If this year has taught us anything it’s that we can adapt to any type of situation and learn to thrive, no matter how difficult it may be. While many people were already used to remote working before the pandemic, for a vast number of people, especially those with little kids, working from home was something new and challenging.
It took some time to figure out what works for us and what changes are necessary to make this switch easier. In this post, we bring you tips on how to make your home office more creative and productive in 2021.
Separate Your Working Space from the Rest of Your Home
By now, it is not news that working in the same space where you dine or watch TV can be very difficult but we repeat it because it is essential for your productivity. You may struggle to focus on your work even if you live alone or with your partner. However, if you have kids who are now schooled from home too, remote working becomes a daunting task.
While many people prefer working from home and do not miss going to the sterile cubicle, others can’t seem to make the switch in their minds. To help you achieve this, you should separate your working area from the lounging area.
Ideally, you would set up an office in a separate room where you can shut the door, distance yourself from the noises, and let your creative juices flow. But since not everyone can do that, you should at least designate a partly isolated corner in your home with plenty of natural light. If it’s in the living room, set up your office so that you turn your back to the lounging area, the TV, etc. This will help you concentrate on work.
Furnish Your Home Office Using Quality Materials
If you’ve decided to create a designated home office, the first thing you should think about is furniture i.e. a desk and a chair. That’s all you need for your home office really and so it’s important to pick quality pieces.
Our suggestion would be to pick a traditional office desk made of wood and a comfortable chair that will allow you to sit up correctly and avoid discomfort. Why wood, you ask? Well, because it’s timeless! Furthermore, it’s also affordable and eco-friendly. You can never go wrong with classic Amish office furniture such as a sturdy desk with drawers for storage.
Besides, wooden furniture can fit into any type of home décor so if you’re not very keen on hiring an interior designer to furnish your home office, this is the way to go.
Decorate Your Office with Outdoor Elements
In order to boost productivity and be more creative, your home office should not be a sterile area such as we see in large, open-space corporate offices. It should be comfortable and inviting so that you look forward to working each day.
For this, you should add a few decorative elements but ones with a purpose. For example, we know that plants have a positive impact on our health as well as productivity. It brings a certain peace and serenity, not to mention that it produces oxygen so the benefits are numerous.
A single plant and a piece of art can transform your office into an oasis and make remote work more pleasant. You could also paint a green wall to soothe your mind.
Invest in Quality Equipment
Regardless of how beautifully adorned your home office is, if you have old and faulty equipment, you won’t be able to do much for your creativity and productivity levels. A good laptop or desktop computer, a quality set of headphones are a must.
This allows you to complete your work tasks more efficiently and improve the quality of your Zoom calls and conferences.
Keep Your Office Clutter-Free
There is a saying about tidy desks and tidy minds, and we believe it is true. Although some people (artists, for example) thrive in chaotic environments and love their studios messy, most people find it easier to concentrate in a tidy space.
Keep your home office clutter-free by organizing your work. This is another reason why you need a traditional office desk with storage space. Clean your desk regularly and keep only work-related stuff that you need there.
Not only does this help your productivity level but also benefits your mental health. Also, keep food out of the office, except for coffee which, for many, is another essential bit of a working day.
Stick to Your Working Hours
When learning how to work from home, one of the most important things is work-life balance and that means setting your work hours and sticking to your schedule. That also means no watching TV during work hours or working during play hours.
You should stick to your working hours so that it feels as if you were going to an office and coming home after work every day. Observe your home office the same way and once you clock out, leave your work behind and go get your much-needed rest.
Author Bio:
Alexander Hunkin is an Australian based startup advisor with in-depth experience in growing business. His meaningful and strategic advices have helped in setting and growing many startup companies in Brisbane and Perth. Alexander is also a content creator for different niches. The top ones are business, career, finance and marketing. He aspires to share his experiences and is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to enhance his skills. When he isn’t busy working, you can find him cooking exotic meals, scuba diving and cycling.
