- Create a dedicated workspace for remote work, preferably with natural light and minimal distractions.
- Declutter your workspace to help stay focused and productive.
- Invest in technology such as computers, phones, printers, scanners, and projectors.
- Use ergonomic furniture such as an adjustable chair, eye-level monitor, and suitable desk surface.
- Organize office supplies using labels and wall storage solutions to create an organized environment.
April 2022 saw a 2.3 percent drop in people teleworking or working from home for pay due to the pandemic since March 2022. Only 7.7 percent are working from home for pay. This is a notable decline compared to May 2020, when 35.4 percent of employed people reported working from home due to the public health crisis. The situation demonstrates an overall downward trend in this area over time.
Despite this decline, some people are still working from home. Many of them worked from home even before the pandemic started. Working from home has become the norm for many people. While it can be tempting to just set up shop in front of the TV or kitchen table, you can do a few things to make your home office more conducive to productivity. Here are some tips on creating an optimal workspace that will help you stay focused and productive.
Find a Dedicated Space
The first step is to find an area in your home that is dedicated solely to your workspace. This should be a spot where you can spread out and not be disturbed by daily activities such as laundry or dishes. Ideally, this space should have natural light and minimal distractions, but if that’s not possible, make sure you invest in good lighting and noise-canceling headphones.
Unclutter the Workspace
Next, get rid of all the clutter from that space. Decluttering can help you focus better and be more productive in your workspace. That means no piles of papers or boxes of old books – everything should have its place and be easy to find whenever needed.
Invest in Technology
Investing in technology for the workspace at home is essential for staying productive and focused. With the right tools, you can create a workspace that allows you to work more effectively and efficiently. Technology can also help you stay organized and connected with coworkers or colleagues, even when you’re working remotely.
Technology such as computers, phones, printers, scanners, and projectors are necessary for any remote workspace. Find items that fit your budget but still provide quality performance. You can also install a reliable control4 home automation system to help you control the home environment remotely. The system comes with a remote that you can use to control different equipment in the house.
Use Ergonomic Furniture
It’s crucial to ensure that your office furniture is comfortable and ergonomically sound. Investing in the right chair, desk, and monitor will help reduce fatigue and keep your body in line with proper posture for extended periods.
Adjustable Chair
Adjust your chair to ensure your thighs are parallel to the ground and your feet are flat on the floor. If necessary, add a footrest or cushion under your legs while sitting at the desk. Make sure your chair has a backrest and armrests and that these are adjustable to ensure maximum comfort.
Eye Level Monitor
Your monitor should be placed at eye level, with the top of the screen slightly below your gaze. Adjust the brightness according to your lighting and use an anti-glare filter if necessary. Finally, take frequent breaks from sitting and do some stretching exercises to reduce soreness and stiffness.
Suitable Desk Surface
Your desk should be large enough for your daily needs and stay organized, providing adequate space for movement. Place objects often used, such as staplers or telephones, in easy reach. A keyboard tray can help reduce reaching and strain on the arms and shoulders. Lastly, choose a desk material that is durable yet comfortable enough for daily use.
Organize Your Office Supplies
Making sure all of your work essentials are organized will save you time searching for supplies when needed. Investing in organizers, such as drawers or laptop stands. These items will come in handy when it comes time to locate what you need quickly without having to search through piles of stuff scattered about on surfaces throughout the room.
It also helps create an organized flow throughout the room as opposed to clutter everywhere, which can be distracting and stressful. Lastly, having everything organized also helps motivate you when settling into work mode since everything has its place and looks tidy.
There are a few simple tips you can follow to get your office supplies in order:
- Designate drawers or shelves for specific items such as stationery, documents, and general office supplies.
- Make sure all items have labels so that everything can be quickly identified when needed.
- Avoid overstocking items, as this can create a cluttered environment that can be overwhelming.
- Utilize wall storage solutions such as shelves or bulletin boards to store paperwork and memos that need to be accessible but take up minimal space.
Creating a dedicated workspace at home specifically for remote work has never been more important than now during this season of social distancing. Taking the time to make sure it is comfortable, ergonomic, quiet, well-lit, and organized will go a long way toward staying productive while working from home! With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever projects come up while keeping yourself safe during this unprecedented time!
