Home offices offer several benefits. But since 2019, their use has increased significantly, and many employees say it helps them to stay more focused and increases their productivity. It is also a great way to protect against some diseases, like COVID-19. However, it can be challenging to remain productive when you are not in the ideal office setting.
If you have ever worked in a multipurpose environment like the living room or kitchen, you can relate to how distractions make life unbearable. Fortunately, whether you are the boss or an employee, you can build a home office to help you create the best work-life balance and maximize your productivity. Read on for simple tips to set up the best home office, even in a limited space.
1. Get the Appropriate Technology
When creating a home office, start with suitable technological investments. Having an office without the proper technology for the job is one of the leading blockers to productivity. Get the same technology that you would if you were working in your head office Brussels or any busy commercial setup to build a home office for maximum productivity.
It is essential to get the best tools for your trade, but you may change some of the requirements depending on your needs. In most cases, you will need items like a home office printer, photocopier, phone headsets, and multiple monitors to work online. If you are on a tight budget, you can get free or cheap computer programs and other tools to deliver the best quality.
2. Create a Dedicated Office Space
Carve out a dedicated work area after getting the right tools for your trade. Identify a place where you can work, whether in a corner of your house or beside the bed, and separate it from your ‘home life.’ Suppose you have a spacious room. In this case, you can partition the house to simplify work and ensure a healthy work-life balance.
If you have an empty room at home, you can convert it to your office. It can be your garage, guest bedroom, or store. This option will serve you best if you are new to the culture of working from home. Nonetheless, at the very least, you need a desk or a kitchen table you associate with your office work.
3. Design an Office Layout that Suits Your Needs
The needs of your business should play a significant role in determining how you design the layout of the space. Consider the technology you need and whether you will want to collaborate with others online. Also, consider whether you would love to host physical meetings or have clients visit you. For example, consider creating areas where your guests can sit. In short, design a setup that allows you to realize your office goals with ease.
4. Get a Comfortable Ergonomic Chair
Ergonomic chairs protect your back with a befitting posture as you work. The adjustable ones are excellent for better control. Moreover, different people can use them without issues. However, for your home office chair, pay more attention to your body dimensions.
Consider whether the headrest, armrest, backrest, seat height, width and depth, and backrest recline suit your needs. Other essential parts are the swivel, wheels, lumbar support, and the materials used.
5. Ensure the Office is Properly Lit
Having a properly lit home office also allows you to lead a healthy life as you work. Poor lighting often increases the risk of falls, slips and trips, headaches, eye strain, and muscle strain. These health problems have a direct impact on your productivity.
Depending on your needs, you can consider desk lamps or tasking lighting to address this need. Can lights installed in the ceiling are also a great alternative. Remember, quality lighting will also make your office tidy and inviting, which will have a positive psychological effect on your productivity.
Besides, the comfort associated with proper lighting can help you win deals and strengthen your brand image. Remember, you can also use natural lighting solutions, like windows, to improve ventilation and reduce your expenditure on power without sacrificing the benefits of quality lighting.
6. Bring the Outdoors Inside the Office
If you are like many people, nature refreshes and inspires you to do your best. Besides improving your mood, it can enhance your mental state and help you deal with stress and anxiety. As you know, a less stressed worker is more productive. From this, you can see how staying indoors for most of the day can hurt your productivity.
You can excel at home by greening your office space. Bring houseplants and pets to your office. Artificial plants and animals can also give you the same result. Choose whichever works best for you.
Summing Up
Building a home office can help you attain maximum productivity. However, it can take time, but it is worth it. You will need the correct setup, furniture, technology, and conditions. Also, learn to deal with time stealers, like chatting with family members and friends during office hours, to succeed. Follow these tips, and you will stay focused and maximize your productivity while working from home.