Over the past year, an increasing number of people have transitioned to working from home. While some people enjoy being able to skip their morning commute and work in their pajamas if they want, others may find it difficult to stay motivated and productive. If you struggle to stay focused with the many distractions in your home — hello, TV and fridge — consider giving your home office a bit of an upgrade. Here are some practical tips on how to create a productive office space.
Invest in a Comfortable Chair
Staying focused throughout the day will prove difficult if your back aches and you’re constantly shifting in your seat to find a comfortable position. As such, if there is one item in your home office that you should invest in, it’s a quality chair. In addition to increasing focus, a quality office chair will also help you maintain good spinal health and avoid back issues. When choosing an office chair, look for an adjustable seat height, armrests and ample lumbar support.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Good Lighting
Another tip on how to create a productive office space is to recognize the importance of good lighting. A poorly-lit workspace can be detrimental to one’s mood, health, and productivity. Dim lighting can cause drowsiness and excessive strain on one’s eyes, leading to headaches and reduced work quality.
As such, those trying to create a productive home/work environment should choose a space in your home with an ample amount of natural lighting for their office. If natural lighting is not an option, aim to include various indirect light sources in your office.
Soundproof Your Office Space
One of the most effective ways to transform your home office into a more productive workspace is to block out noise as much as possible. Throughout the day, sounds coming in from other rooms, noisy pipes, traffic or outside can make it difficult to focus. By soundproofing your space, you can enjoy the peace and quiet you need to work efficiently. To block out noise in your office, consider installing acoustic panels, upgrading your insulation, laying down some rugs or investing in soundproofing foam.
Tidy Up
It won’t cost you a dime, but the simple act of tidying up your home office can drastically improve your productivity. Having a cluttered, disorganized workspace can cause one to feel more anxious and make it harder to focus. Plus, a messy work area will hinder your ability to find important papers, documents, and other items you may need throughout the workday. As such, taking some time to tidy up your space and get rid of the debris cluttering your desk could have a substantial impact on your productivity levels.