With the rise of remote work, the home office has become an essential space for many professionals. (But you already knew that, didn’t you? So many of us entrepreneurs have been working out of our homes for years!) Designing a functional and inspiring home office environment is essential for maximizing productivity, focus, and your overall well-being. You probably like your home office a lot and have it just the way you want it (full of boxes and scattered papers, anyone?) but if you just take a few minutes to change a few things, it could dramatically improve your productivity and mood. Here are a few things you can do:
Prioritize Ergonomics – You’ve heard the buzzword endlessly, but it’s true – ergonomics play a significant role in maintaining comfort and reducing the risk of strain or injury. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Ergonomic Desk and Chair: Invest in a height-adjustable desk and an ergonomic chair that provides proper support for your posture. We at SHG recently upgraded from basic office chairs to two highly-comfy chairs from top brands in the office chair space and, wow, did it make a difference! Also, try to ensure that your feet are flat on the floor, your knees are at a 90-degree angle, and your arms rest comfortably on the desk. If you can’t adjust your desk, see what you can do to adjust your chair’s arms.
- Monitor Placement: Position your computer monitor at eye level, approximately an arm’s length away. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and font size to reduce eye strain. Using a laptop and bending your neck to look downwards at it? Place it on a stack of big books, or invest in a stand or secondary monitor for it. Also, so many programs and websites use stark white backgrounds, and it really tires your eyes out after a few hours. Consider switching to dark mode, if possible.
Optimize Lighting – Proper lighting can have a significant impact on your mood and productivity. You probably only think that one light in the room is enough, but there’s more to consider! (Chief Sparkler Carol works in a room with one overhead light, one lamp, and a small window. It’s workable, but we really ought to do something to improve it!)
- Natural Light: Position your desk near a window to benefit from natural light. Natural light promotes focus, reduces eye strain, and boosts mood. Use sheer curtains or blinds to control glare, or turn your monitor in a way that reduces it.
- Task Lighting: Supplement natural light with task lighting, such as a desk lamp, to provide focused illumination for your work area. Opt for warm white or daylight bulbs that mimic natural light.
- Ambient Lighting: Consider adding ambient lighting to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. Use floor or table lamps to add soft, indirect lighting that complements your work area and helps increase the overall brightness of the room beyond shining on what’s on your desk.
Reduce Clutter and Organize – A cluttered workspace can hinder productivity and increase stress levels. Adopt these organizational strategies:
- Declutter Regularly: Don’t let it pile up! Sort through your desk and remove unnecessary items, putting them away, donating them, or tossing them.
- Storage Solutions: Invest in practical storage solutions like filing cabinets, shelves, and desk organizers. Use them to categorize and store documents, supplies, and other essentials. You’d be surprised how much space you can create by using little things like an in/out box or magazine storage boxes.
- Cable Management: Keep cables and cords organized and out of sight using cable clips, cable sleeves, or cable management boxes. This will enhance the overall aesthetics of your workspace. Conveniently, we have some on sale in our Sparkle Shop!
Improving your home office is a worthwhile investment that really can make a difference in your productivity, focus, and overall work experience. Use some of the tips above to transform your home office into a space where you thrive.
Background image by Wonderlane via Unsplash.
