Last year, the pandemic forced many employees to start working from home, and many continue to do so in the early months of 2021. Some businesses have recognized that it is easier, cheaper, and more productive to have employees work from home, and for many, the switch to working from home may become something more permanent.
Technology companies have expanded their remote work tools to make it easier and more natural to have a distributed workforce, and the rise in the gig economy has created more remote jobs for skilled and unskilled workers.
But to get the best results from remote work, companies and individuals have to design a conducive environment. The home as the primary place of work presents a unique challenge in that it is a living space filled with comforts and activities which can quickly become distractions. Purposefully designing a work area at home will reduce distractions and turn it into a serene environment in which to work.
Choose the Perfect Spot
Contents
Make sure to locate the spot in your home where you will be most productive. Ideally, you should set up a dedicated office room and establish a physical boundary with walls and a door. The boundary will help to replicate a more traditional work environment and promote adherence to a healthy work schedule, allowing your brain to get fully in the zone while working. A dedicated room also helps create a physical boundary from the people that live with you.
Not everyone can have a dedicated room as a work from home space, and that’s okay. You can still successfully set up a designated spot in the bedroom, kitchen, or living space. Something as simple as a desk and a chair near an open window can prove to be a great working space. Try to position your workspace away from distractions like the TV or higher traffic areas like hallways.
Power On
Make sure your workspace has adequate outlets for all the technology devices (computer, printer, phone, etc.) which you will be using for work. If you don’t have sufficient outlets, you can use a multi-plug extension cord.
Make sure you are in close proximity to your WiFi router and that it connects to your computer and smartphone reliably. Your workspace ideally should be close to your WiFi, otherwise emailing, video calls, and accessing cloud services can become difficult.
You may not have to think too hard about this if you live in a small apartment, but a large home will require a plan. You don’t want to be interrupted by a dropped connection on a client call, thinking, why won’t my computer connect to WiFi? You can move closer to the WiFi router or purchase a WiFi extender large house.
Make your WFH Space Comfortable and Inspiring
Your office space should speak to your personality. Ultimately, you want the space to inspire you, feel comfortable, and promote productivity. There are a few ways you can achieve this:
- Set Up Proper Lighting– That means having sufficient light in your space, so you avoid eye strain. Choosing a sunny spot near a window with plenty of natural light is best if possible. If the natural lighting is not sufficient, consider using a desk lamp or additional artificial lighting.
- Pay Attention to Color– Make the office tranquil; opt for neutrals and light and airy tones. Color has the power to shift your mood and work. For example, blue can spark creativity, red can boost attention to detail, and green can liven up your imagination. You don’t need to display color using paint only; you can also use decorations. If you want the color green in your space, you can add houseplants or nature prints.
- Avoid Clutter– Keep your desk and the surrounding area clean, so you can focus on your work and eliminate distractions. For solid feng shui, turn your desk so that you can look out at the rest of the room while seated, rather than a wall.
- Bring the Outside In– Adding plants can be a great way to add to a room’s sense of peace and tranquility. Plants allow your eyes to take a break from work, can purify the air and foster a greater sense of calm. Plants are also helpful for keeping your room smelling good.
Create A Space That Works For You
You are a talented, hard worker who deserves a comfortable and efficient work from home space. The transition to working from home necessitated by COVID-19 has led to a great degree of uncertainty regarding future working arrangements, and it can be challenging to face the changes head-on. The best way to adapt to the transition is to create a workspace at home that works for you. If you design it right, your space can be both inspiring and productive.