Concurrents: Improve Your Home Office Setup and Boost Productivity

Working from home is no longer just a temporary situation for many people, it has become a permanent arrangement for workers around the globe. Having a separate office space is vital to your success if you are working from home. The right home office will help you stay focused and create a healthy work-life balance.

Before you design your work-from-home space, there are lots of things to consider, including choosing the right furniture and technology as well as staying organized to maximize productivity. Thankfully, you don’t need to break the bank to update or set up your home office. With the right tips and tools, anyone can enjoy a beautiful and functional home office space.

An Ergonomic Office

You’re likely working at a computer or sitting at a desk all day, so it’s crucial that you get the support you need to prevent pain and injury.

Make sure that your desk is at the right height for your chair and the position of your body while seated. It should offer the appropriate height where your arms can rest directly in front of you and your hands and wrists will be supported. An ergonomic mouse and keyboard are recommended to help with this, and can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

Your desk chair is one of the most essential items in the home office. Be sure to choose a chair that will support your posture and keep your neck, back, and shoulders aligned. If you need one, add a back or lumbar pillow for even more support. Your feet should be at a 90-degree angle directly under your desk. A sturdy footrest can help keep your legs and feet in the proper position while seated. Chairs with features like an adjustable headrest, tilt-back, and arms will allow you to find your perfect position.

If you’re able, consider purchasing a stationary bike or a treadmill that can securely hold your laptop. When you exercise while you work, you’ll not only feel better and get fit, you’ll also improve blood flow, which enhances your ability to focus. Always remember to take frequent breaks while you’re working from home. Whether you get up for a cup of coffee or just walk around the house, it is crucial to keep moving during the day to prevent fatigue and muscle strain. If you enjoy a bit of yoga, keep a mat handy in your office so that you can take short breaks for a bit of stretching or meditation. 

Upgrade Your Technology

Making sure that you have up-to-date technology will set you up for success.  A large computer monitor makes it easier to see as you type or do your daily tasks. If you have a laptop, consider adding a bigger external monitor that’s meant just for working, so you’re able to see things more clearly.

Make sure that you have the correct chargers for your laptop, smartphone, PC, and all of your other work-related devices so that you can stay connected all day. A virus can wreak havoc on your computer and create serious problems, so be sure that you have a quality antivirus program installed. The program should also check and clean the hard drive and all software regularly. Make sure your computer has enough memory, too.

Get Organized and Declutter

A cluttered, disorganized office can cause stress and reduce focus. Consider adopting a minimalist style in your office. This will prevent clutter from building up in the first place, and you’ll have the things you really need around you. Keep your books and work-related paperwork organized with a cute book nook in one corner. Add a bookcase or some shelving to keep everything orderly and in its place.

If you deal with many office accessories, add some custom cabinets for a perfect fit. They can hold your items neatly while keeping everything hidden and looking attractive. Important work documents should also be filed away in the proper order. If you deal with confidential information, make sure you purchase a locking file cabinet to keep everything secure.

Declutter your office and be sure you have plenty of space to move around. The right flow will make the office feel cleaner, and it will help your mind stay open and relaxed as you work.

 The Right Office Décor

The right office décor will boost your mood and make the space feel personal to you, so try these strategies to put your own stamp on it.

Color affects our mood and can impact productivity. Choose wall and floor colors that will make you feel relaxed without feeling sleepy. Blues and greens are “productive” colors that can calm the mind while encouraging healthy focus. Try incorporating scent. Essential oils or scented candles will create a pleasant fragrance while you work. Lavender and citrus, for example, are known to help improve focus and concentration.

Make sure that you have the right window coverings to prevent glare and give you privacy. Mini blinds are affordable and easy to adjust, while curtains will add a nice look to the office. It’s easy to bring personality to your office with wall decorations like artwork, a lovely mirror, or some family photos in nice frames. A corkboard or whiteboard is perfect for helping you take notes or simply to keep track of an old-fashioned to-do list.

Improve Productivity – What to Avoid

If you want to stay productive, there are also some things you should definitely avoid.

When possible, avoid putting your desk in your bedroom. This can make it difficult to separate daily life from work, and interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep. Don’t neglect to follow a morning schedule, and make sure you get up, shower, and get dressed every morning to help you stay motivated. Don’t work in your pajamas. Instead, get dressed as you normally would or at least put on regular clothing after you shower.

Try not to eat your breakfast and lunch at your desk. Taking breaks in another room or outside will help reset your mind and give you a mental break between tasks. It’s also important to have some healthy snacks on hand to keep you energized. Keep a water bottle with a lid near you to prevent spills on your computer keyboard, and drink water throughout the day.

Too many distractions can make you easily lose focus. You can keep things like a stress ball or a Zen sand garden near you, but never directly in front of you while you’re working. Avoid listening to music that diverts your attention, and listen to calming music instead. Do not forget to set up a routine when working from home. Find your own pace, whether it’s checking your email or tackling big projects first.

It’s your opportunity to design an office when you work from home, so be sure to make it unique to you. Keep these tips in mind when choosing the right furniture and technology, but most importantly, do whatever works best for you. Eventually, you’ll establish a nice daily routine and enjoy working in an office that is special, which will motivate you to accomplish any task.

Adriana Lopez is a member of the Porch content marketing department, and she loves sharing tips and advice to make every DIY project as easy and fun as possible. She is passionate about all things SEM, the outdoors, and photography.