Table of Contents
- Office Friendly Space #1: Choose the Right Location
- Office Friendly Space #2: Ask Yourself Some Questions and Make a Mental Note
- Office Friendly Space #3: Prioritize Lighting
- Office Friendly Space #4: Don't Underestimate Windows
- Office Friendly Space #5: Use the Right Colors
- Office Friendly Space #6: The Little Things that Matter
Today, all of us are already quite familiar with the Work from Home situation. Third time in a row now, offices and workplaces are slowly shifting to the online mode of working. While most of us are not too excited about this transition, there is not much we can do about this change.
When you think about it, there are distractions everywhere. Whether it is the home office or the office space, we are never free from distractions. At the end of the day, what matters is creating a space that can exclusively be used for professional work and purposes.
For as long as we have lived in our own homes, they have always been a place of comfort and where we finally go back to after a long hectic day at work. Consequently, it gets slightly hard to work and be productive in the same place we sleep, eat, exercise, and relax. Irrespective of the size of the place you are dealing with, what does it take to create a workspace with a productive and active atmosphere?
Wants and requirements vary from person to person. While one may like to work with a kind of dull lighting, it must be the natural light that may work for someone else. We want to make sure that the work from home situation turns out to be advantageous for you. After you hear the news about working from home yet again, we want to change your sad sighs into sighs of relief and happiness!
We have come up with a list of tips that if followed, can ensure the perfect home workspace for you. It will not only allow you to distinguish between the personal and the professional space but will also significantly increase your productivity. All you need to do is put a little effort into your ideal workspace, and be consistent with your requirements.
1. Choose the Right Location
This is one of the first and most important steps towards building the perfect office space at home. Choosing the right location is important because this is what helps you distinguish between your personal and professional life. Carefully analyze your house and choose a location that is free of all distractions. While dedicating a whole room for your work office is the most preferred, a silent and peaceful corner at home is workable too.
2. Ask Yourself Some Questions and Make a Mental Note
Once you have decided on the location for your workspace, ask yourself some questions to figure out your needs and requirements. Learn to prioritize and make do with what may not be available at the time of setting up. The whole point of constructing an office space at home is for you to function well and be free of distractions. Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself -
How much space do you need to work efficiently?
Do you have any printing requirements?
Is there enough stationery for you to work with?
Do you tend to be untidy while working, and is there a need for your family to know that this untidiness should be left untouched?
Do you need storage space for files and other documents?
Is there a good wifi connection from where you have decided to work?
3. Prioritize Lighting
Mostly everything today is technology-based. The majority of us spend at least a good 5-6 hours in front of the screen. You can end up damaging your vision by straining your eyes too much if you do not use the right lighting. Instead of yellow light bulbs, use white ones as they have been proved to be statistically better for the eyes. If you work during the day, let the natural light come in. If you are a night owl, invest in a good night lamp. Also, try and position your screen according to where the maximum amount of light can reach you.
4. Don't Underestimate Windows
Whether you would like to completely utilize the natural sunlight or install your lighting in your workspace, is all up to you. You can put up blinds in case you would like to control when and how much light comes into the room. In case your workspace is located in the same room where you sleep at night, you can use a blackout curtain. These can be removed when you start with work and put back up when it is time to sleep. You can also use a light-colored blind that will block the glare coming from outside, but allow you to make the most of the natural light too.
5. Use the Right Colors
The right colors indeed have the potential to put you in just the right mood! Like everything else, your choice of colors also depends on your likes and preferences. While a darker blue color is known for a clear train of thought, lighter blue shades are known for a feeling of calm and seriousness. If you use bright colors like orange and yellow, it makes the room look lively and ready for some productive work too! Keep in mind that overusing any color can lead to nervousness and a feeling of inactiveness.
6. The Little Things that Matter
Instead of getting caught up in the standard processes of creating a professional workspace, do not forget to pay attention to what works for you. In our routine of going to the office and working at our desks, many of us may forget to remember and appreciate the little things. If needed, decorate your desk with little accessories that you may have back at the office. Putting up an indoor plant or two at your home office desk can make it more lively and welcoming. Finally, another little thing is to ensure the temperature of your workspace location is not too hot or too cold and is just correct!
While all these tips may seem extremely easy to follow and implement, you will be surprised at how much of a positive difference they bring into your new routine of working from home. It is not necessary to stick to just one style of creating your workspace, experiment, and explore while you are just starting.
Even if you cannot afford a completely new home office, following these tips will help you pick out a small corner at home and efficiently work there. In the end, it is all about dedication and the right inspiration to excel in your professional space!
Finally, a pro tip will be to ensure that you stand up at different intervals of time. Sitting for hours on end is neither good for your body nor your mind. Not just standing up, but also taking a short stroll or pausing for small breaks will energize you and increase your focus when you get back to work again. Taking short breaks is as important as the perfect home workplace to focus and thrive at work!
So, what is your little workstation going to look like? Tell us in the comments, and let others take some inspiration from you too!