With the rise of COVID-19 and the number of computer-based roles, more and more people are working from home. There are plenty of benefits to this, including less pollution and more time spent with family, but creating an office space can be difficult.
If you find yourself a remote worker but you’re struggling to create a space where you can concentrate, then read on for ways to make your home remote-work ready.
Think About Temperature
Fortunately, the old office argument about the optimal temperature won’t follow you home, but you should still think about the right level of heat for focus. While you might like it nice and toasty, this might make you feel too relaxed and sleepy, encouraging you to chill out on the sofa rather than get on with your tasks. If your home is too cold, however, you will also struggle to concentrate.
For the colder months, invest in the best heat pump to keep your office space well-heated. In the summer, air-con will stop you from sweating and losing your focus.
Remove Distractions
Removing distractions is easier said than done, but it is a must. Take away all electronics that aren’t related to work, tell your family that you are not to be disturbed, and keep only work-related documents around your workspace.
Having children around the home while you work is especially difficult, which is why you should consider still sending them to daycare even if you are at home. After all, you cannot pay attention to them while working!
Keep it Tidy
A tidy desk equals a tidy mind. Declutter your work area for optimal focus. You could even place decluttering into your morning routine – just before you settle at your desk with your morning coffee, take a few minutes to organize your space.
Have Enough Storage
An easy way of keeping your area organized is to have enough storage. If you are printing a lot and using multiple notebooks and electronics, it helps to have places to store them. Just make sure your work and personal items stay separate!
If you purchase a desk, it’s a good idea to install an under-desk wireless charger that will help you make your space free from unnecessary wires. Also, make the most of your walls by drilling in some extra shelf space.
Use a Chair with Enough Support
One of the biggest health risks of office workers is back problems, usually caused by a dodgy chair. When you’re sitting on something for 8-plus hours, five days a week, then it is worth spending a fair amount of money on. You should think of the quality of your chair in the same way you think of your mattress.
The Right Kind of Light
The warm ambiance you love during a cozy evening isn’t ideal for your 9 am Zoom meeting. Too soft lighting will cause you to feel sleepy, distracting you from the work that needs doing. Instead, invest in a desk lamp that emits enough bright light to help you focus.
Creating the ideal workspace takes time, but once it is completed, you will find it much easier to concentrate and get your work done in a timely fashion.
