The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we work. When people across the world were asked to start working from home, many people expected it to be a temporary situation.
However, as we begin a new year, it looks like remote working is here to stay. Working from our beds or at the kitchen counter for the foreseeable future isn’t going to be a viable alternative long-term, and since you’ll be looking to spend around eight hours in this space, it really is worth investing in creating a home office set-up that is conducive to getting work done. Here are a few things that are worth considering when looking at ways of improving your home office space:
Declutter
Get rid of any unnecessary clutter. This may be a little easier said than done, especially if you are at home with the kids. You should at least try to prevent clutter and paperwork from mounting up around your desk space. If you need storage space, invest in a few shelves or a filing cabinet. At the end of each day, spend five minutes having a clean-up. This will make it easier to start work the next morning.
A Paint Job
If you are working in a tired-looking workspace, it can be quite demoralising. It’s nothing that a quick paint job won’t solve, though. Save yourself the stress and get reputable painters and decorators in to get the job done to the highest standard. That way, all you’ll need to do is pick a peaceful shade and the rest will be taken care of.
Consider a Standing Desk
Casually working at your dining table or on the couch can take its toll on your body. Back pain has always been a big issue for office workers. Humans aren’t meant to sit in one position all day. Investing in a standing desk can help tackle the negative impact of prolonged sitting by helping you improve your posture.
Incorporate a Little Greenery
The mental health impacts of this pandemic can’t be understated. Humans are social creatures and social interactions being limited has had some effects on people’s mental health. While it isn’t really an adequate substitute for a little chat around the water cooler, the positive effects of incorporating plants into your workspace are proven through various studies. Treat yourself to a few plants and you’ll feel a mood improvement at the very least.
Get the Lighting Right
Having a workspace flooded with natural light is ideal, so work by a window if you can. This won’t always be possible though, especially if you live in a spacious apartment. Invest in extra light sources such as good quality lamps to brighten up your home office and protect your eyes as you spend hours working at the computer.
It’s time to accept that remote working will be a reality for many months to come, so make the most of the situation. Making these small changes to your home office set up will play a huge role in increasing productivity and can also have positive effects on your mental health.
