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Having a home office can come in handy in various scenarios. For example, if you are thinking of starting your own business, there is no need to rent out a big office space before you are all set up. Maybe you have a freelancing side gig and this area allows you to do the work without having to go to a co-working space. Who knows, perhaps your employer is considering having you telecommute for half the week in order to cut down on overhead costs, in which case this space will provide you with the peace and quiet you need to get everything done. Finally, maybe the current world situation has forced your business to rethink its operations and find a way to operate from home. Regardless of the circumstances, you find yourself in, you can surely appreciate the perks of a home office.
However, simply having a room where you can work is often not enough for people to feel motivated and inspired to do their assignments. So, what can you do to boost your performance in your home office? Well, you can try to bring an office atmosphere into this space. Listed below are various suggestions and hacks for how you can do just that. Keep on reading.
Make sure the space is clean and free of clutter
First of all, while some people claim they thrive in a creative mess, you should cut down on the clutter. Start by getting rid of all things that don’t belong in the office and those that might distract you. For example, maybe your home office used to be a spare bedroom or a storage room and there are some leftover items that you simply don’t have anywhere else to put. Depending on what they are, you can donate or sell them if you no longer need them. If you do need them, try looking for a new place where you can put them or leave them in the room but ensure they don’t interfere with your work. From various traveling memorabilia to piles of clothes you are unsure what to do with, there are plenty of things that can easily distract you.
What is more, other than clutter, you should also ensure that your home office is tidy and clean. Firstly, keeping it tidy will help you find what you need instantly. Second, no one likes a dirty environment and if you have clients over, they will not appreciate it. Finally, traditional offices usually hire cleaning services that keep the space clean but if you don’t have the budget for this, you will simply have to deal with this task as well.
Look for the most comfortable furniture
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Once your space is free of all unnecessary items, you can start filling it with the equipment you actually need. Of course, depending on what you do, this list will vary but most people need a desk and a chair. If you like taking inspiration from Pinterest, keep in mind that while most of those offices are very aesthetically pleasing, they might not be the comfiest. Dining chairs might look fancy but chances are that you will not like sitting on them for eight hours a day. Instead, opt for an ergonomic chair that will provide support for your back and neck.
What is more, maybe you like to work while standing. In that case, you should consider a standing desk or an adjustable-height one. That way, you can both sit and stand for a while. Look into comfy anti-fatigue mats that will reduce foot pain as well. Other ergonomic equipment includes keyboards and computer mouses as well as a wide variety of treadmill desks, desk cycles and kneeling chairs.
Create a functional environment
Finding the right equipment and keeping the space tidy are big parts of having a functional work environment. Something else you have to do is place everything in such a way that will maximize your efficiency. Put the things you use most often near you and those that you need once in a while can be kept a bit further away. If you use paper, organize your documents so that they are easily accessible and found.
Then, you need technology that will not slow you down. If you need a computer to handle your assignments and keep track of everything, you have to make sure that it is working properly. If you are experiencing problems, resolve them as quickly as possible in order not to lose any precious time and files. Furthermore, use cloud services to protect your documents in case of tech failure. Look for software that will make your job much easier either by streamlining certain processes or making communication with your co-workers more efficient. Fast Wi-Fi and a good phone connection are also necessary for a smooth operation.
Embrace both natural and artificial light
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Every office should have plenty of light seeing as how it makes focusing on tasks much easier and it reduces eyestrain and headaches. If you’re only now moving into your home and get to choose which room will be the office, pick the one that gets showered in natural light. There is no need to feel like you are in a cubicle with no light. Place the desk near the window as natural light can boost your mood and make you much happier. Plus, getting to look out the window every couple of minutes will also relax you.
On the other hand, if your home office is located in the basement or some other part of the home that doesn’t get much natural light, it’s vital that you add quality artificial lights so that you can still work. Just an overhead lighting fixture will not be enough so make sure to add a few table lamps and other task lights for a layered effect. Also, look for lightbulbs that mimic natural light.
Have enough storage space
Some jobs can be done over the internet with only a laptop while others require plenty of paperwork and equipment. Therefore, how much storage you need depends on what you have to do on a daily basis. If you belong to the latter group, ensure you have enough space to store everything and know exactly where you can find what you need. From purchasing a simple filing cabinet to turning an entire wall into shelves that will keep everything in order, find the best approach for your line of work.
Keep drinks and snacks nearby
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Even though you are at home, you don’t want to leave your office every time you are thirsty or crave a snack. Keep various kinds of fruit, nuts, granola bars and similar healthy foods nearby so that you can easily reach them. Moreover, you also need to stay hydrated so invest in a reusable water bottle and always keep it close. If you need coffee to help you focus, having a reliable coffee machine in your home office can also come in very handy.
Personalize according to your taste
You are probably already aware of some factors that affect your productivity. In that case, if you own the home, you can paint the room in colors that inspire you and boost your creativity. Some people like the calming effects of blue and green while others thrive with yellow and orange hues around them. Even without painting the walls, you can use various details in these colors that will stimulate you. If your window doesn’t offer a look into nature, you can hang several art pieces that show forests or some type of running water. Furthermore, scents can also boost cognitive function and focus so consider some candles or diffusing oils. If you don’t mind background noise, you can play quiet music or some other relaxing sounds.
Add greenery for various benefits
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While pictures of nature and various scents that invoke the feeling of being outside having their benefits, why not add some real greenery to your home office as well? If you are not good with plants, there is no need to worry. There are some varieties that are very hard to kill and even the people with a black thumb can take care of them. Consider pothos, the snake plant, the Madagascar dragon tree and the rubber plant. Just check whether your office can provide them with the right conditions – research which species need plenty of light and which are fine without it.
Cut down the noise and other distractions
If you need peace and quiet to reach your full potential, you have to eliminate distractions. For one, if you don’t live alone, you have to tell other household members when your work hours are and that you are not to be disturbed. They should act as if you are not at home if you are easily distracted. On the other hand, you can allow for some exceptions. Also, don’t put a TV in your office and don’t go on social media unless you are on a break. What is more, you can even soundproof the room so that you are not affected by the outside noise like construction or traffic.
Take breaks on a regular basis
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If you have a busy schedule, finding me-time can be difficult. However, seeing as how you should take regular breaks from work, you can use these to focus on yourself, even if just for a few minutes. Go for a walk around the block and appreciate the outdoors. Drink a cup of coffee and focus on how it tastes. Meditate for a few minutes. Get away from your computer and enjoy a few minutes without electronics. Play with your pet or simply rest your eyes. These breaks are necessary for your productivity so don’t skip them even if you feel like there is no need to stop working.
Dress for the job
Finally, if you want to feel like you are in an office, you have to dress for the job. It’s easy to get up and simply go to the home office in your pajamas, especially if no one can see you. However, this is very distracting as you will feel like it’s your day off and you’ll easily end up on the couch. Put on your professional get-up and tackle your day.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways how you can bring an office atmosphere into your home office. From the equipment you use to how you spend your breaks, consider these suggestions.