More people than ever choose to work from home, as there are many advantages to working in your home environment. Creating a suitable workspace is essential if you decide to work from home. Choosing the right spot to work and carefully planning your workspace is important for productivity and focus. Here are some steps to help you create a practical work-from-home workspace:
Choose a Dedicated Work-from-Home Workspace
Choosing the right spot is the most important step in creating a home workspace. You need to find a space that allows you to work at your best while also thinking about your home’s limitations. Even if you only have a small space available, creating a spot where you can work productively and efficiently is possible.
Find a quiet, well-lit area in your home to dedicate to work. Ideally, this space should avoid distractions like TV or loud noises. Consider the wall space when choosing a place to work if you need wall space for memos or a board.
Buy a Comfortable, Ergonomic Chair
A comfortable chair is essential for preventing back pain and maintaining good posture. Choose an ergonomic chair that supports your back and can be set at the right height for the desk. Not only are there health implications for getting a bad back from sitting on an unsuitable and unsupportive chair, but back pain is also a distraction that impacts your productivity.
Make Sure the Desk in Your Work-from-Home Workspace Meets Your Needs
Not all work-from-home jobs are the same, so not every desk is equal. Before buying a desk, consider how you will use it for work, as this will dictate the size and shape you need.
A basic table-style desk is sufficient if you predominantly sit at a laptop or PC during working hours. Those who also use stationery or other equipment or store paperwork may need a desk with shelving and drawers.
Similarly, those who work part of the time at the computer and the rest of the time on design work may benefit from an L-shaped desk that offers two adjoined work-from-home workspaces. One section of the desk is for computer work, while the other is for design work.
Organize Your Workspace
Keep your workspace organized by using drawers, trays, and organizers to store supplies and paperwork. A cluttered workspace can cause you to lack focus and waste time as you look for the things you need.
Make it Personal
A happy worker is a productive worker. You will likely get more work done if you feel comfortable in your working environment. Therefore, take some time to personalize your work-from-home workspace to suit your tastes and the rest of your home.
Add some personal touches to your workspace. Examples include photos, plants, or artwork. Doing so will help you feel more comfortable and motivated while working.
Ensure Your Work-from-Home Workspace Has Good Lighting
Make sure your workspace is well-lit to prevent eye strain and headaches. Use natural light by positioning your work-from-home space close to a window. However, before making your final decision about the position, check out the area around the desk at various points of the day to ensure there is no glare from the sunlight.
If you work in the evenings or cannot position your desk near natural light, you should invest in lighting that you can direct to the most needed areas.
By following these steps, you can create a work-from-home workspace that is comfortable, organized, and conducive to productivity. Happy working!