How to Create the Perfect Home Office

This is a collaborative post

Since the onset of Covid-19, more and more people are working from home. Although this would initially seem to be a great thing, it may be difficult for you to stay motivated over time. Being in your own environment can come with many pitfalls which are not conducive to working. However, that does not mean they cannot overcome with a few simple adjustments. One way to help you stay motivated is to create a great home office. The theory is that if you feel like you are at work, you will work better, more efficiently, and remain focused and motivated. 

Image from Pixabay

A Designated Area

If you are lucky enough to have a spare room, then this is the perfect location for your home office. However, you can just as easily cordon off a corner of another room, such as the living or dining room, and use that as your home office corner. As long as everyone treats it as such. Ideally, you want somewhere near a window, so you can gaze out of it every so often. This helps in making you feel less enclosed and trapped.  

Avoid Distractions

It would help if the family knew not to interrupt you while you are at work, and you don’t really want to be within earshot of a television or other such noise, which can be really distracting. Also, keep your smartphone out of arms reach to avoid any temptations. You wouldn’t get away with this at work, so you shouldn’t do this at home.

The Furniture

You will need to invest in a decent office desk and a comfortable chair. You would be required to do a desk assessment in an office, so the home office should be no different. Perhaps you could get the company you work for to send you over a desk assessment so you can ensure that the equipment you have will not cause you any sort of injury. The last thing you want is RSI (repetitive strain injury) because you skimped on decent office furniture. 

The Computer

You will want the monitor to be eye level, so you do not have to crane ou neck up or down to see the screen. You also need to have a computer which is able to perform all the tasks required. You do not want a slow computer that is prone to crashing all the time. You need to invest. Additionally, a mouse and keyboard are probably superior to using a laptop mouse and keyboard. So think practicality and comfort.

Plants A few plants dotted about the office are a great touch. You are going to be sitting in there a long time, so having something natural that purifies the air is a good touch. Plants also look great, and they are great mood enhancers too. Moreover, they actually have the added benefit of increasing productivity. So, if you are finding that working from home is not enabling you to be as efficient as you want, why not try adding a few plants.