This can mean working in your free time, which makes you resent your job. It can also lead to problems such as burnout.
