More people are working from home, at least part-time, than ever before. The morning commute has been ditched for an extra hour in bed, the snack cupboard is only a short walk from our desks, and in general, we all appear to be happier for it. Yet despite this, trying to get work done in the comfort of your own home can still be a challenge.
If you find yourself getting distracted by your WFH set-up, maybe it’s time to consider giving your home office a little refresh – An organised, attractive desk area can do wonders for your productivity levels. You may even forget about your next snack break…
Tidy space, tidy mind
This one may sound obvious, but we’re all guilty of letting our workspace clutter get on top of us (sometimes literally), from time to time. When your home doubles up as your office, your personal life can add another element of distraction. Now not only do you have your work-related printouts, notes and equipment - you also probably have your council tax bill and last week's shopping list mixed up in there too.
A good rule to upkeep is assigning Monday as your day to declutter and reset your desk. This way you always start the week with a tidy space (at least). The tricky bit is making it a habit and tidying up as you go along. Keep items to a minimum by sticking to the essentials. Ask yourself, is this item helping me with my work? If the answer is no, it goes. And if you haven’t already, it’s worth investing in some desk trays and organisers so everything on your desk has its own space.
Let there be light
Lighting can massively impact your attitude toward work. A bright space can instantly uplift your mood, so try and seek out the light as much as possible. Position your desk near a window to expose yourself to natural light - and if you’re lucky enough to have a view, that won’t go amiss either! Alternatively, having a good lamp nearby will do the job.
Posture, please
Your workplace typically provides you with the equipment necessary to assist your posture in the office, as it’s in line with health and safety regulations. But when it comes to working from home, it’s all too easy to find yourself working from bed or hunched over the coffee table. Being mindful of your body while at work is important, so it’s worth doing some research into accessories that will help you stay comfortable. For example, getting a laptop stand so that your work is at eye level, or finding a chair that gives you better support than the one you nabbed from the kitchen.
Bring the outside in
Having plants in your desk space can improve productivity and can even reduce stress. Plus, a little greenery is a fun way to add some colour to your room! Thankfully, finding indoor plants is easy and cheap. Take a trip to your local supermarket or garden centre during your lunch break and get yourself a new officemate to keep you company.
Motivate with wall art
If you’re struggling to settle on office decor, have you thought about framing motivational quotes? According to science, reading a motivational quote gives us the same feeling as a sense of accomplishment. Make it as cliche or cheesy as you can handle (we’ll leave the choice of quote up to you). Not only will this give your home office a face-lift, but you can give yourself the nudge you need when your mind starts to wander.