4 Tips to Create an Effective Home Office Space
Working from home - sounds relaxing, doesn’t it? Many companies have recently demonstrated a shift towards employee comfort - whether it’s flexibility with hours, a more casual dress code, or unlimited vacation time. One of the more common trends is encouraging employees to work from home - so long as productivity remains the same.
Although working from the comfort of home may sound like a great option, there are many studies that suggest breakfast in bed may not be the best for productivity. This doesn’t mean that working from home is a bad idea, but rather, that there is a need for a dedicated “work” space in your home to get yourself into “work mode.” Here are a four of our top home office design ideas to get you started on creating a beautiful, productive home office.
1. Dedicate an Entire Room to Your Work Space for the Day
Many homes now feature a spare room that may be dedicated to a home office, but for those who don’t have this extra space, we suggest using the dining room or a spare bedroom when working from home. The trick here is not to be in a high traffic area like the kitchen or living room.
Although you may be the only one home during the day, kitchens and living rooms often present quite a few distractions (like TV or endless snacks). It’s important to feel that your workspace is still somewhat “sectioned off” or private from the rest of your home.
If you plan on working from home more frequently, there are also many options for small, private workspaces. Alcoves, or even large storage spaces can easily be transformed into effective, modern home offices. Here are a few small home office ideas for those who prefer a more intimate workspace:
.png)
2. Imitate Your Office Desk
Set up your workspace with the essentials: laptop, charger, pens, paper, printer - whatever you use on a regular basis at work. This way, you won’t have to scramble around your home to find materials when you need them. Simple tricks like having a wastepaper basket beneath you will limit the number of interruptions you have when working at home.
.png)
Imitating your desk at the office doesn’t necessarily mean paint your walls beige or set up a water cooler! In fact, we suggest personalizing your home office. Photos of loved ones or small potted plants can often do wonders to liven up a bare space.
.png)
3. Invest in an Ergonomically Friendly Office Chair
If you plan on working from home somewhat frequently, the importance of investing in an ergonomically supportive office chair cannot be overstated. Maintaining strong posture is not only critical to productivity, but to overall health. As an added bonus, you now have the freedom to choose what office furniture matches your style!
.png)
4. Adjust Your Lighting
Offices often have harsh fluorescent lights that are designed to keep employees alert. Although industrial lighting may keep us awake, it often causes a strain on the eyes. Instead, your home office space should make use of natural light where possible. Choose a room with lots of windows that let the sunlight in. If this isn’t an option (or if it’s a rainy day), a desk lamp that emits soft light might be best. Similarly, a light that mimics natural sunlight (like a Vitamin D lamp) has many benefits to overall mood and productivity.
Office productivity is essentially a matter of personal preference, and that’s why a home office can work for so many people. Now you are able to listen to opera on full volume, take the time to make a healthy lunch, or wear bunny slippers throughout the day - all while feeling confident that you are meeting your professional goals. By designing your own home workspace, you’re allowing yourself the freedom to work in a setting that you feel completely comfortable in.
