With the Covid-19 pandemic having put a stop to office culture, as most of us are forced to work from home rather than going into the office each day, it has meant that having a work-life balance has taken on a whole new meaning. Being able to find a quiet space at home where you are able to concentrate and work productively isn’t easy for everyone. After all, trying to get work done from bed, the couch or at the kitchen table isn’t easy – with plenty of distractions around to limit your ability to focus.
There has never been a better time to invest in an office at home, to allow you to divide your leisure and working hours, so that you can be more productive when you need to be. We’ve come up with some ideas to help you design the perfect home office, with features and additions to motivate you as you work.
Limit technology
Unless your job involves developing software or coding websites, you should try to limit the number of screens in your office. One monitor and a laptop should be sufficient for any employee working from home – keeping your personal phone in the kitchen so that you are not tempted to scroll through social media or check your personal emails. Simulating the working environment you have at your work’s office, where you are expected to stay off your phone, can help you to use your time more efficiently during your working hours. This also helps to keep your office desk free from clutter that can get in the way of your ability to concentrate.
Strategic decoration
Your office shouldn’t be too busy, unless you’re a designer, artist or technician who needs the motivation and inspiration for certain projects while working from home. However, there should be some decoration in your office, so that your office is a space that you enjoy working in. Having a cold and empty office is much less enticing and will discourage you from working from there. Consider purchasing some indoor plants that will spruce up the office, and improve the air quality of the room. Having a few photo frames can also help to motivate you, by reminding you of the reasons why you work and why you should remain focused for your working hours.
Solid support
Ensure that your desk is the perfect height so that you can comfortably work on your computer and have all screens within eye-level. Having to stoop down and lean in to reach your computer will progressively cause aches and pains in your back. Additionally, it’s worth investing in a good office chair that has a supportive back, and can be adjusted to allow your feet to hit the floor firmly. This will save you a whole host of medical trouble later in life, by maintaining your spinal health as a result of keeping a good posture. While these options aren’t cheap, there are plenty of discounts and offers available, which you can find in one place on websites like goodshop.com.
Although having an office at home won’t guarantee that you’ll meet your targets for work, it will help you to focus by simulating an office environment and making working from home a little more comfortable.