When the lockdowns started, people thought remote work would be temporary. They grabbed whatever chairs and tables they had at home to create their WFH spaces.
Now, the worst seems to have passed. Workers are returning to the office, but plenty are staying remote since it’s a viable and preferred option.
You’ll greatly benefit from an upgraded and optimized office when working from home. You’ll spend eight hours in it daily, so it must suit your needs. Here are some ways to take your work-from-home space to the next level.
1. Define Your Space
During lockdowns, many people didn’t have a clear office space. They used their dining or living rooms to work, which can hamper productivity.
Blending your professional and personal lives is a recipe for disaster. Once you plan to work from home permanently, you need a clearly defined office.
You can transform an extra room into an office. Add workplace essentials and personalization, such as pictures and plants, to create the ideal environment. Room dividers can help you delineate your work area if you’re short on space.
Then, you can discuss rules and schedules with your family to manage noise during work hours.
If you’re up for a bigger project, you can transform less-frequented areas of your home into an office. You can renovate your attic, basement or garage.
Changing and upgrading spaces in your home can significantly increase its value. For example, replacing your garage door can give you up to 85% return on your investment.
2. Go for Ergonomic Gear
Ergonomics is crucial when choosing furniture and equipment for your office space. You’ll be sitting in front of your computer for hours, making you prone to back and neck strain without the proper equipment.
Choose an ergonomic chair for your home office. You should also choose a good table with enough space to do your work. Height-adjustable standing desks are popular. Standing burns more calories per hour than sitting and is also good for your neck and back health.
Additionally, you can maximize your comfort by using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse set. It can help reduce strain on your wrists, allowing you to feel comfort even during long working hours.
3. Upgrade Your Tech
Since you’re mainly working at home now, it’s time to upgrade your equipment. Invest in a good noise-canceling headset to make online meetings easier. You should also get a webcam with better image quality.
If it’s within your budget, invest in a monitor you’ll be comfortable with. Choose a size that’s right for your space and type of work. You can also go for a dual monitor setup if it will help you accomplish tasks easier.
Another thing to consider is upgrading your home Wi-Fi. You’ll need a stable and fast connection since all your work will be online. You can call your provider to look into upgrades or buy better routers to place around your home.
4. Bring in Nature
Working in an enclosed space with no sign of nature can feel stifling. You can start feeling shut in and cold. If you don’t have windows nearby, you might not even notice the day passing by. You should get a lot of natural light in your home office.
A recent study showed that natural light positively affected intellectual performance. Students who stayed in a naturally lit classroom did better in exams than those who used artificial lighting. Take advantage of the benefits by ensuring your work area is near a window.
You can also welcome nature into your workspace by adding plants. Plants have a significant effect on human health. They can help lower stress and blood pressure while boosting brain cognition.
5. Get Organized
A cluttered workspace can stress you out. Piles of papers can make you feel overwhelmed and unable to focus. You’ll also lose time finding needed documents.
Upgrade your home office by investing in proper storage options. Buy boxes and drawers that can stay under your desk. You can also add paper, pen and file organizers. Plenty of storage options are also decorative, so you can choose ones that will enhance the look of your office.
Designate a space for everything when organizing your office. Add labels to help you keep track of files and other essential things. The neater your area, the happier and more productive you will be.
6. Add Personality
At work, your cubicle is just another part of the gray-and-white company culture. Meanwhile, when you work at home, you can personalize your office to your heart’s content. You’ll feel much more comfortable working in a space tailored to your taste.
Think of what decor will make the office feel more “you.” Add things that will make you happy. Consider color psychology when decorating to see the effects of certain shades on your mood and productivity.
Elevate Your Home Workspace
Working from home is cementing itself as a viable option for many. Creating optimized workspaces is becoming more important as people choose to work remotely. You can easily upgrade your office space by investing in the right equipment, selecting the best location and giving it your personal flair.
