Working from home has many upsides, including a better work-life balance and reduced travel time. Many people argue that they work more productively at home too.
A house is full of distractions that could ruin any productivity. An effective way to avoid this is by creating a space dedicated to working. A home office should be a comfortable and quiet place, as well as clean and tidy. Since going freelance in 2016 I have learned a lot about working from home and one of the most important things is to have a dedicated workspace, whether that’s a loft conversion or just a corner in the living room. With that in mind, here are some ideas to help create a home office you want to work in.
Consider Ergonomics
The purpose of office ergonomics is to make a workspace that allows for comfortable and productive working. An ergonomically correct office will help to prevent fatigue and discomfort. Because of this, you should follow the ergonomic rules carefully. To sit comfortably you will need a good quality desk, or consider one of these meeting tables which offer plenty of workspace and comfort. Make sure that the top of the computer screen is at eye level and that your feet rest firmly on the floor while sitting down.
Choose a design that you love
From a rustic style using old wooden furniture and bookcases filled to the brim with novels and papers, to minimalist clean lines, bright spaces and having everything in its place there are lots of interior styles which can suit a home office. Why go all out with maximalism? Decorate the place using all kinds of prints and colours – you can even create a collage on the walls of all your favourite slogans and sayings, or buy a photo frame for each of your much-loved photos and give yourself a happy memory to look at when the going gets tough. Don’t be afraid to hold back, especially if you work in a creative profession
Deep Clean Your Space
It is very difficult to be productive and concentrate when you’re working in a space that is messy, cluttered and dirty. Carrying out a thorough deep clean in your office will not only create a more enjoyable environment to work in, but it may also make it safer too. If you’re concerned about mould or mildew in your office space you may want to look into a professional mould cleaning service in your local area. Mould build-up in any room in your home can be dangerous to your health, so you should seek out expert help if you suspect it is present in your house. As soon as your home office is completely deep cleaned you will feel ready to decorate the area and bring a touch of creative flair to the interior design too.
Have Reliable Devices
Nothing is more frustrating than a slow computer. When you rely on technology every day, it must perform well. Rather than sticking with old versions of devices, you should learn when to upgrade. Most newer computers, printers, and more operate quicker than previous versions while using less energy. This will save time as well as money, making your office more efficient. I know that since upgrading to fibre broadband it’s made a real difference to me, particularly lowering my frustrations at slow loading times! Don’t forget to consider how you can protect your technology, a monitored alarm system might be the best option to ensure your electronics remain safely in your office and not in a criminal’s stash.
Natural Light is a Must
Light has the power to change a room completely. If the lighting in your office is too harsh, it could cause migraines, but dull lighting will lead to eyestrain. This is why you must have many different light sources in the room. Having options allows you to change the lighting to suit your needs. Since natural light is best, you must work to increase the natural light present too. Although, depending on the direction your house faces you may wish to have window coverings to block any harsh direct light – my desk faces east so I usually have some curtains closed in the morning and open them around lunchtime to allow more light in.
Introducing more natural light into your office is a helpful way to reduce eyestrain, and is especially beneficial if your work involves a lot of screentime. If you’re going to be spending hours working on a computer, it’s important to get your eyes tested regularly and to wear prescription glasses if you need them. You can find an excellent choice of prescription glasses available at Eyewear4u, including plenty of frame styles that are perfect for making you look as professional as your new office.
My personal wishlist:
- A bigger desk – I am currently using a very small desk which is great for forcing me to keep things tidy but I really would like more room to better organise my things!
- Better storage – my current desk has hardly any storage so I would love to have some dedicated space for keeping things neat and tidy.
- Relaxing area – Working from home you tend to be all about the work all the time, so it would be nice to have a little area where could take a break, have a cup of tea or even do some stretches.
Hopefully, with the advice above, you can make your home office a space you want to work in.
