The Evolution of the Home Office
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Creating a workspace in the home is now normal for many as more are working from home than ever before; no longer is your workspace a corner of the dining room table, or a spare bedroom with a wobbly desk and a kitchen chair you "borrowed."
Post-COVID, remote work has shifted from a temporary situation to a long-term reality, and all those makeshift workspaces just aren't cutting it.
First, there's the discomfort; then, all the distractions; and finally, the endless blurring between work and home life that leaves you feeling the need for something more professional.
But how exactly do you transform a corner of your home into a space where productivity can really thrive?
Why Makeshift Workspace Don't Cut it Anymore
The truth is, the way we work has changed forever, so the spaces we work in need an upgrade. With this in mind, home offices are no longer a nice space to have, they're a requirement.
However, throwing a desk into a room just doesn't work. We need environments that boost our creativity and focus and let's be honest, we need a little bit of comfort, and some aesthetics too. Yes, please!
You may be thinking, "I've been working from home just fine. Why do I need to set up functional office space?" Hold that thought, you may have been working from home just fine, but you have to ask yourself if the space is working well.
Have you ever felt that you needed to stand up and stretch a bit more than usual, or possibly that the line between work time and personal time has become a bit blurry? It's definitely a sign that your workspace isn't working anymore; that's what started happening to me, and I knew my current setup needed a workspace upgrade.
Productivity vs. Comfort
The crux of the matter lies in a really very simple-sounding but complex question: How do you design a space that's productive, and beautiful, but also comfortable? It's easy to think you have to pick one at the expense of the other, but really, the best home offices strike a balance.
A cluttered space is a distraction, while the opposite of an over-professional set-up is cold and not very inviting at all.
You want a nice balance because yes, too much comfort in your home office will turn the space into a lounge area, great for relaxation, but not so good for getting things done, and on the flip side you dont want a space that is too sterile either.
The challenge is in finding that sweet spot where your home office becomes a place where you actually want to work, not just where you have to work.
Designing Your Home Workspace
You will want to purchase a good office chair, one that promotes good posture; your desk should be a height that comfortably supports your elbows while using a keyboard.
Oh and, don't overlook your screen! It should be at eye level so you don't strain your neck. A comfortable setup not only keeps you from pain but also helps keep you focused.
Light it Up
If it’s possible, sit your desk near a window as natural lighting is generally considered better for you; it will help with eye strain, improve your mood, and make you feel more productive; if you don’t have a lot of natural lighting, then it may be worth investing in a nice quality natural lighting desk lamp.
Decluttering with Intention
Aim for an organized desk; you don’t want to have a cluttered desk because that usually means you may have a cluttered mind, and you don’t want to feel sterile either; there are plenty of storage solutions such as shelves, baskets, and drawers that would help maintain a nicely organized desk.
Things like some plants, art, or even a motivational quote can also add some style and warmth to your desk.
Multiple Spaces
If you work in a multi-purpose room, use furniture or rugs to define the space that is devoted to your work.
This physical separation helps your brain get into "work mode" more easily and leave work behind after the day's work is done.
Technology that Works for You
It's a good idea to make sure that your home office is outfitted with technology that truly works for you and not against you; for some, it could mean upgrading your Wi-Fi for others, it could mean having all the necessary tools needed within reach; the less time spent on troubleshooting, the more time is available for you to get things done efficiently.
But I Don't Have the Space
I know you might be thinking, "This sounds great, but I don't have the space for a dedicated office!"
I was there too; the good news is that a small space can be turned into an efficient workspace with a little creativity.
Even a well-designed nook or a repurposed closet can become a productive workspace if you make the most out of every available inch.
Or is budget your concern, "Do I really have to spend a lot of money to make this work?" Again, no.
While there are certainly premium options on the market, it's quite possible to design a beautiful, productive, and comfortable workspace without breaking the bank.
Just begin with what you need most and add improvements as you go.
Your Home Office Space, Your Rules
The single greatest benefit of working from home is that the office belongs to you. You're not as concerned with what your office space says about you professionally, as you would in a traditional office.
As remote work continues into the future so will the design of our home offices; the main thing is to be flexible and accept that things will change; you want to ask yourself does this space serve me, and if the answer is no, then it is time to consider upgrading your workspace.
Keep in mind, this is not just your office at home; this is your workplace and you will thrive, and once you've created your space you'll be amazed at how productive you will be.
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