The idea of having a home office used to sound like a luxury. Only those who have the extra space and are working remotely can usually afford to have a proper office setup at home. But since the pandemic started, a great number of employees are working from home. Social distancing is a way to prevent coronavirus transmission.
The work from home (WFH) setup is beneficial for many workers. It’s more convenient and cost-efficient since they don’t need to go out. Some employees, however, struggle to adapt to this setup, which affects their performance. They are easily distracted and don’t have access to facilities they use in an office, including a fast internet network, desktop computers, and air conditioning unit.
Setting up a home office can help improve your productivity while working at home. It provides a comfortable place where you can focus more and get things done more efficiently.
Know What Makes You Productive
Before setting up your home office, it’s best to identify what puts you in a productive mood. Not everyone stays focused and productive in the same environment. Knowing what makes you productive helps you design and organize your home office.
Some people, for example, feel more relaxed and focus better if they are working in a white, minimalist room. Some individuals prefer playing music while working, while others find it distracting.
There are several things you can try to improve your workspace at home.
Improving Your Workspace at Home
If you can’t identify what triggers your productivity mood, experiment with a few things until you find the setup that works for you. Here are five things you can try to spice up your home office to help improve your productivity.
1. Invest in Proper Equipment
Having the right equipment is crucial in making an effective home office. A custom-built PC, for example, can help you finish your tasks quicker than using an old and slow laptop. Building your own computer allows you to choose specific parts and features according to your work needs.
Adding a second monitor to your computer setup can boost your productivity. It makes many tasks easier, especially if you’re designing, writing, researching, and coding. Moreover, don’t neglect your mouse and keyboard. For the mouse, it’s best to use one that fits your hand comfortably. Mechanical keyboards, meanwhile, are better if you’re doing a lot of writing and coding.
Apart from using a high-performing PC setup, you should also consider other equipment that will make you comfortable while working. Since you’ll be spending hours sitting, consider investing in a comfortable chair. It will make a huge difference in your work life. When shopping for an office chair, focus on the back thigh and arm support to find the right fit. The material options and warranties offered are also important considerations.
It is essential to keep your home comfortable to be more productive. How about getting a new air conditioner? Working from home allows you to customize your workspace to suit your needs and working style. The downside is that you will miss some of the office’s amenities, like free coffee and air conditioning.
2. Paint The Room with The Right Color
The color of a room evokes different feelings and provides a specific ambiance. That’s why it’s important to choose the right color for your home office. The color will affect the mood of the room, which can impact your ability to focus.
When choosing a color for your home office, consider what you do. If you’re a writer or working in the creative field, colors that evoke creativity are ideal. Yellow, for example, is often used in innovation labs and creative spaces as it is seen as the color of creativity.
Blue is also an ideal color to use in an office. It is deemed as the official color of productivity. Experts explain that this color focuses on concentration and emotional balance, keeping you in a calm state of flow.
Keep in mind that using too much of a single color can also be an eyesore. Excessive yellow, for instance, can induce eye fatigue. If you use too much blue, you’ll feel too relaxed and make your innovative streak dull. Add a color accent or create a color palette to come up with a coherent design.
3. Embrace Greenery in Your Workspace
Indoor plants are a trendy home decor among modern houses today. They add a natural feel to the house, making it more relaxing. But adding a plant to your home office does not only make the room aesthetically pleasing. It also provides some health benefits.
Having plants in your home offers a comfortable, soothing, and natural feeling. Research shows indoor gardening helps lower physiological and psychological stress.
Some plants, however, can be high maintenance. That’s why some people opt for fake plants. But plastic plants don’t offer the same benefits as the real ones. Exposure to real plants can sharpen your attention, which is vital in staying productive.
Having the opportunity to work from home during a pandemic is a privilege. It minimizes your risk of contracting the virus. But not everyone can adjust easily to this setup or can cope well in the long run. Finding a space at home where you can work and set up properly can help you stay productive until you return to your real office.
