In today’s world, working from home is more common than it has ever been, and it comes with conveniences as well as difficulties. For those who are making the switch to remote work, it can be a hard transition. Having a designated work area is crucial to creating a productive and happy work environment at home. A space that lifts the overall mood and prepares the mind for the tasks at hand can be a total game-changer in the world of remote work. Here are tips for creating an at-home office that promotes productivity as well as a lifted spirit.
A Designated Space
Living and working in a small space like an apartment with family or roommates can be difficult. The dinner table doesn’t exactly make the best workspace, and neither is taking phone calls while your roommate is trying to chat with you over pasta. A private area where the door can be closed when necessary is essential to allowing the mind to focus on the task at hand.
If a space is too small, it can create a negative brain space that is both distracting and generally uncomfortable. Using something as simple as a sliding door can create the feeling of a separate room while allowing you to use the maximum amount of open space. Simply closing the door creates a private workspace, while opening the door creates an extended living space. It creates a functional work area that utilizes what space is available while making the room feel larger. When you add the right flat track hardware, it is a great addition to a small space.
Productivity and Environment
It is essential to create a space that is inviting. While expressing yourself through décor is mostly an aesthetic decision, some items can boost workflow. Studies have shown that creating a relaxing and pleasurable environment where it is easy to focus and raise productivity.
Offices such as this nature-themed office in Mumbai often utilize plants to create an environment where it is both functional and pleasant to work. Plants are a stunning visual, but they are used as natural air purifiers as well, which gives them both visual and functional appeal.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Before bringing work home make sure that you are set up with the necessary tools for an at-home work environment. Check to make sure you have a stable internet connection and speak to your supervisor and IT department to clarify whether you have the necessary programs or applications to work from home. If your job requires a connection to the company’s internal systems and email via a private network, make sure you can connect to that network from home.
Be sure to plan for the worst. If you have a stable internet connection, make sure you have a backup plan for situations like an internet outage in the area. Consider checking your mobile data and wifi-hotspot options.
Work Hours
Set work hours for yourself and stick to them. It can be tempting to work long hours when working remotely. It’s easy to become a workaholic when there are no office hours to limit you. Starting work on time everyday and ending work on time each day, creates a healthy routine for work and personal life. Work is a crucial part of life but, so is having a personal life. Taking time to relax is necessary and vital to creating a healthy work environment.
Productivity In Multipurpose Space
While it is ideal to have a home office space, it is possible to create a highly functional area in a multipurpose space. The number one mistake to avoid is to not work where you sleep. In an article by the New York Times writer Chris Heinonen says “Set up an area that is for work. I have an office, but I have set up a corner in my bedroom in the past. As long as it is a work area.”
Having as little as a specific chair and lamp in a corner is enough to designate an area for work. Making a designated space breeds success and focus when work is at home.
While every situation is different, and every living situation is different, utilizing these tips can help set up a pleasant at-home work environment.