Whether you were forced into remote work after the pandemic or chose the work-from-home life, everyone needs a comfortable and functional space to be as productive as possible. Your office needs to reflect your personality and workflow as much as it allows you to focus and be efficient.
If you are easily distracted, organization may be a priority; whereas a parent may need a space opposite the kids’ rooms. No matter your situation or work style, here are a few tips and tricks to help you create order and set yourself up for success.
- Choose your space carefully
Take inventory of what has worked for you in the past and what hasn’t. Learning how you work and taking that into account is essential in setting up a home office. Are you someone who works better in the morning? Maybe choosing a room with big windows and lots of light is the better option over the basement.
Another thing to consider is the proximity to other common area spaces in the home. For example, you may not want to share a wall with your children’s playroom or the tv in the living room. This is setting yourself up for many arguments with the family. Choose a room that can be more isolated to support your concentration. Remote work can be hard enough without hearing every conversation or tantrum during work hours.
- Consider your internet connection
Lack of dependable internet is the biggest distraction in remote work and can usually be adjusted easily. Ensure that there are not any barriers that could disrupt your connection such as electronics or thick walls. Again, getting a wifi signal to the basement from an upstairs location may not be the best solution. Test your internet speed from your desired location using one of the many sites like Speedtest, and make any changes that need to be made before you claim your office space permanently.
- Ditch what you don’t need
When possible, remove or store items that distract you from work. Our minds are wired to anticipate what’s next. That is why having a separate space for different activities is so important. You want to prepare your mind to focus on the tasks for your job, not the dumbbells on the floor that you haven’t used since you got that gym membership.
- Have a system for everything
This means everything from office supplies to important documents. Knowing where everything is allows you to focus on the task at hand instead of digging for a pen when you need one. Depending on your occupation, some documents may be confidential and need to be stored in a fireproof filing cabinet that can be locked. Knowing where all of your office items are and that they are safe will lower your stress levels and allow you to be more productive.
- Invest in a good chair or ergonomic seat cushion
Desk jobs are hard on the body over time. Doing your work from a chair you find around your home or a beanbag chair is probably just going to send you to the chiropractor more often. By investing in a good, ergonomic chair or cushions that are comfortable and supportive, you can avoid a lot of pain in the future which will ultimately lead you to be happier and more productive.
- Choose a desk that fits your needs
Just as important as a chair, your desk will set the tone for your posture. Looking down at your laptop all day will still create issues with your back and neck that cause pain. Consider getting a standing desk that can adjust with you throughout the day. Alternating between sitting, standing, and even walking if you decide to invest in a desk treadmill, will help you avoid aches and pains that your sedentary coworkers complain to you about.
- Make sure you have access to good lighting
Even if you live somewhere sunny with big windows, you never know when you may need it. If you are a vampire who likes to work in the dark, this is especially important. Long stints in front of a computer are bad for your eyes even under normal lights. Keep from getting headaches from straining your eyes and buy a good lamp even if you don’t think you need one.
- Decorate and design
This is the chance to really make the space yours. Paint the walls and add simple decor that brings you joy and makes you grateful to do what you do. Do a quick google search about color psychology and use it to create a space that gives you a sense of peace and limits distractions. The design aspects will impact your workflow, so ensure that anything you add won’t become a distraction.
- Add a plant or two
No matter if you are an avid hiker or actively avoid being out in nature, it is well-known that natural elements like plants or pictures of nature bring a sense of calm to a space. Choose plants that need minimal upkeep if you have trouble remembering to take care of them and make sure to place them in your line of sight.
- Keep your office clean
When the work day comes to a close, be sure to put everything back where it belongs. This may seem trivial, but it goes a long way. By starting the next workday in a clean space, you can focus on the tasks that really matter and get to work!