Thriving from Home: Tips for a Better Home Office

What’s not to love about working from home? Quite a bit, as it turns out.

 

Remote work has long been heralded as the ultimate flexible work arrangement. But after more than a year of working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic, many of us are realizing that staying productive at home is harder than it seems.

 

If you’re tired of trudging through your workdays with an achy back and distracted mind, use this guide to optimize your home office and start working from home better.

What makes an ideal home office?

A great home office starts with the right space. Unfortunately, not everyone has a flex room ready to convert.

 

• Privacy is a must for any workspace. If you don’t have a spare room, use room dividers to create a private office. Bookshelves, folding screens, and sliding barn doors are three creative ways to divide your space.
• A drafty, cold office makes for an uncomfortable workday. If you have windows that need repair or replacement, consider making a change. A quick use of the search terms “vinyl window repair near me” will yield a lengthy list of potential contractors.
• Last but not least, a home office needs adequate electrical wiring. Quick fixes like outlet taps and power strips work in a pinch when rewiring isn’t in the budget but use them correctly to avoid safety hazards.

Ergonomic home office must-haves

You spend long hours in your home office and you deserve to be comfortable. Here’s how to furnish your home office for all-day comfort and productivity.

 

• An office chair with adjustable height, armrests, and tension offers the best support for your spine while sitting at a desk. Some remote workers prefer kneeling chairs to traditional desk chairs.
• Alternate between sitting and standing with a height-adjustable workstation. Sit-stand platforms and manual crank desks are affordable alternatives to electric sit-stand desks.
• Beyond the desk chair, accessories like ergonomic keyboards, mice, monitors, footrests, and floor mats contribute to a healthier home office.
• Your back isn’t the only thing that hurts after a long day at work. Workspace lighting is also important for ergonomics. Employ a combination of overhead and task lighting to reduce eye strain.

Mood-boosting home office design tips

Now that the essentials are out of the way, it’s time to make your home office a space you want to work.

 

• Paint offers an instant pop of inspiration in the home office. Consider the feeling you want to create when choosing paint colors. Warm, earthy colors reduce stress while vibrant hues boost creativity and concentration.
• House plants add life and color to any space. Choose low-maintenance plants suited to your light conditions. Snake plants, bamboo, and ZZ plants thrive in low light, while succulents and cacti prefer bright natural light.
• It doesn’t matter how great your office looks if it’s not functional. Use a combination of vertical storage, desktop organizers, and hidden file storage to keep your workspace tidy.

 

You don’t have to choose between all-day discomfort and the rigidity of office life. If you want to reap the full benefits of working from home, design a workspace that offers all the amenities of the office without the drawbacks. With a few adjustments, you can create a home office that keeps you comfortable, healthy, and productive for the long term.

Blog by: Alice Robertson