We all remember that time when all we ever wanted was to work from home, even if for just a day every week. Now, that’s become a reality for many, but most definitely not in the way they have envisioned it. The pandemic has forced many office workers to do their jobs from home, whether they like it or not.
Most employees were not ready to face the challenges that come with working from home. The number one problem people face is the lack of a great home office that can easily boost productivity and efficiency. If you’re in the same situation in dire need of upgrading the “home office” that you have, you’re in luck, as we’ve got exactly what you need: 4 essential tips and ideas on how to upgrade your workspace.
1. The perfect location
You can have the most fantastic laptop, PC, desk, chair, and overall setup, but if it’s not in the right spot in your home, you can’t be productive. We’re sure you’ve tried setting up a desk, chair, and laptop trio in the corner of one of your rooms, but soon you’ve realized that doesn’t do the trick. Frankly, there are just too many distractions.
First and foremost, your home office should be a place that meets all your work needs, precisely the way your space did at your corporate office. You need a comfortable chair, a practical and robust desk that gives home to your laptop/PC and other gadgets and items, a reliable internet connection, and of course, some peace.
Of course, if you don’t have a dedicated space for all of these, you can transform an existing space into the perfect little home office with a little creativity and dedication. Usually, a rarely-used living, guest, or dining room serves its purpose in this sense. But how do you separate this area from the rest? It’s always a good idea to use French doors if it’s possible to create your quiet and cozy environment. If that’s not possible, you can always rely on screens that are easy to set up and are quite aesthetic.
2. You need the right furniture and other equipment
The most crucial element of every home office is the desk: you need one that has all the space for your work stuff, practical, aesthetically-pleasing, and overall meets all your needs. Picking the most suitable one is not always easy, as you have to consider many things. Also, there are many desks out there: steel, wooden, modern glass, or even standing desks. Regardless of your choice, your top priority should be practicality and space.
If you’ve found the perfect desk, you need to buy an amazing chair. Because you sit on it at least 8 hours a day, comfort is essential. Investing in an ergonomic office chair that fits your body, has casters to move more efficiently, and also swivels 360 degrees is one of the best decisions you can make.
Even if your employer has provided equipment that you need for everyday tasks, you probably need a few more items to make the whole working experience better. Besides buying a keyboard and mouse for laptop usage, mostly if you use it for extended periods, you also need a wrist guard. It’s also a great idea to invest in a monitor and/or laptop desk to position the screens at eye level. Don’t forget to add a multipurpose printer, wireless headset, webcam, and noise-canceling microphones to your home office shopping list.
3. It’s all about the proper decor
You can’t really let your creativity loose when it comes to upgrading your corporate office, but you have endless options, possibilities to let your imagination soar with your home office. You can and should be in charge of every single detail: choosing the paint color, picking the artwork, finding the most suitable flooring.
Whatever you decide on, make sure to incorporate who you are into it. Don’t be afraid to express yourself when decorating your workspace. Of course, some guidelines might be helpful; for example, following a minimalistic yet modern approach to designing and decorating your workroom results in a more open and creative area, promoting creativity, productivity, and smooth-flowing efficiency.
When you pick out the color, stick to a neutral color palette that can give you a visually pleasing space and an overall cleaner look. If you have an upper-level office and want to change the flooring, you won’t regret going with low-pile carpeting or hardwood. And whatever you do, let in as much natural light as possible. Even if you’re stuck on a big project, you have to work overtime, a little bit of sunshine will lift your spirits.
Also, don’t forget about decorative accessories, artwork, and some plants. Of course, don’t overdo them: if you don’t have enough space, make sure to get one of each. When you have more room, you can mix it up better. A great thing about plants is that they help clean the air, produce oxygen, and increase humidity in your workroom. Plus, the sight of greenery makes you calmer and more creative.
4. Artificial light
Regardless of your office’s location, you need to think about the right lighting. After all, it’s one of the most important components of every room and not just your home office. Just as with desks, you have endless options and possibilities. Of course, your number one priority should be to create a friendly and inviting place, a warm, cozy environment that helps you be productive every day.
Natural daylight is vital, but you can’t enjoy much of it when winter comes. If possible, utilize light from the Sun through various objects, such as solar tubes, skylights, and, most importantly, windows. Even if the Sun’s out for a few hours a day during winter, make sure its rays reach you, giving you the much-needed health benefits.
When natural illumination is not enough, recessed lighting will do the trick. Luckily, it is a good fit for smaller spaces. For example, fluorescent flood lights will do the trick. They can give out pretty decent brightness, and they are efficient nowadays. If you’re going for a more ambient vibe, give pendant lights, table lamps, and scones a try.
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Author Bio:
Arnold Katz is the Marketing Coordinator at Empire Movers, a fully licensed and insured moving company based in New York City. The professional movers offer a wide range of moving services, including local, commercial, and long-distance moving.