Many people have had to embrace working from home for the first time in 2020, and while some cannot wait to get back to the office, others have found a lot to like about the new setup. While there are a lot of positives such as the lack of a commute and a more flexible schedule, working in your home can blur the lines between your professional and personal life.
If you would like to make working from home a more long-term arrangement, you should be at least thinking about creating a dedicated office space so you can keep the two sides to your world separate. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when creating a home office.
Resist getting carried away with interior décor
Instagram and Pinterest are great sources of inspiration, but a lot of the offices you see are set up for style over practicality. Of course, your office should suit your personal style, but small vintage desks, cushions and bright colors are not ideal for a week of work. Try to keep distractions to a minimum and put functionality before beauty.
Consider comfort and ergonomics
You will be spending a lot of time in your chair, probably staring at a screen, so it is important to consider ergonomics in your setup. The top of the computer screen should be level with your eyes (or slightly below), you should be able to use the keyboard with your forearms parallel to the floor, your chair should provide support for your back, and your feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest.
Maximize natural light
Position your desk near a window to ensure you are exposed to natural light and have the option to look out the window and breathe in some fresh air. Natural light is important for both our mental and physical health and will help keep your mind focused and boost your energy levels. It is also important to have some lamps in the room for darker days and evenings to ensure you are not straining your eyes.
Get rid of what you do not need
Lots of people try to squeeze a desk into a bedroom or a conservatory and work in the middle of old furniture, books, laundry, and toys. It is incredibly difficult to maintain concentration or organization when you are feeling claustrophobic and struggling to find somewhere to put a cup of coffee down. If you are able to have clear out of what you do not need, a company like BrightHouse will be able to collect and dispose of your waste.
Prioritize storage
When you have cleared the room of what you do not need, you should think about where you are going to store the things you are keeping. Your papers, stationery, books, computer leads, accessories and printer do not need to be in view all the time, so try and find ways to store them neatly with creative office storage.
