Working from home can be a large adjustment, especially if you’re accustomed to working long hours in the office surrounded by co-workers, white light, and a cubicle space. Navigating working from home means learning how to mimic a similar environment conducive to productivity. Here are a few tips for setting up a more productive work-from-home office.
Keeping your home office area clean is important for a productive work environment. When your area is clutter-free and cleaned, you’ll feel more motivated and mentally prepared to start the day with a clean slate.
When your area is cluttered, your mind may become cluttered. Be sure to take out the trash, wipe down surfaces, clear out clutter and dust, and do any additional chores needed to make the space feel welcoming and to help prepare you for the day ahead.
Organization goes together with keeping your home office clean. Every utensil and stationery item should have a home, and you should arrange the materials on your desk in a way that is both practical and visually appealing. Utilize notepad holders, pencil cups, trays, and more to keep your items in one reachable place.
Having an organized space is beneficial for the mind. You’ll be able to reduce unnecessary anxiety or stress from the visual clutter or having to fish for scattered items on your desk. Save yourself the stress and invest in organizational tools for your office.
Working from home is fundamentally different for several reasons. When working in an office, you’re in a separate building, miles from home, in an environment designed to limit distractions and provide you with the least amount of outside stimulation possible. You’re also surrounded by your superiors and co-workers who can monitor your progress which may subconsciously encourage you to stay productive.
While office spaces are filled with bright white lights, neutral tones, and sectioned cubicles, your home is the opposite. Your home may have many distractions and is not designed to keep your mind focused on work. Your home holds the sounds of your crying toddler, barking dog, TV playing the news, and your neighbor mowing the lawn.
It can be hard to tune out distractions, especially if you’re not used to so many distracting stimuli. Try to eliminate distractions by placing your phone in another room while you work or turning it on silent, turning off and storing all entertainment sources, and working in a closed environment.
Having a nice space to work in may motivate you to get in the office and get your work done. There are many simple and cost-effective ways to upgrade your space. Add greenery, accented décor, custom doormats for home, photos, and more to elevate the environment.
Being in an aesthetically pleasing environment can inspire you to stay in and enjoy the space you took the time to coordinate. This may increase productivity since you’ll enjoy spending more time in your home office.
Here are a few other simple ways to create an aesthetically pleasing home office:
It’s critical to designate an area of your home as your home office. When you have a designated area to work, you can focus more, boosting your productivity. Instead of working on the couch, in bed, or on the kitchen island, get a desk and put it in your bedroom or living room area. If you have an extra room and are unsure what to do with it, transform this space into an office.
Any closed area where you can have privacy is ideal but start by identifying places around the home where you can work comfortably and practically.
Creating a schedule you can see every time you go into your office is a great tip for setting up a more productive home office. Get a whiteboard calendar and hang it up in your office. Write out your schedule and daily tasks to help keep you organized and accountable.
A visual representation of your tasks is important for productivity as it helps you keep your eyes on the end goal and allows you to stay on track.
Setting up near a light source like a window is a great way to help boost energy, mood, and mental clarity while in your home office. You should avoid locking yourself in a dark room while trying to be productive, as this can lead to decreased mental focus and poor mood. Bright sunlight is energizing, inspiring, and great to have around your office space if possible.
It’s important to stay hydrated and fueled for a productive workday. Having a mini-fridge nearby or simply keeping snacks and water within reach will help you avoid going back and forth between your work area and the kitchen and allow you to fuel up and get back to accomplishing your tasks.
If you don’t have an office space next to natural sunlight, invest in a white LED lamp or change your office lights to bright white LED lights. This will help keep you awake and alert when performing your duties and mimics an office environment. This is especially useful if you tend to work late into the evening or at night when there is no natural sunlight.
There are many ways to set up your home office for productivity and success. Create a clean and organized environment, work near the light, invest in your aesthetic space, limit distractions, and remain fueled during the workday.
