As the pandemic continues to restrict our lives, working from home looks like it may be our ‘new normal’ for some time to come, and while it does have its benefits (goodbye, office commute!), it can be difficult to get to grips with.
While some elements of working from home effectively rely on your ability to adjust your mindset and routines, others rely more heavily on your physical surroundings and the impact your workspace can have on productivity. We’ve put together a list of top tips for building your perfect, productivity producing home office:
Tip #1 – Create a Dedicated Space
While working from your soft-office – otherwise known as your bed – may be tempting, working from areas that you usually associate with sleep and relaxation will not have the desired effect on your productivity levels.
Instead, it will benefit you to choose a dedicated space in your home to set up your workspace. This could be a spare room or even just the corner of a room that isn’t in frequent use. While not always possible, try to choose a space away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of your home-life and free from distractions to avoid broken focus frustrations.
Your chosen space need only be small, but it is essential to remember that it shouldn’t feel claustrophobic or cluttered. Keep furniture to a minimum and stay organised by investing in a small set of drawers or trays to keep loose paperwork. This will provide you with an open, clear space to be productive in.
Tip #2 – Research for the Best Equipment
Technology issues are notorious for holding up progress and impacting upon productivity. To avoid this, you should research in good quality devices at the best possible price. The most expensive won’t always be the best fit for your needs.
You should also consider your levels of comfort – you’re going to be spending a large chunk of your life in your home office, so making sure that it is as comfortable as possible is critical.
Get a desk that is the right height for you (an old ironing board or stack of books won’t cut it!) as well as a comfortable chair that supports your back and neck. Or, if a brand-new chair isn’t within your budget, a lumbar cushion will do the same trick! Any steps you can take towards making your home office as comfortable as possible will help keep your productivity levels up.
Tip #3 – Make the Most of Natural Daylight
Natural daylight is great for making us feel motivated and reducing levels of fatigue. Where possible, your home-office should have at least one window to let in natural light, making the space feel bright, airy and spacious.
Natural light also helps to reduce glare from device screens, meaning that your eyes are protected, and you can continue to work free from common complaints like headaches and eye strain.
Working from home comes with its own set of challenges, but by taking on board these top tips, you’ll ensure that your home office is perfectly set up to promote productivity throughout the pandemic and beyond.