This guide outlines the elements of home office setup that can improve your productivity and creativity.
Work from home is the new normal. Workers across various industries are discovering the benefits of working from the comfort of their own homes. Not only does this eliminate lengthy commute times, but it also makes it easier to balance work and personal commitments.
However, it can be challenging to work properly in a home office as you may not have a function or practical office space in your home. And if you are working from a multipurpose area like your kitchen, living room, or bedroom, it is very easy to get distracted. Therefore, it’s essential to create an office environment where you can focus. Setting up a dedicated home office space can also boost your productivity and maintain work-life balance.
Productive home office setup
Here is how to do a home office setup to maximize your productivity.
Home office setup essentials
Let’s start by looking at the key items that you need to make sure to include in your productive home office setup.
Desk and Chair
There are tons of office chairs and desks available for you to choose from for your home office setup, depending on your budget and requirements. If you need a lot of space, consider getting a large desk. If you like to stand and stretch throughout the day, purchase a standing desk or a standing desk converter.
It’s also important to get yourself a comfy chair to spend your workday in. Whether it reclines or rolls, find a chair that fitswell under your desk, is ergonomicall-sound, and meets your requirements.
Adequate Lighting
Good lightening not only allows you to see what you’re doing, but it also brightens up the room and positively impacts your mood. If your work space doesn’t have sufficient lighting, purchase a floor lamp or desk lamp to shed some light on your workspace.
Don’t Forget the Camera
Work from home means a lot of video conferences. So, invest in a high-quality video conferencing camera for your home office setup that will allow you to stay in touch with your team and clients.
Go Wireless
Obviously, you’ll need a laptop or desktop PC with a keyboard and mouse. If you opt for the latter setup, go for wireless devices to avoid unnecessary chords and clutter.
Storage
Whether you require a lot of storage or a little, get a storage space that keeps things organized and clutter-free. Filing cabinets and cupboards are great if you can afford them, but a teacrate also makes a great solution to hold your office supplies.
Strategies for a home office setup
Now you have these essentials in place, let’s discuss how you can set your workspace up for maximum productivity.
Find What Works for You
Everyone works differently. Some love to work in their bedroom, and some setup a workspace at the coffee table in their living room. So, you have to find a suitable place that works best for you. If you have a separate space of your own, you can convert it into your home office space. But if you don’t have a separate space, you can adapt an empty corner of your house to set up the perfect office space.
Make Sure You are Near a Power Outlet
Today, we all work from our laptops or computers and we all rely on a full battery to work smoothly. So, make sure your device is fully charged by ensuring your desk is near a power outlet. If this isn’t possible, simply get an extension cord for charging.
Make Sure Your Office Space is Well-Lit
Working in a dark place is not good because it can cause headaches and eye problems. So, make sure your home office space is filled with natural light. You can also use a desk lamp while working at night.
Avoid TV in Your Work Space
TVs are good for relaxing, but they don’t make a productive workingatmosphere. Even working close to a room where you can hear the TV can be very distracting, especially if your favourite show is playing. So, close the door or play your favourite music to avoid distracting sounds.
Stay Comfortable
You are going to sit at your workspace for a long time, so make sure you are sitting comfortably. Raise your laptop to eye level for better ergonomics. Working from home gives you so many benefits of being able to control your comfort. You can take a walk or can close your eyes for some time.
Banish Distractions
Working from home is awesome, but it is also distracting. So, find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed or bothered. Speak with your family and tell them not to disturb you during your office hours.They need to understand that you are at home doesn’t mean you are not working. If you get distracted by your phone and don’t need it while working, leave it in another room. These things will help you to concentrate on your work and increase your productivity.
Brighten Up Your Desk
Sitting alone at a desk all day can slow down your speed. You have no colleagues to cheer you on and no boss sitting a few steps away to motivate you. So, it is important to organize your desk in a way that can excite and inspire you every morning. You can decorate your desk with plants, candles, flowers, pictures, calendars, or even with some colourful pens. Also, make sure you clean up your desk at the end of your workday so you can start fresh the following day!
Final words
With the right home office setup, you can be as productive and creative as in the company office — and probably even more so!
