The current situation has forced many of us into home isolation. If you’re among the lucky ones who got to keep their jobs during the COVID-19 crisis, you’ve likely found yourself in a brand new position: required to keep working, but this time from home.
While this might come as a challenge to many, it’s actually not too difficult to make the transition from having everything readily available at the office to working from home. In reality, all you need is a functional home office space that will encourage you to get to work and you’re good to go. Check out these seven key factors to make a functional home office:
1. Privacy
The first thing you need to ensure an undisturbed working environment is privacy. Whether that comes in the form of a nicely set-up basement area, a small nook in the confines of your bedroom or a closed-off, sun-drenched balcony is entirely dependent upon the features of your home and your personal preferences. Regardless, it’s important to choose a location that is less-frequented by the rest of the family so you can enjoy an uninterrupted work flow for the majority of the day.
2. Lighting & Illumination
When deciding where to set up shop, choose a place with ample natural light, which will provide a pleasant working environment. Or, if an abundance of natural light is not an option, compensate with the help of various artificial lights that can also serve as decor. If you go this route, be sure to combine general, task and accent lights so you have proper lighting for any and every task at hand.
3. Ergonomics
When choosing furniture for your home office, make sure you take basic principles of workplace ergonomics into consideration. Specifically, prioritize your health and comfort, especially if you spend the bulk of your workday sitting at your desk. Online tools can even help you calculate, plan and choose the perfect ergonomic work station in accordance with your height. We highly encourage you to use them to ensure maximum comfort during desk time!
4. Technology & Equipment
Depending on the type of work you do, you probably need some equipment on a daily basis to complete assignments. In particular, a strong WiFi connection and a reliable, functional laptop or computer are likely some of your most essential tools for work. Likewise, if you use printers or other gadgets at work, do your best to stock your home office with these items, as well. Or, if this is not possible, try to find other ways to make things work. For example, you can DIY with some supplies and/or let go entirely of the traditional way you do things at the office.
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5. Space Optimization
There’s nothing more uninspiring than a messy desk filled with useless stuff. So, do your best to tidy up after your workday. This way, you’ll find a clean workspace each morning that will encourage you to do great work. Along the same lines, optimize your space and make good use of shelves and bins to create a clutter-free place where you can tackle your main mission. But, just because you have a well-stocked home office doesn’t mean everything has to be on display. Instead, take a minimalist approach and focus on the main reason you’re here in the first place: to work.
6. Aesthetic Appeal
As you set up your home office with work in mind, consider the advantages of spicing it up with a few elements that are pleasing to the eye. An aesthetic appeal will provide a welcoming, encouraging atmosphere that can inspire you in your work. In particular, add your favorite colors and choose your favorite furniture elements to complete the space so you’ll actually feel like you want to spend time working there.
7. Personalization
Last, but not least, remember to add your unique touch to your home office space. If you feel motivated by posters with quotes on them, hang a few above your desk. Or, if you’re a plant-lover, make sure you include at least one green friend amongst the decor elements. Think long and hard about what the ideal workspace looks like for you, and add tiny bits and pieces that can help make your home office space a more welcoming, creative and inspirational space.
