Working from home can help you spend less time on the road, enjoy a more flexible schedule, and achieve work-life balance. But to truly thrive in a fully remote or hybrid workplace, you need a home office designed for productivity.
How does home office design affect productivity?
When working from home became mandatory years ago because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many have had to create makeshift workspaces at kitchen counters, dining tables, and even beds. This may have worked as a temporary solution, but it’s a different story when it’s for long-term use.
A dedicated home office is necessary for comfort, well-being, and work-life balance. In addition, productivity flourishes in a healthy working environment. For this reason, a well-thought-out home office design is important.
Tips on designing a productive home office
Find the right location
The location of your home office is the most crucial factor to consider. When choosing, think about the area you feel you would be the most productive in. Also, make sure it has these elements:
- Right size: Your home office should have enough space so you can work comfortably. To get the right size, consider the type of work you do. You might need a larger table if you’re an artist. On the other hand, you might require storage options for equipment if you’re a photographer.
- Ideal noise level: Everyone operates differently. Some workers thrive in bustling atmospheres, while others require total silence to stay focused. That said, choose a spot that lets you get in the flow.
- Proper lighting: Poor office lighting can cause eye strain and headache, reducing your productivity. This is why it’s important to maximise natural light. Adding ambient and task lighting is also advisable to eliminate glare and shadows.
- Access to outlets and a strong internet connection: Modern offices usually require electrical devices to complete work tasks efficiently. To optimise your home office, ensure that your workspace has easy access to power sources and a strong internet connection.
Use the right layout to set work-life boundaries
A productive office requires a layout that prevents work tasks from overlapping with personal activities. This is especially crucial if you’re working from your bedroom.
If your workspace is only a few feet away from your rest area, keep work and relaxation spaces separate using large screens or dividers. Repurposing a closet as a home office is also advisable as it lets you easily switch from work to relaxation mode. When your work is done for the day, you just have to close the closet door and take your much-needed rest.
Choose the right office furniture
If you’re spending around eight hours a day working from home, you’ll need a high-quality chair and table that offers optimal comfort. They should provide ergonomic support to reduce back pain and improve posture.
Minimise distractions
For most workers, refocusing after getting interrupted takes about 23 minutes. Save precious time and reduce distractions by doing the following:
- Create a room divider using bookshelves or curtains
- Use a “Do not disturb” door sign
- Organise a schedule, especially if you’re sharing your workspace with roommates or family members
De-clutter your workspace
Piles of paperwork and empty coffee mugs littered around your workspace are mental and visual distractions. Additionally, clutter can cause stress and reduce efficiency.
Keeping your home office organised is possible with regular cleaning. While this is a tedious chore, tidying up doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Allotting just ten minutes every day to clear away unnecessary items from your desk can make a positive difference to your home office.
Prioritise storage space
A home office that allows optimal focus will help you stay productive. One way to create such a workspace is to maximise storage options. In particular, drawers, shelves, and cabinets can help you have a clutter-free desk, which is essential for maintaining focus.
When it comes to storage space, think about vertical storage. For example, use floating shelves or tall file cabinets so you can have more floor space to work with.
Personalise your work setup
It can be easy to lose motivation when working from a non-traditional workspace like home. If your productivity is at risk, you may need visual reminders of those that keep you going to sustain your positive mood and energy.
Adding a personal touch to your home work setup can inspire and motivate you. For instance, hanging artwork by your favourite artist or placing pet photos near your desk can spark your motivation and increase your drive.
Bring the outdoors in
More modern offices are bringing a touch of nature indoors to adopt the bioliphic building design. This originates from “biophilia,” which means a love of life or living things. It involves connecting people closer to nature through natural lighting, landscape features, and other natural elements.
This trend can beautify your workspace at home by infusing it with life and colour. In addition, there is much more to it than aesthetics. By adding plants to your home office, you can boost the oxygen and purify the air in your work area, helping you concentrate and become productive. It can also aid in stress relief and mental recovery.
Your home office design matters
Staying engaged and motivated is much easier if you have a home office optimised for focus and productivity. For this reason, invest in your work-from-home setup and consider following this guide. By creating a space you enjoy working in, you set yourself up for professional success.
