Over the last two years, employees around the world have made the switch from working in a physical office to working from home. While many reports being more productive from home, others struggle to stay focused without a dedicated workspace. To ensure that your work doesn’t suffer when you switch to remote work, it is crucial to create a functional and comfortable space that is dedicated to work. Consider six ways to build your dream work-from-home setup:
1. Incorporate the Right Furniture
In an office setting, employees are typically provided with furniture that suits their needs. For instance, they may have a desk that contains several spaces for storing documents. This aids in organization and is designed to offer maximum convenience for workers. Another staple in many cubicles and offices is the incorporation of an ergonomic chair. This type of office chair is intended to be both comfortable and functional. They place employees in an ideal position to operate their computers and dictate their posture as they work. This streamlines the workday and ensures that employees aren’t left with back pain from improper posture. Those who already suffer from this problem should look into the best office chair for back pain and add it to their office space.
To recreate this at home, consider which furniture is most needed to enhance your comfort level and increase productivity. While you may not be able to add a full-sized, cubicle-type desk to your space, a desk chair is a good place to start. This also aids in separating relaxing spaces, like your sofa, from ones where business is conducted. When the two are entwined, it can be easy to get too comfortable to focus on work.
2. Choose a Quiet Place
The biggest key to working successfully from home is having the right environment to work in. This can be a difficult feat if there are pets, children, or another adult in the home. The distractions are endless and it can be hard to conduct video conferences or phone calls with unprofessional scenes and noises in the background. To avoid this, scope out the quietest location in your home to set up shop. For some, this may be a basement or a guest room, while for others it may be a garage or their bedroom. In either scenario, make it known to anyone else in the house that this space is off-limits during work hours. You can also hang a sign on the door as a reminder for those who may feel tempted to enter while you work. To create a more relaxing dream workspace, consider adding a radio or playing nature sounds while working.
3. Buy Necessary Equipment
Printers, copiers, and fax machines are typically viewed as tools of the trade for those who work in an office setting. This remains true when the work is shifted to a home environment. Unfortunately, however, many remote employees fail to consider their lack of access to this equipment when they first make the switch. While you don’t need office-grade equipment in most cases, it is important to have access to these devices from home. Consider purchasing an all-in-one device if space is a concern in your home office and stock up on supplies like ink, copy paper, pens, staples, and paper clips for whenever the need to use them arises. This will save you from a lot of stress and unexpected trips during the workday while also streamlining your tasks.
4. Remove Distractions
Regardless of where you opt to build your workspace, it is crucial that the area is free of distractions. Setting up a workspace near the television, for example, could be a major temptation. You may turn it on to watch a few minutes of the news and before you know it, you’re binge-watching your favorite shows. This can drastically hinder your performance and productivity level. This can also apply to pets or children. In these situations, it is advisable to remove the pets from the room. If you have children at home, on the other hand, it is a good idea to seek out daycare services or nannies that can tend to them during your set work schedule.
5. Consider the Lighting
It is hard to remain productive in a dark and dreary work environment. Since you aren’t on the clock, it’s easier than ever to fall asleep while working which is often what happens when a person attempts to work in a dimly light area. Likewise, having limited lighting available can lead to eyestrain and can decrease the amount of work that you are able to get done. Experts suggest choosing a spot that includes the most natural lighting, but you can also add customizable ambiance lighting to fit your mood and create a dreamier space.
6. Decorate Your Space
Although the goal is to develop a space that is comfortable and functional for work-from-home employees, it is just as important to add a cheery note when creating an enjoyable workspace. Decorate your space with your favorite artwork, pictures of loved ones, a plush rug, or anything that makes you feel more comfortable. This will ensure that you look forward to working from the space that allows you to be the most productive.
