The coronavirus pandemic has significantly altered the operations of numerous organizations. While some are already switching back to their original business model, many are embracing the changes as part of the new normal.
For instance, instead of requiring employees to go back to the office full-time, plenty of businesses are implementing a hybrid setup. This work arrangement allows staff members to work in both onsite and offsite locations. While this is generally a flexible and convenient arrangement, it can be a challenge for those who struggle to keep their performance consistent.
Consider this: a traditional office is a well-equipped environment that is conducive to working. On the other hand, a home is seen primarily as a place of rest. Hence, moving to and from remote and onsite locations can disrupt momentum and decrease productivity.
If you find yourself in this dilemma, fret not. You can build a workspace that is as comfortable as your home and as effective as your office. Here are some styling tips you should consider.
1. Choose a strategic location
Before diving straight into the design process, it's crucial to select a good location. Consider the amount of space and privacy you need to work efficiently. Also, think about the traffic flow of the room as well as your ability to resist distractions.
If you prefer a quiet, isolated place, keep out of busy areas like the living room and the kitchen. Also, consider factors, such as where the windows and doors of the room lead to. If the space you choose is often used as a route to and from different points of the house or is placed near a noisy spot in the neighborhood, that may not be an ideal work environment.
2. Less is more
Don't overdo the furniture. Unless you're sharing your office with someone else, you only need a few items. A minimalist desk with a sleek design and enough space for your electronics and paperwork is more than adequate. You can even choose one that blends seamlessly with the interior design of your house.
A floor-to-ceiling shelving system may also be impractical. A cabinet or a three-rack trolley unit already provides ample storage space for one person. As for wall decor, make sure you choose pieces that add function as well as aesthetic value, such as a memo board or floating shelves. A large artwork may be nice to look at, but your wall space can be used for so much more than just decoration.
3. Enliven the space with greenery
Add a pop of greenery to your home office to avoid feeling bored and lethargic. Plants help regulate humidity and improve indoor air quality. Moreover, seeing greenery can brighten your mood and make you feel calm.
In addition to creating a relaxing space, plants can also help you fight stress and loneliness. Caring for living things is rewarding and provides you with purpose, especially when you see your indoor plants thrive. However, if you're completely new to raising greenery, try low-maintenance plants like cacti, golden photos, ivy, and succulents.
4. Colors are crucial
Like plants, certain colors can affect the mood in different ways. As such, be sure to paint your space with a color that keeps you focused and awake. Avoid dull and monotonous tones like gray and beige.
A cheery hue, such as lime green or lemon yellow, is great if you want a bright workspace. If you prefer a soothing environment, go for cooler shades like forest green and ocean blue. You can also add vivid decor pieces, such as a tapestry or artwork for an extra burst of color.
5. Good lighting is key
Quality lighting is essential in every workspace. Natural light is the best choice but if your chosen area is not located near windows, you will have to install additional light fixtures.
Huge pendant lights or cylinder bulbs may not be suitable because they glow intensely and take up a lot of ceiling height. Choose more subtle lighting that is proportionate to the size of your home office, such as wall sconces, floor lamps, or functional desk lamps. Flush mounts and recessed lighting are also great options if the room has a low ceiling.
6. Have enough storage
Storage equipment is a vital part of a well-designed office. Despite a lot of things being digital, you may still have paper documents and materials that need sorting. Your office supplies should also have designated storage places to stay organized.
It's hard to work in a disorderly and chaotic environment. Finding specific items in a pile of clutter also takes a lot of time, eating away what could have been productive work hours.
A space-saving hack is to forego large pieces like complicated cabinetry, bulky bookcases, and built-in shelves. Go for practical options such as wall-mounted bins, small filing cabinets, and vertical open shelving. You can also purchase an office desk with built-in drawers, so you won't need an additional storage tool for your office supplies.
7. Always prioritize comfort
For your health and comfort, it's essential to invest in an ergonomic chair. Prolonged sitting can cause health problems since it puts a lot of stress and pressure on the spine. If you spend long hours every day slumped in your office chair, an ergonomically correct seat is worth the splurge.
Ergonomic chairs are designed to provide the best support for the human body, taking into consideration factors such as health, comfort, back support, and posture. You can also choose one with a swivel feature for convenience. Moreover, make sure your desk is of an appropriate height so you won't have to lean forward or slouch to reach the surface.
8. Consider your window treatments
Your window treatments can significantly affect the lighting and ventilation in your home office. Accordingly, since you have a wide range of options, be sure to select window treatments that add more dimension to the area and maximize the available natural lighting while preventing glare.
With the right curtains, drapes, or blinds, you can make your workspace appear more spacious and cozy. Apart from the type, you should also consider the fabric. Do you want light airy drapes or dense curtains that absorb heat properly? Furthermore, make sure the window treatments complement the rest of your home décor.
How to Stay Productive While Working from Home
Having a designated workspace is an effective way to improve home office productivity. However, there are other things you can try to work more efficiently at home.
1. Reduce digital distractions
It's easier to avoid checking social media in the office, but the freedom that comes with working from home can make it harder to withstand the temptation. Thus, it's advisable to keep your mobile phone away during work hours. You can leave it in a separate room and only use it during breaks.
You can also uninstall social media applications on your computer, log out of your accounts before starting work, and disable all social media notifications and alerts. In addition, do not place a TV or gaming console in your home office to eliminate opportunities to slack off.
2. Schedule your breaks
Being productive means you should also have enough rest. Hence, take a few breaks to give your body and mind a chance to relax and recharge. Having regular breaks can keep you from being too tired, uninspired, and burned out.
Every 30 minutes, get up from your desk, stretch out your arms and back, and walk around. You should also allocate time for interacting with family members or your pets.
3. Create a daily to-do list
Write a to-do list to keep yourself accountable every day. Having a list to refer to can help you identify high-priority tasks so you can set aside the appropriate time needed to accomplish each one. Don't forget to include any scheduled calls or meetings in your to-do list. Also, it's best to write your list at the end of every workday, so you can head off to a good start the next morning.
4. Communicate with household members
If you live with your spouse or children, take some time to talk about each other's expectations at the beginning of your workdays. It's hard to juggle caring for kids and working on tasks, so inform them beforehand about your workload and window time. This way, they can avoid disturbing you during busy hours.
Try to establish a schedule for your entire household, as well. Coordinate every family member’s schedules to accommodate the need for doing chores, caring for children or pets, and other activities. You may also consider waking up at least an hour or two earlier, so you can finish some work while the rest of the family is asleep.
The Takeaway
Staying focused and productive while working at home is a huge challenge for many employees. Since the future of work is here today, expect your company to transition to a hybrid model for its workforce soon. That said, it's crucial to be prepared and build a well-designed and comfortable home office that can cater to the demands of a remote or hybrid work setup.
