2020 saw the spontaneous and rapid shift from working in office spaces to working from home for many people around the world. And, one year later, not much has changed. The vast majority of employees, freelancers, and workers are still working from their homes, with little information about a potential return-to-office date. By now, many of us have managed to set up a relatively comfortable space from which to work, or at least found a temporary solution at the kitchen table, for example. Investing some time and care into your workspace can help create a more inviting and effective space to work from. Below we have listed our top tips for setting up a workspace in your house or apartment, that is conducive to a productive working environment.
Home Office
Tidy Desk, Clear Mind
Firstly, your WFH desk or area should be as uncluttered and tidy as possible. Even if your workspace is very small, keeping it clean and uncluttered will help you maintain focus throughout the working day. Check out our top tips for decluttering this spring for ideas on where to start. Secondly, make sure your desk and chair are set at the correct height and that they are as comfortable as possible. This may mean using a cushion or two if you sit on a dining room chair, or using books and boxes to add height to your laptop or computer screen. A wonky chair or table leg can add stress to your day and is relatively easy to address. If any of your workspace furniture needs repairing there are many simple ways to fix them. One of the simplest is to use a suitable glue to repair any cracks or faults - it truly is the ultimate tool for making DIY easier. If you are lucky enough to have a garden or outdoor space like a balcony, be sure to spend some time on it each day to refresh the mind and take a breather. Maybe this means setting a reminder on your phone every hour or two to get up and move, and get some fresh air. Any type of gardening activity is great for the mind so if possible, implementing some sowing and garden DIY into your week where possible. Placing plants and flowers on your desk can also help counteract some of the intense screen time that work involves, thus creating a more calming space.
- Declutter your workspace
- Check your ergonomics and desk/chair height for comfort
- Make any DIY repairs around your workspace to ensure comfort and safety
- Spend some time outdoors each day
- Plants, flowers and candles can help bring a sense of calm to your workspace
It's no secret that plants can brighten and enhance any office area. WeWork wrote about the benefits of using plants in the office and this applies to any home office too, even if that means your kitchen table. Add a potted plant or bunch of flowers to your desk to brighten your workday.
Use your time wisely
Another crucial tip for creating a comfortable working environment from home is to manage your time effectively. Be sure to take regular breaks and a full lunch hour as much as possible. Closing the laptop at the end of the day and putting it away in a drawer can also be a great way to switch from work mode to relaxation mode. Out of sight, out of mind. The same goes for weekends - if you are lucky enough to have Saturdays and Sundays free, placing your work laptop, notebooks and other items out of sight makes it that bit easier to switch off on weekends and forget about work until Monday morning.
Overall, working from home looks set to stay for the foreseeable future at least, and even beyond for some employees. While some may welcome the switch with open arms, many still miss the structure and camaraderie of the office. In any case, it is important to get the small things right when setting up a home office workspace. Small changes and the implementation of a regular working routine are among of the most effective coping strategies for a happy home-work life and it is well worth investing some time and care into getting it right, as much as possible.