How To Set Up Your Home Office for Maximum Productivity
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In the pre-COVID-19 era, the routine for most workers was straightforward: wake up, get ready, and head to the office. The pandemic, however, brought about a sudden shift to remote work, making home offices a necessity for many. Although remote work isn't new (the term telecommuting was coined by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration engineer @Jack Nilles in 1973), it has become a significant part of the modern work culture. According to Forbes , 74% of professionals now expect remote work to be a standard practice. Companies have also recognized the benefits, leading to extended work-from-home policies, as noted by CNBC
Creating a productive home office can be challenging, especially if you're aiming to replicate the professionalism of a traditional office. Here are some tips to help you set up an effective workspace at home:
1. Identify a quiet place
The first step is to identify a quiet, distraction-free area in your home. Ideally, this could be a spare room that you can convert into a workstation. If you don’t have an extra room, you can be creative by considering unused corners in larger rooms, large (but empty) closets, or even under the stairs.
2. Design with your style in mind
Our tastes might not be the same—different strokes for different folks. Before you design that home office yourself or contract with an interior designer, consider your preferences and draft out how you would like it to look.
Which do you prefer: Modern, Contemporary, or Art Moderne Interior Design Style? You might decide to put up motivational quotes, paintings, a family picture, a poster of a role model or have some flower vases arranged in that space.
Whatever you decide, make sure it’s your style. Toxway says, designing your workspace improves health, happiness, and productivity.
3. Explore different colours
Research by N. Savavibool et. al in 2018 revealed that the colour of the workspace has a significant impact on productivity as well as the emotional well-being of an individual. Why not switch colours periodically or combine colours at your home office to give you different feels?
According to Architect Two Cents :
4. Light up your home office
Illuminating your home office is crucial for productivity, whether with natural or artificial light. Poor lighting can diminish productivity, causing eye strain and fatigue, though it doesn't damage eyesight, according to Harvard Health Publishing .
If your home office has a window, maximize natural light to boost productivity. If not, ensure you have adequate overhead lighting, ambient lighting, or task lighting like a desk lamp. Proper lighting can create a more comfortable and efficient work environment.
5. Set up the right desk and chair
There are various types of office desks and chairs designed to support your work. Depending on your tasks and preferences, you might choose a writing desk, computer desk, executive desk, or floating desk. Standing desks are also an option to counteract the negative health effects of prolonged sitting, as noted by HealthLine .
For chairs, consider traditional, contemporary, transitional, or Mid-century styles, ensuring the chair supports your spinal curves to maintain good posture and comfort.
6. Save space
A cramped and cluttered workspace is less appealing and can hinder productivity. To optimize space, consider using a space-saving desk, vertical shelves, or floating shelves to keep items organized. Maximizing wall space frees up floor space, allowing for a more efficient furniture layout. This setup not only improves aesthetics but also enhances functionality and comfort in your work environment.
7. Keep Your Workspace Clean
According to the Harvard Business Review , the physical environment of your workspace significantly impacts your productivity. A cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind and a lack of focus. To maintain productivity, tidy up your home office daily, dispose of unwanted materials properly, and use file cabinets, storage baskets, or labels to organize items. Decluttering helps create a more organized and conducive work environment, allowing for better focus and efficiency.
8. Improve Air Quality
The quality of air circulating in your home is crucial for your health and productivity. According to research by Matthew Neidell , a professor at 美国哥伦比亚大学 and Nico Pestel , a professor at Maastricht University , improvements in air quality significantly boost worker productivity. To ensure your home office is well-ventilated, regularly change air filters, open air vents, and add office plants to increase oxygen levels. Taking advantage of fresh air can lead to a healthier and more productive work environment.
9. Set Clear Boundaries
Working from home often brings distractions from family and friends. To minimize interruptions, if you have a designated home office, place a sign on the door to indicate that you are currently working. If you’re working in an open area, use a room divider to create a sense of separation and privacy. For those who prefer to work with background music, using a headset can help you stay focused and reduce external noise—just be careful not to burst into song during a Zoom meeting! HEHEHE
10. Enhance Windowless Workspaces
If your home office doesn’t have an outdoor window, you can enhance the environment by:
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Bonus: Essential Home Office Supplies
In addition, here is a list of basic supplies you will need when setting up a productive workspace at home:
Who's ready to set up their perfect home office? With these tips, creating a productive and inspiring workspace at home is within your reach. Each step is crucial in crafting an environment where you can thrive. Embrace the flexibility and comfort of working from home while maximizing your productivity and well-being.
Happy decorating, and here’s to your success in your new home office!
References
1. Crossover. (2020, April 24). The History of Remote Work: How It Became What We Know Today. Crossover. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from https://www.crossover.com/blog/the-history-of-remote-work
2. Forbes. (2021, February 10). 5 Statistics Employers Need to Know About The Remote Workforce. Forbes. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from
3. CNBC. (2021, March 11). For better or worse, working from home is here to stay. CNBC. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/11/one-year-into-covid-working-from-home-is-here-to-stay.html
4. Science Daily (2010, September 8). Designing your own workspace improves health, happiness and productivity. Science Daily. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from
5. Savavibool, N., et al. (2018, August 25). The effects of colour in work environment: A systematic review. Asian Journal of Behavioural Studies, 3, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.21834/ajbes.v3i13.152. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from
6. Architect Two Cents. Office colours for productivity and creativity. Architect Two Cents. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from https://architecttwocents.com/office-colors-for-productivity-and-creativity/
7. Harvard Health Publishing. (2011, February 22). Safeguarding your sight. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/safeguarding-your-sight
8. Healthline. (2017, June 18). 7 Benefits of a Standing Desk. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from
9. Goudreau, J. (2019, March 11). The case for finally cleaning your desk. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from https://hbr.org/2019/03/the-case-for-finally-cleaning-your-desk
10. Neidell, M., Pestel, N. (2023, February). Air pollution and worker productivity. IZA World of Labor 2023: 363 doi: 10.15185/izawol.363.v2. Retrieved July 25, 2024, from
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4 个月This comprehensive guide to setting up a productive home office is invaluable! The tips on creating a conducive workspace and enhancing productivity are spot on. A must-read for anyone navigating remote work effectively!
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4 个月The well said requirement for work from home