5 Steps to the Perfect Home Workspace
Here are some ideas on how to create the right work environment and improve your experience of working from home.
- Choose a space to work in
Find a space in your house that you can use as a dedicated space for working. Don’t worry if you don’t have a spare room; it just needs to be a place you don’t typically use, such as the corner of a room or a seat at a table. This step alone will help you focus and psychologically get ready for ‘work’. It will also help you to switch off and put work aside at the end of the day.
- Keep it Light
Spring is on its way and the days are gradually getting lighter. Light is important to keeping us alert, so try and choose a space in a bright room to capture as much of the natural sunlight as you can. If your workspace isn’t in a bright spot, you can try hanging mirrors to reflect as much light as possible. Use a lamp to brighten up your space if your spot is shady or as the daylight disappears in the late afternoon. This will help you to keep your energy levels up; a dark space may leave you feeling tired.
- Go Green
Studies have shown that indoor plants offer both psychological and physical health benefits and so it is a great idea to incorporate them into your workspace. They can improve your mood, reduce fatigue, lower stress and anxiety – and even improve performance and focus. If you’re short of space, you can put a large houseplant on the floor or use a hanging basket. If you have a garden, try to sit near a window if you can, as this is another great way to bring the natural world into your workspace. If you don’t have a garden, even hanging a picture of the great outdoors will have a positive effect.
- Get organised
Make sure you have everything you need – laptop, headphones, notebook, paper, pens, socket for charging etc – to make your workspace as efficient as possible. It’s important to stay organised so make sure your desk is tidy or make arrangements to make it tidy. Things like clean tin cans are a great place to keep your pens, for example. If you do have storage to help you tidy things away at the end of the day, even if a single drawer or cardboard box, this will help you keep your work space clutter free.
- Establish boundaries
It’s important to establish clear boundaries between your work and home life or you may find that your work life ‘bleeds’ into your personal time – meaning less time for you to rest and relax. Take breaks throughout the day – away from your screen – stand up, go for a brisk walk or even just step into another room. Choose a time to start and finish your working day. You may not always be able to stop exactly on time but knowing that your workday is coming to an end will help you start the process of saving your work and winding down for the evening.