Redesign Your Office Space to Maximize Productivity
If you have switched to remote work due to the pandemic like many people throughout the world, you may not have realized that you would have to utilize your “temporary” home office for such a long period. Perhaps your home office may require some updates to make it a comfortable and pleasant place to spend your days. Having the right equipment and environment may help you be tidy and organized, so you can stay on top of your tasks. Overall, your workspace can have a huge effect on your motivation and productivity.
If you feel like you are stuck in a rut or need some form of inspiration for work, an office makeover may be just the answer to your dilemma. Initially, you may not see the merits of changing things up in your office. However, after redesigning your space, you will be surprised to see how much your mood and attitude towards work can change! Check the ideas below and see if you can incorporate them in your project to have a more comfortable and productive time.
Choose the Right Chair and Desk
Ergonomics are crucial in any office space, especially if you spend most of your day sitting in front of a computer screen. Whether you are renovating your commercial or home office, an ergonomic design can prevent injuries and help you work more effectively. You can achieve this by having the right chair and desk. Here are some guidelines on how you can decide what to get:
Office Chair
The ideal chair height is one that allows you to sit with your feet flat on the floor. Make sure you get a seat with a backrest and proper lumbar support to prevent lower back pain. You can also benefit from an office chair that allows you to recline your seat. It puts less pressure on your back and ensures your comfortability. In terms of material, opt for a well-cushioned seat that provides adequate support and comfort.
Office Desk
When it comes to ergonomic furniture, adjustable height desks or sit-stand desks are undoubtedly at the top of the list. Working in the office may force you to sit for long hours each day. Sitting for too long is associated with health risks like increased blood pressure and neck and back pain, so adjustable height desks aim to remedy this concern by allowing you to alternate between sitting and standing. As the term suggests, the desk can be adjusted so that you can continue working even while standing.
Standing for as little as 15 minutes an hour can do wonders for your health, and with an adjustable desk, you need not compromise productivity. Developing this habit can vastly improve your posture, eliminate health risks, and keep you energized throughout your day.
Improve Lighting
Lighting can have a huge impact on your work experience, so improving your office lighting is essential. As much as possible, having access to natural light is always preferred as it can boost your mood and motivate you to work. If this is not possible, you can find other ways to make the ambiance more inviting. For example, indirect lighting can give you enough light without causing eye strain, while LED lights can help you cut down energy consumption.
New Walls
You may not realize it, but your office’s wall color can also affect your mood and emotions. Color psychology indeed applies to office design as certain colors are suitable for different types of work. For example, white is said to be ineffective for offices as they give off an intimidating vibe and remind people of the hospital. Blue is often a popular choice due to its calming effect that helps increase productivity, whereas yellow invokes joy, making it suitable for creative work.
If you’re tired of plain walls, consider one of the MANY easy to install (and remove!) wall paper designs. Even if you only do one wall in your office for an accent, it will change the vibe.
Storage
Do you have stacks of papers around the room? Is there a pile of unopened mail staring at you? They say a cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind. You may not realize this could be a contributor to your lack of enthusiasm when you enter your office each day, but it very well could be. Consider organizing your space with a small cupboard, shelves or bins where you can discreetly move items that are not of immediate use.
Wall Decor
If you’re staring at empty walls or walls which are messy and absent a theme, consider new wall decor. It’s very easy and affordable to order canvas prints that are easy to hang. Consider what you would like to look at every day…is it a favorite beach? Your family or pets? If you’re not sure, think about motivational words or quotes that would inspire you each day. Any of these ideas will enhance how you feel when you “go to work” in your home office.
Audio
Another way to change the vibe of your home office, is to add an audio feature. Background music is the obvious solution, but you could also consider wind chimes near an open window or a water fountain gently flowing in the background too. This provides a feeling of calm and may help you focus.
Greenery
Adding greenery to your office not only looks nice, but it feels good too. Because oxygen is released from plants, the air in the environment may feel cleaner and fresher. Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb, though. Many plants are low maintenance, such as succulents, and are rather hard to kill! Start with a small plant or two and see how it goes. Soon, you may find you do have a green thumb after all and can keep your greenery alive.
A home office doesn’t have to be boring and uninspiring. With a few modifications you can be more comfortable physically and emotionally, and that can only lead to better focus, enjoyment and productivity!