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Hybrid work is here to stay. According to a Gallup poll in September 2021, 45% of full-time U.S. employees worked from home, including 25% who worked from home all of the time and 20% who worked from home part of the time. As working from home becomes a reality for more people, the convenience and flexibility of the arrangement are clear.
That being said, creating a boundary between your professional and home life is an essential part of staying productive throughout the day. A functional and attractive home office space can help!
Your space doesn’t need to be large, and it may not even be a separate room, but a few intentional steps can go a long way in creating a space that meets your needs.
- A well-organized home office space will:
- significantly improve productivity
- save on transportation costs
- allow you to write off part of your home expenses
- and save you time that would have been spent waiting in traffic!
Here are 5 things to keep in mind to create a space you love:
Choosing the right spot
Your workspace can be a separate room in your home or even a dedicated area in an open space, like your dining room. Consider these tips as you decide which part of your home will work best:
- Choose a space away from high traffic in your home, such as the kitchen or children’s rooms to keep distractions to a minimum
- If your job includes welcoming in-person clients, consider a space that has easy access to the front entrance, or if it’s possible, one with a separate entrance. Basement suites can work well for this!
- Set up near a window if possible. Natural light can have a huge impact on your mood, the atmosphere of your space, and your overall alertness and productivity. You don’t need to set up right next to a window, but having one in the vicinity or room will make a huge difference!
Ensure a strong wifi connection
A reliable wifi connection is a must for any home office, especially if Zoom meetings have become your company’s go-to tool! A strong connection will keep you connected to clients, colleagues, and resources without interruption. If, after testing your loading speed, your signal strength isn’t fast enough, consider hiring a professional to rewire cables or add routers throughout your home to stabilize the connection.
Organize and secure important documents and paperwork
Nothing kills productivity like a cluttered space! A well-organized workspace is essential for maintaining focus and efficiency. Shelves, bankers’ boxes, or filing cabinets will keep your documents organized and out of sight. Keep a recycling bin or shredder close by to dispose of anything you don’t need. If you handle documents that require a higher level of security, consider investing in a high-security safe from a reputable company like Inkas Safes to bring a professional level of peace of mind to your home office.
Invest in your workstation
If you are spending lots of time in your workspace, high-quality furniture and equipment are a must.
Chair– Trust us when we say, it is worth splurging on a comfortable chair! Find one with excellent low back support that supports good posture.
Desk– Find a desk that is sturdy and sits at a comfortable height. Make sure it’s big enough to fit your computer, lights, necessary paperwork, and of course, coffee! Another excellent option is a standing or hybrid desk. People are finding that they are increasingly productive when they can stand while they work, even if it’s just for short periods throughout the day.
Lighting– Even if you have a big window with lots of natural light, adding extra lighting can bring your personality into your space while adding helpful light. If you spend lots of time in online meetings, a ring light can add a level of professionalism and help you feel more comfortable.
Cords– Keep your cords organized with a cord organizer from your local office store or Amazon. Or keep things super simple with a zip tie!
Decorations– You don’t need to add much, but it’s nice to have something that brings some personality into your space and makes it feel more welcoming. A simple plant, candle, or picture can go a long way in personalizing your space.
Maintain a flexible workspace
Reserving some free space within your work area can help you feel more comfortable throughout the day. Whether you need to stretch, do some light movement, or take a power nap to recharge, a dedicated space for these activities can help you stay focused and productive. If you don’t have space to do this in your work area, consider making time every couple of hours to step outside and get some fresh air.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a functional and attractive home office is key to increasing your productivity and focus for work. By following these tips, you can set up a space that allows you to work comfortably throughout the day, and create a healthy boundary between your work time and your home time!