The pandemic has shifted many attitudes about remote work and the importance of flexible workplaces. Working from home has become the new norm and, since the health crisis began, productivity levels have incremented significantly.
Remote working allows employees to have a better work-life balance, which inherently spurs productivity and efficiency. However, not everyone has found this adjustment to be so easy. Others find themselves slacking whilst at home, so if you can relate, keep reading, this is the article for you.
Here are seven ways that you can make your home office a more productive and practical place.
Have Lots of Lighting
The correct lighting can help increase productivity and even boost your morale. Make sure that your office gets plenty of natural light. If this isn’t a possibility, invest in some great office lighting that will help you focus on the task at hand. Bad lighting can even cause headaches, eye strain, and fatigue.
Buy Ergonomic Furniture
Ergonomic furniture makes all the difference after a long day at work. Purchase an ample desk that can be adjusted to fit your stature. Similarly, a comfortable office chair will help you feel energized throughout the day.
Set up Your Equipment
You can’t have a home office without all the necessary equipment. Contact your employer and ask if they can help you secure printers, scanners, or any other tools you may need. If you’re self-employed and working with a budget, look online or pop into second-hand stores to see what you can find.
Give it a Personal Touch
Don’t forget to give your home office your own personal touch. Make your space a truly enjoyable place to be in and see how your productivity instinctively rises. Paint the walls, add some personal photographs or even an oil diffuser.
Add Some Greenery
Greenery is a super-easy way to liven up any dull space. Buy some office plants to help purify and clean the air you breathe. Some of the best indoor office plants include Sansevierias, Mirandas, and Scindapsus (also known as Devil’s Ivy).
De-Clutter the Space
Let’s face it, nobody can work well in an extremely cluttered space. Keep your office space as tidy as possible. This will help you find whatever items you may need, allowing you to become more efficient in the process.
Take Regular Screen Breaks
Fatigue is one of productivity’s greatest enemies. Make sure to take regular breaks from your screen and avoid straining your eyesight. If you find yourself struggling with screen time, especially in the evening, it could be wise to invest in some blue light-blocking glasses.
Don’t worry if you feel like you can’t slip into remote working right away. These things take time and, slowly but surely, you’ll get to grips with your new routine. These past few months have been hard on all of us, so make sure to be transparent with your employer and express any hardship you may feel.