It’s no secret that a healthy workplace is a more productive workplace. However, with remote work and working from home on the rise, many employees have faced challenges with transforming their spare bedroom or basement area into an organized and productive home office. The environment which is chosen for your day-to-day work should be well thought out and reflect your personal work style. This will help you to maximize your productivity and reduce the risk of becoming overwhelmed and discouraged when trying to get into the swing of WFH.
Feng Shui, a philosophy of how to arrange living spaces to create balance with the natural world, can be used to organise your home to represent different areas of your life. For example, your home office is connected with your career, and so if you are yearning for a productivity boost you may want to look at your current arrangements in this part of your home.
Whether you are just starting out in a remote position that requires you to set up a new workspace, or you are looking to refresh your existing home office, this articles outlines four tips for optimizing your DIY workplace.
1. Setup your Tech for Comfort and Productivity
There is a correlation between the positioning of your computer and your overall work performance. From the angle of your screen and the height of your desk to your keyboard placement and monitor selection, it is important to understand how your technology setup impacts your ability to stay healthy and focused over time. When arranging your computer, a good general rule of thumb is to keep your monitor at arm’s length and just below eye level. The monitor should be positioned directly behind your keyboard, and allow you the ability to keep your wrists straight and hands at or below elbow level. Your tech should be spaced out to avoid putting too much pressure in one spot. By devoting some time and energy to properly positioning your electronics you can enhance your comfort not only for everyday use but for the duration of your career.
Another rule of thumb when it comes to setting up your WFH gadgets is to make sure you have a home warranty that supports the tech that you need. This can come in handy down the road, especially if you are using a high end computer or monitor, which can be expensive to replace. If your device or home electrical system breaks down, a home warranty will cover some of the maintenance or replacement costs and enable you to get back to work as soon as possible.
2. Invest in Furniture That Suits Your Purpose
When desk shopping, keep in mind that this key piece of office furniture should reflect what you plan to get out of your career. For example, a solid and sturdy desk can signify stability. The desk you choose should enable you to work comfortably, without feeling physically or mentally crowded. The surface should be large enough to give you ample space to write in a large diary in addition to the space needed for your equipment: e.g., monitors, notebooks, pen holders, phone charger, etc. Positioning your desk so that the back of your chair has a solid wall behind it is an integral point to keep in mind. Always avoid sitting with your back to the door since the door is where opportunities enter. You don’t want to turn your back on opportunity.
3. Choose a Supportive Chair
Although standing desks are a current trend, most people still spend most of their time seated. Choosing a supportive desk chair, like one with a high back and lumbar support, will not only boost your home office feng shui, but it can also do wonders for your mental and physical health. Given the number of hours you are going to spend in that chair, it should be viewed as an investment in yourself rather than in the overall aesthetics of your office. In addition to being supportive, you should also choose a chair that is comfortable, and that supports your individual physical needs. If you have a flimsy, hard, or generally uncomfortable chair, then you won’t be willing to spend much time sitting at your desk, and this will limit your productivity and overall performance.
4. Find Balance and Stay Focused
If your current role expects you to create a home office, you may face the additional challenge of not being able to dedicate a full room for this space. If this is the case, you will need to optimize the space you have. Setting a clear-cut boundary between your work and relaxation space is one key ingredient for success. Doing this can help you to reduce the stress that comes from feeling you can never leave the office. It’s also important not to check emails or take phone calls after your workday is over. Although some people like to work outside of normal hours, doing so can sap your energy and throw you off-balance mentally and emotionally as you never get a chance to truly relax.
The bottom line
By carefully arranging your computer and other devices, selecting office furniture that it fit for purpose, and managing the boundary between your personal and work time, you will be well on your way to creating a comfortable and productive home office.