If 2020 has taught us one thing, it’s that we can still work as efficiently at home as we do at the office. Plus, working at home saves tons of time and resources—there’s no need for commuting, renting an office space, or having unnecessary meetings.
While companies have shifted from physical offices to a digital platform, employees still have to allot some space at their homes to create an efficient working environment.
Redesigning a room into a home office sounds easy at first, but once you start moving some furniture and purchasing some supplies, it can get downright overwhelming. So here are a few helpful tips you can keep in mind when you’re designing your home office.
1. Choose the Best Location
Working at home can sometimes cross the boundary between professional and personal spaces. That’s why you have to take some time choosing the best location where you can separate your home from your office.
Find a spot where you can feel comfortable working all day long without getting interrupted by other members of your household—somewhere peaceful and quiet. If you can use a room with a window or a view, the better.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be a separate room. You can choose a quiet corner in your living room or bedroom and set up a folding screen or a room divider to make an instant home office space.
2. Ergonomics Over Design
When buying office furniture, we’re often tempted to get a better-looking piece of furniture rather than a comfortable one. And it goes without saying that yes, you can have the best of both worlds. But when it comes to choosing between ergonomics and design, it’s always best to opt for the former.
You shouldn’t forget that working throughout the day can be strenuous and stressful, so you have to use ergonomically designed office furniture. Find office chairs with lumbar support, electric standing desks that let you switch from a standing position to a sitting position, or risers to elevate your monitor or laptop to a comfortable eye level.
3. Light It Up
Speaking of ergonomics, one of the things you need to consider when designing your office space is sufficient lighting. Choose task lighting that isn’t only aesthetically pleasing—but also bright enough to get the job done while preventing eye strains or headaches.
However, working only with task lighting can get super dreary and demotivating. That’s why you might want to make the most of daylight by spreading out your curtains. Or better yet, open up your windows so that you can enjoy both sunlight and fresh outdoor air.
4. Keep Everything Organized
Clutter can serve as a form of distraction, and it can negatively affect productivity. So invest in a file cabinet or storage bin, install cable organizers on your desk, and find some time to organize your office supplies and declutter. That way, you won’t have to waste time rummaging through your stuff just to get your needed supplies or documents.
5. Incorporate Sources of Inspiration
Channel your inner muse by putting a few things that motivate you on your desk. Just remember to choose the things that remind you why you have to work hard.
Whether it’s a photo of your family or pets, a piece of artwork, or some special souvenirs, you can surely feel a lot more inspired to work when you see the things that keep you motivated.
