Whether you’re running your own company, building your freelance business or working as a remote employee, maintaining productivity is a must. Building a better home office is key for keeping your workflow in check and a few simple considerations can make all the difference.
? Keep It Clean
With 62% of American workers reporting that they are negatively impacted by clutter, it’s clear that organization is key to a well-working home office. With all the comforts of home just steps away, there’s no need to clog up your workspace with personal effects. Still, optimal organization goes beyond clearing the clutter.
Be on the lookout for storage that suits your needs when investing in office furniture. If your desk doesn’t have the drawer space you need to keep supplies at bay, consider adding a pedestal to expand your capacity. With endless configurations of utility and file drawers, you can sneak away supplies and keep them straightened with organizers and dividers as needed. Be considerate of the width and depth of file storage to ensure that you can accommodate letter, legal or tabloid-sized printouts as needed.
Your tabletop isn’t the only desktop that matters. Keeping your digital files organized can drastically cut back on time spent searching for documents. Find a naming convention that works for you and don’t be afraid to go back into the archives to straighten out your existing docs, pictures, and spreadsheets. Take a look at your cloud storage folders to see if they, too, could benefit from a refresh.
? Curate Your Space
Creating a comfortable workspace is all in the details. Whether you’re due for a total redesign or in need of a quick revamp, beautifying your existing accessories and furniture pieces can add a personal touch without bringing in unnecessary clutter.
With design at the front of everybody’s mind, anything in your office can feature a little bit of artistic flair. Desks, credenzas and cabinets with modern laminate finishes, along with sleek and stylish seating options, can be tailored to reflect your style. If you’re still searching for the perfect look, let the Internet inspire you with tips, tricks, and articles that can help you find what excites you.
When you can’t bask in natural sunlight, try finding the perfect lighting to brighten up your space. Look for table lamps to keep your work in focus without bringing on the headache of fluorescent overhead lights. Meanwhile, floor lamps and lanterns provide a warm, ambient glow that’ll make even the dreariest days feel brighter.
? Comfort Matters
Don’t underestimate ergonomics while building a better home office. Over half of American workers report that physical discomfort is a driver of discontent in the workplace. As you create your ideal work-from-home environment, invest in furniture and accessories that keep you comfortable during long hours of work.
Choosing the right chair is the first step towards a happier and healthier workspace. With a variety of features, materials and designs, there’s a perfect seat for everyone. Be mindful of:
? Tilt: Strike a perfect balance with a chair that features adjustable tilt tension or upgrade to knee-tilt for a gentle lean that keeps your feet on the floor.
? Lumbar Support: Do you need a little extra lower back support throughout your day? Manually-adjustable and self-adjusting lumbar support can create a tailored solution for every sit.
? Arms: With adjustments available to move your chair’s armrests in every which way–up, down, side-to-side and beyond–choosing the right combination of features is a must. Flip-up arms also make it easy to slide your chair under your desk when not in use.
? Design Your Time
Just because you’re always steps away from the office doesn’t mean you need to dedicate all of your free time to your grind. Set a schedule for your workdays and stick to it. A little bit of structure will keep you on track to meet goals and deadlines while preventing burnout.
Set goals to keep your motivation at its maximum. Try to split large milestones into smaller increments so that you can celebrate successes and better anticipate your next steps. Ensure that deadlines are realistic so that you, your coworkers and your clients are always on track to finish on time.
Since a 9 to 5 typically features built-in break times, why shouldn’t your home business, too? Pencil in a second to grab a quick bite away from your desk and set aside another time of day to take a well-deserved breather. Some days, you may need a total change of scenery, so bring your office on the go and take time to reinvigorate your work at a coffee shop or library.
? Step Up Your Tech
Technology extends beyond computers and cell phones. Adjustable height desks with powered bases allow you to tailor your workspace to your preferred positioning and often feature memory settings for a quick transition from sitting to standing. If you’re satisfied with your current setup, upgrade your desk with a powered desktop riser that gives you standing capabilities without the need to replace your furniture.
A wire-free workstation eliminates cable management concerns and keeps the clutter off your desk. Your peripherals, such as a mouse or keyboard, can benefit from an upgrade to a wireless option and that pair of Bluetooth headphones might be a worthy investment after all. With QI wireless charging becoming a standard feature in cell phones, a charging pad or stand is also becoming a must-have for your desk.
