7 Key Ways to Optimize Your WFH Office
More employees are working from home than ever before, and experts estimate that 25% of jobs in North America will be remote by the end of 2022.
You’re likely going through an adjustment period if you are someone who has recently transitioned to working remotely, figuring out how to focus on work in your home environment.
You might get easily distracted, especially if you live with others, which harms your productivity. The right work-from-home space allows you to separate from the events happening around you while taking away your commute and allowing you access to your kitchen and bathroom.
Here are seven ways to optimize your work-from-home office.
1. Choose a Space With Good Lighting
Working in a space with poor lighting can cause temporary eye fatigue, known as eye strain, as can working under fluorescent lights. In fact, fluorescents can increase your risk of eye disease. That’s why it’s essential to evaluate your office lighting situation.
Natural light is good for our bodies and helps us focus better than artificial lighting. Bulbs with a cooler white or blue tone can help with energy and productivity if this is not an option.
2. Invest in an Ergonomic Chair
The right office chair can significantly impact how you feel at the end of the day. Choosing ergonomically designed seating that supports your spine can help you feel less fatigue at the end of the day.
Ergonomic chairs can also prevent back and shoulder pain and increase your productivity and engagement in work tasks.
3. Get the Right Desk
One of the best parts about working from home is using the right desk for you. Choose one that suits what you do best.
Standing desks can help reduce back pain and improve posture, as well as boost your mood. If you’re required to store a lot of papers, get one with enough drawers to organize them. People that use a desktop should ensure the surface is big enough to use a monitor and accessories comfortably. The options are endless.
4. Purchase a Headset
Even if your job doesn’t require them, purchasing a headset can significantly optimize your working hours.
Headsets can improve your audio quality during online meetings and can be used to play white noise or music that helps you concentrate.
A headset can be a great indicator of when you are busy, especially if you live with others.
5. Decorate Wisely
It’s important not to let your desk or office space get too cluttered, as that can be distracting. However, having some personal touches around can boost your mood, which can help with your productivity. Add some pictures or trinkets that make you smile.
Color can also impact our focus, so surround yourself with shades that will help you work better.
6. Keep a Notepad Nearby
Plenty of nonwork-related reminders and ideas will pop into your head during office hours. Once they do, it can be hard to refocus on your task.
Keeping a notepad to the side of your desk while you’re working will allow you to quickly jot down that thought or idea to evaluate after the workday.
7. Invest in Good Internet
Having a stable internet connection can make or break your work-from-home experience. No one wants to lose contact with their platform or have to reset their router constantly. These things increase your stress and take up precious time.
Finding and investing in a quality internet service plan allows your day to go by smoothly, helping you take advantage of all the other tips on this list.
Enjoying Your Work-From-Home Space
Remote work has its advantages, and many people thrive in a home environment. There can be challenges, such as external stress and distractions, but creating an optimal office setup can minimize these and help you take full advantage of your opportunity.