As the working world makes a monumental shift towards remote working, setting up a home office is essential to achieving maximum productivity and mental well-being. This article will tell you everything you need to know when improving your personal working space.
Choosing the Right Space
The first step in setting up your home office is choosing the right space. It should be a quiet area with lots of light based on your personal preference. Once you’ve chosen the right space, comfort is the next priority.
Prioritizing Comfort
Working in a comfortable setting is key when it comes to productivity while working from home. In your office, it’s likely they already have items that are designed to benefit your health, so invest in an ergonomic chair and desk to prevent conditions like RSI. Once you’re comfortable, the amount of light should be adjusted to match your preference.
Lighting Matters
Proper lighting can also reduce strain on the body, with natural light being ideal, but if that’s not possible, consider investing in quality desk lamps or overhead lighting. Just make sure you don’t clutter your desk with lamps.
Organizing Your Workspace
A clutter-free workspace makes all the difference, as it’s not just keeping your desk clear, but also keeping your mind clear. Use all available drawers and organizers to keep your desk and your mental health free of mess.
Technology Essentials
In the modern world, there are some great pieces of technology that help you with setting up the perfect home office, and they don’t have to break the bank. Invest in a reliable computer and high-speed internet so you stay professional in meetings, as there’s nothing worse than being that one employee with a bad connection. Don’t forget about a quality headset for video calls, and even an extra monitor to increase productivity.
Dual Monitors
Consider investing in dual monitors to increase your performance at work, they’re so useful when it comes to multitasking and meetings with a large group of people. Higher-quality monitors provide better screen lighting to reduce eye strain.
Keyboard and Mouse
As well as a monitor, invest in a high-quality keyboard and mouse. Wireless options can help keep your desk clutter-free, making sure you don’t get your wires twisted!
Reliable Internet Connection
A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for your perfect home office. Consider upgrading your plan or investing in a Wi-Fi extender if necessary, though this can be tricky if you’re living in a more isolated part of the countryside.
Noise Control
If your home environment is noisy, consider noise-canceling headphones. Alternatively, you can use a white noise machine to drown out background sounds. Once you’ve taken care of noise control, it’s time to personalize your space.
Personalizing Your Space
Add personal touches to your workspace to make it more enjoyable. This could include plants, artwork, or family photos. With your space personalized, let’s discuss the importance of regular breaks.
Regular Breaks
More space in your home office will allow you to move around more, which is essential for physical and mental health, even if it’s just going downstairs and making a coffee. Stand up, stretch, and move around to avoid the health risks associated with prolonged sitting.
Staying Organized Digitally
Your digital workspace is just as important as the physical one around you. Use tools and apps to organize your files and even your list of things to do. With your digital workspace organized, your headspace will be clear too.
Setting Boundaries
Set boundaries to separate your work from your personal life. This could mean setting specific work hours and taking regular breaks. Without proper structure, your day can become disorganized and affect your productivity.
Staying Connected
While working from home, it can become easy to disconnect from colleagues and friends, due to less office socializing, and fewer coffee meetups with friends at lunch to name two. Regular video calls and virtual meetings can help combat feelings of isolation.
Investing in a Good Chair
A good chair is worth the investment and can make or break a healthy working day. It can prevent back pain and other health issues associated with poor posture from typing on a computer all day long. Make sure it’s ergonomic and easily adjusted to your perfect preference.
Keeping Supplies on Hand
In your regular office, it may be easy to overlook some important amenities that people simply don’t keep at home. Keep essential office supplies on hand in your home office, like notepads, different colored pens, sticky notes, etc.
Regular Cleaning
Keep your home office clean and dust-free, this will help your headspace feel more creative and free. It’s been known that a clean office space allows for productivity to thrive.
Room Temperature
No one likes working in the cold, so if possible, set up your workspace in a room where you can control the temperature. With a comfortable temperature, you’ll have fewer distractions on your mind.
Stay Disciplined
When working from home, it can be easy to procrastinate due to so many distractions around you. This is a mindset that only you know how to achieve, so stay disciplined and maintain your regular workflow at home.
A Perfect Plan
Setting up a perfect work-from-home office involves careful planning and consideration, so we hope you’ve taken all of these into consideration. By following these steps, you can create a workspace that meets your professional needs and keeps you happy.
The post Build Your Dream Home Office with These 19 Tips first appeared on Career Step Up.
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The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
