The idea of remote work isn’t new, but the concept of WFH, or work from home, is truly a pandemic term that’s here to stay. If you are embracing the remote or hybrid lifestyle, then creating a comfortable office environment is vital to keeping yourself comfortable and focused. While you may use your bed as your chair and desk from time-to-time, having a dedicated home office with all the right equipment is what will keep your WFH situation functional for the long term. Here are some effective ways to make your home office more comfortable and functional.
Make Value-Boosting Upgrades
Designing a home office that raises the value of your home requires careful consideration and planning. Adding built-in storage solutions and incorporating modern design elements are important steps to keep in mind. Natural lighting, like large windows, can provide brightness and make the room appear larger. Incorporating different textures like wood, plants, or concrete can give the space an attractive finished look. Track any work you have done by saving receipts and taking before-and-after photos.
Work With a Professional Designer
If you’re not sure how to maximise the use of your office space, get in touch with a professional designer who can offer personalised interior design consultation. A professional can help you plan, design, and install furniture to create the perfect home office space. Importantly, look for a designer with experience in your industry in addition to the home office environment. Businesses in various industries require different design solutions, so it’s important to find a team that understands your unique needs.
Break Up Large Open Spaces
Open layouts are great for maximising the number of people you can fit into your office, but making your home office within a large space can be overwhelming. Open floor plans can be distracting, noisy, and downright frustrating, especially if your home includes children.
Look for ways to break up your open floor plan so you can enjoy a separate and private space without sacrificing your biggest room. Use dividers to allow for more privacy without eliminating opportunities for communication when your family needs you. Then, add decor and functional elements in your office spot that help you to stay comfortable and motivated.
Invest in Supportive Seating
A good office chair is essential for anyone who spends a lot of time sitting. By investing in high-quality seating, you’ll support your health, wellness, and productivity. According to Omnicore, an ergonomic chair should meet several specific qualifications. Beyond being designed for comfort, a good chair will support body movements and repositioning, provide support for arms, shoulders, back, and neck, and offer a high level of customizability through available adjustments.
Maximise Natural Lighting
Studies show that people work better under natural lighting. According to New Day Office, access to natural light is the number one thing workers want in an office. Natural light improves health, boosts productivity, enhances sleep quality, and improves employee engagement! Look for ways to increase the natural light in your office. For example, try repositioning your desk so that you are closer to a window. You can also rearrange shelving and large objects that may be blocking light, and remind yourself to take breaks outdoors. You could even set up a comfortable outdoor seating area in your backyard or balcony where you can relax and take in the sun.
Provide Areas for Solitude
Depending on your home situation, finding a quiet space can be challenging. However, try to find a way to embrace this concept even in the WFH environment. You don’t need to dedicate an entire room to this idea. Many companies provide quiet “pods” or “booths” that you may be able to adapt for your home environment. If these are out of your budget, try creating a private workspace with partitions, shelving, and large plants. You could also designate certain areas or time periods where talking is discouraged.
Make Your WFH the Work Space You Need
A comfortable workspace facilitates both happiness and productivity and can also raise the value of your home. Outfitting your home office for comfort is a win-win! Try breaking up your open office space with dividers, purchasing ergonomic chairs, maximising natural lighting, and providing quiet areas where you can focus on your work and seek solitude. The new work from home environment can be challenging, but with the right accommodations and foresight, you can make it work for you.
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