Working from home is becoming more and more common in the modern world and many people are now having to set up workspaces in their homes. Here are a few tips to help you create the ideal home working space.
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Keep it specialised
The first thing to do when creating a home workspace is to try to find a location you can dedicate solely to work. This will not always be possible, but if it is, it will make your space much more functional. By working in a space you use for other things, you will find yourself more distracted both at work and when you are using the space for its other purposes. If at all possible, try to carve out a place that is just for work and that you can step fully away from at the end of the day. This will help you to leave work at “work” and keep home at home.
The most important thing to remember here is, if you can avoid it, don’t work where you sleep. By having your office in your bedroom, you will make it far harder to relax in that space at night and thus disrupt your sleep and rest.
Keep it clean
As well as keeping your work distractions separate from the other parts of your home, you also want to create a workspace that is conducive to productivity and creativity. Keep the area clean and tidy, and remove as much clutter as possible. The aphorism is true – a cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind. Limit yourself to only the essentials and remove any extraneous things from your workspace.
Also, think about how you want to decorate your office area. Neutral colours will increase the feeling of openness and space, and help to keep you relaxed and creative. Mirrors are a great way to make a room feel larger and if possible, set up near a window or somewhere with lots of natural light. Some artwork, especially natural scenes, can go a long way to bringing soothing vibes to your office and help you to take a break when you need it.
Ensure the set-up is right
When you are setting up your own workspace, the onus is on you to make it not only functional but also comfortable. Consider the things you need to give you the healthiest and most productive office.
Invest in a good chair with back support and an adjustable height. Since you will be sitting in it for your workday, this is not a place to scrimp. You need to make sure that you are protecting your back and reducing the chances of developing work-related injuries, such as repetitive strain injury or carpal tunnel syndrome. By this same token, make sure your workstation itself is properly calibrated. Position your screen at eye level, either with an adjustable monitor or laptop stand, to stop you from hunching over and hurting your back. Make sure your keyboard is positioned so that your arms and hands rest parallel and are not contorted into an unnatural position. Take the time to get these things right and safeguard both your mental and physical health.
Additionally, consider any specialist equipment you may require for your work and how best to position this. Try to keep things uncluttered and functional, to allow you to be as productive and comfortable as possible. This applies not only to academic necessities but also to storage for home office purposes. Whether you’re close to campus or opting for a more secluded setting, having ample storage space in your apartment is crucial. This ensures that your home office remains organized, providing an environment conducive to both productivity and comfort.
Move outside
Garden offices are becoming increasingly popular and present a very attractive option for a home workspace. The price of a garden office can vary a great deal depending on what you are looking for. There are many things to consider, such as size, electrics, and insulation. Have a look at the options and see what would work for you.
If it is feasible for you, building a garden office has many benefits. By having a dedicated space outside of your home, you can ensure that your work and home lives are kept completely separate. You can also design the space to fit your work needs exactly, rather than having to twist your home to fit your needs. The addition of a garden office will also add value to your property and make it a far more attractive prospect for potential buyers should you wish to sell in the future.
Bring the outdoors in
If building a garden office is not an option for you, consider bringing some of the outdoors into your workspace. Natural colours and decorations have been shown to promote relaxation and increase productivity. Look into adding some houseplants to your office area, both for aesthetic purposes and health reasons. Plants will help to oxygenate your workspace and keep your mind calm and focused.
Final thoughts
There are many things to consider when creating a home workspace. Hopefully, these tips have given you a few ideas but it is important to remember that this is your space. Make it work for you and your needs, and don’t be afraid to have a bit of fun with it!