By Andrew Chu
Following the COVID-19 outbreak, big companies encouraged their employees to work from home. This includes Twitter, Microsoft, and Amazon.
Such corporate action also renewed the emphasis on working from home.
But whether it is due to the pandemic or not, working remotely can be challenging. More so if you are new to this concept. Luckily, having a dedicated workspace at home can help you get past the hurdles.
Thus, follow these x tips in designing the perfect home office if you want to be a productive remote employee:
Have a Functional Desk
Of course, a proper work desk is integral for a home office. This means having an office table and chair of the right size and height.
The goal here is to look for office furniture that can house your home office without compromising your comfort. Otherwise, poor ergonomics can lead to issues later on. We are talking about shoulder and back pain, lethargy, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Should you go for a standing desk? You can if you want to.
Still, it would be best to get out of your home office and take a walk from time to time. Walking is a fantastic way to add some movement to your routine, and a change of scenery can help you recharge.
Make Room for Essentials
Once you have the right office desk and chair, the next step is to place your work essentials. Whatever you put on your office table will depend on the nature of your work.
For a graphics design, that would mean having a space for his drawing tablet. If you are a virtual assistant, you might want an area where you can place your phone.
For someone who is into data analytics, he might need dual monitors. But if you are a web content writer, you might only need your laptop and extra space for pen and paper when jotting down content ideas.
Whatever it is, only place items on your desk that are essential for your work. According to Cleaning Exec Home Cleaning Services NYC, doing so is the first step to making your home office clutter-free.
Have Proper Lighting
Other than your desk and work essentials, your home office should also have proper lighting.
According to Cornell University professor Alan Hedge‘s study, natural light can decrease the following symptoms by 84%:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Eyestrain
And these symptoms can hinder you from being productive.
But what if you have a windowless home office? Then, you must use adequate lighting.
And when we say “adequate,” it means your light is neither dim nor harsh.
Dim lights force your eyes to work harder to see things clearly, leading to eyestrain. This can result in drowsiness and lack of focus. On the other hand, harsh lights are believed to trigger migraines.
So, what can you install for your home office? We recommend LED lights.
According to the researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, short-wavelength (blue) light can help you perk up and be productive. And LED lights are abundant in short-wavelength light, which mimics daylight.
However, there is an on-going debate on how blue light affects our sleep. Until smart lighting technology can catch up with such nuances, it would be best to turn off your devices one hour before sleeping.
Get a Bit of Green
According to a 2014 study, adding house plants in the office makes employees 15% more productive. But living in a city apartment means you are out of luck.
Just adding a small pot of plant somewhere on your desk can work wonders in your productivity. Mind you, there are small plants that can thrive in a small windowless room.
But if you are not fond of tending a plant, consider hanging a poster or painting of a lush garden.
Pick an Inspiring Color
Speaking of a windowless room, you can repaint the walls of your home office with something inspiring.
Some say painting the walls blue can give you a productivity boost. That’s because it is a soothing color that helps you increase your concentration.
You can also opt for any hues of green since it does not strain the eyes. If you are the kind who faces your computer for eight hours a day, green might be the paint color that suits you.
Meanwhile, if you want a color that uplifts your mood without being too loud, consider repainting your walls with orange. It combines red and yellow, which are ideal if you have a physically-demanding job and want your creative juices flowing.
Keep it Clean and Clutter-Free
Lastly, you should maintain your home office’s cleanliness. This could mean cleaning your work essentials before or after working.
Another way to do it is to clean your home office regularly. But if you are pressed for time, consider hiring a professional home office cleaner.
Having a dedicated workspace does not mean you need to occupy a room. Placing a desk at a quiet corner should suffice. What’s important is that you are free of distraction and clutter, you can work in peace, and you know when to call it a day.