Home offices are a staple of the modern workforce. Whether you are a freelancer or a full-time employee, having a dedicated space and the right environment for remote work can help you to be productive. But what does a home office space look like? How do you set it so you have everything you need? Here are 7 tips to help you make working at home more comfortable and productive.
A comfortable working space is essential
Working from home may be convenient, but a lack of a comfortable work area can lead to stress and unpleasant feelings, regardless of how much you enjoy it. That’s why a comfortable home office space is essential for your well-being. You can start by placing your desk in a location with plenty of natural sunlight and a view of the outdoors.
Natural lighting is the best kind of lighting, which is easier on the eyes than artificial light. Also, make it a priority to keep your workspace clean and uncluttered to avoid getting distracted. This can be as simple as keeping your desk clear of papers, or it can also involve some more deliberate rearranging and organisation.
Get to know your workspace
When you first set up your home office, spend some time getting to know your workspace. That means getting familiar with your workspace and even the room — where everything is, what’s on the wall, what’s on the desk, where the computer is, that sort of thing. This may sound silly, but knowing where things are can make it easier to find them than having to rummage through the entire room. You will also feel a lot more comfortable in your workspace as well as the confidence to get things done.
Don’t ignore your desk setup
When you first set up your home office, it may be tempting to save some money on the desk or chair you use. But that desk or chair is going to be a big part of your work life, and it’s going to be in your home. So it needs to be something that is comfortable since you will be spending a lot of time using them. If you don’t have a budget for new furniture, have a look around the house for comfy furniture that can be used for home office use, or opt for second-hand furniture. Also, consider getting other home office essentials that you may need while working at home, such as paper shredders, air purifiers, ring binders, and so on.
Make your workspace adaptable
Your limited workspace is going to look and feel different depending on the setup and the types of things you use. Additionally, certain days may call for particular items or documents, while other days may not. So having a flexible workspace allows you to change it and make it more comfortable as your needs change.
This is especially important if your home office is a shared space with a partner or family member. They may not know how to use all the things in your home office, or they may require an extra spot for something like paper shredders or shelves. In any case, it’s important to be able to adapt and accommodate to changing needs for maintaining a healthy relationship. An adaptable workspace can be as simple as changing the arrangement of your desk or shelves to make room for new things or making a few adjustments to make your office more comfortable for the people who use it.
Colour code and label everything
Colour-coding and labelling things in your home office can make a big difference. Labelling your files and papers with their relevant category and information can help you easily find what you need when you need it. This becomes especially important if you share your home office with family members. It can make it easier to find and access things, whether they’re in a drawer or a filing cabinet, and it can make your workspace more comfortable and inviting.
Have a meeting space
A meeting room or conference room in the office building is one thing, but a dedicated space for meetings in your home office is an essential part of the experience. From small impromptu chats with colleagues to formal meetings, having a dedicated space for meetings can make your work life easier and more comfortable. Make sure that your meeting space has plenty of access to natural light.
A central meeting spot can also be an essential part of the home office experience. Having a dedicated space where individuals can socialise away from desk spaces can help to create boundaries. That spot can be as big or as small as you want, and it can be something as simple as chairs, a coffee table, a workbench, or just a rug in a central part of the room. The central meeting point can help you feel more at ease while working at home. It gives you somewhere to sit and relax away from your desk, discuss problems, or simply catch up with other members of your family or roommates.
A reliable internet connection is a must-have
A stable internet connection is a must-have in home offices as you will need it for everything, from accessing and managing your files to managing interactions with colleagues, clients and others. Although internet speed may slow down during peak times, having a reliable, consistent connection can help you avoid frequent interruptions and poor connection issues. A high-speed fibre connection is usually preferable, but if you have a cell phone plan with lots of data, that’s a good option, too, as it can help you save money on home broadband.
While there are many more tips to make working at home more productive and comfortable, these are just a few. You can also allocate some time to think about what you need and want in a home office and make a list. Once you have a good idea of what you need and want, it will be much easier to find the right items and accessories. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment with your workspace – find out what works best for you and your home office environment.
