If you’re working from home, then it’s important that you feel comfortable. A working space that you are not comfortable with can become distracting and can negatively affect your productivity. There are many ways that you can improve your home office and make it a much more comfortable space. This article will outline what some of those ways are:
Desks
When you’re working from home, you need to have the perfect desk. At work, your employers buy your desk for you, so you don’t have a say in what desk you have. At home, you have total control. There are plenty of options when it comes to desks. You might want to try a stand up desk, which has been proven to aid weight loss. Sitting down for long periods of time isn’t good for you, which is why a stand-up desk might be worth thinking about.
If you want a traditional desk, then you’ll want to invest in one that is spacious and offers adequate storage. When you’re working from home, paperwork can quickly pile up. If you do not have enough storage in your chosen desk, then you’ll need to invest in some cabinets as well.
Chair
If you’re going to buy a traditional desk, then you’ll need a comfortable chair. A chair should provide both lower and upper back support, as well as neck support. You should buy a chair crafted from quality materials so that it is more comfortable and so that it lasts longer. A chair should also have armrests, and you should be able to swivel on it. Alternatively, you could forgo a chair completely and buy a stand-up desk. It’s worth investing in a stool for your stand-up desk in case you do get tired and want to sit down.
Natural Light
If you have windows in your home office, then you should leave the curtains opened and roll up the blinds. Natural light can make you more productive and can motivate you to work harder. Natural light increases the production of Vitamin D, which is sometimes used to treat chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and diabetes. Working in a dark environment can also be very distracting.
If you do not have a window in your office, then you should invest in a blue-light-blocking lamp. These lamps mimic natural light, which helps to keep you awake and on top of your work.
Plants
Plants can make your office much more comfortable. Not only can they improve your mental health, but they can purify and oxygenate the air. Office plants have been linked to an increased productivity and focus in workers. The more natural elements you are surrounded by in your office, the happier that you will be.
Do Not Disturb
If you live with your family, then you might want to consider putting up a do not disturb sign. Even if your family knows that you’re working, there’s still a chance that they might disturb you.
A sign on your office’s door reminds them that you are working and aren’t to be bothered. If you don’t want to put up a sign, then at the very least warn your family not to interfere with you during your working hours.
Constant distractions can have a negative impact on the quality of the work that you produce.
Declutter
If your office is cluttered, you’re more likely to become distracted. Decluttering is very important. You should keep your office tidy and professional, even if it is at home. You wouldn’t have junk lying around if you were working from an office building, so don’t leave junk lying around in your home office.
You should always have access to a waste paper bin in your office. You might also want to invest in a shredder so that you can discard unwanted paper. As we mentioned above, paperwork can quickly pile up when you’re working from home.
Personalize Your Office
It’s always a good idea to personalize your office. Make sure that your office stays professional, however. You could put a few photographs up of your children and family. You could even put artwork on the wall, as long as it is appropriate and not too distracting.
If your office has hardwood floors, then you could put a small rug down. On a side note, if the room that your office is in does not have a radiator, then you should invest in a portable heater. Conversely, if it’s hot outside, then you should invest in a fan or dehumidifier.
Your home office should be a comfortable, quiet working space. If you adopt the tips suggested in this article, then yours will be too. Good luck!