There is no denying that the pandemic revolutionized remote working culture. According to a Gallup study, 56% of US employees worked remotely in January 2021. Even today well after the pandemic is over, nearly 40% of US workers have the option of selecting a hybrid schedule where they will be working from home at least part of the week. Working from home is only going to get easier and more productive, so creating the perfect home office is crucial to ensure comfort and focus. Here are some guidelines to consider to create your ideal home office.
Introduction to Home Office Organization Tips
Creating a home office space space can range from dedicating an entire room such as your den or a spare bedroom into a dedicated office or it can simply mean establishing a section of your bedroom or kitchen as a dedicated working space.
Whichever end of the spectrum you land on will ultimately depend on a variety of factors including type of work that you do, need for quiet space, privacy requirements, and ultimately how frequently you will be working from home.
Establishing Your Work From Home Space
Alright, let's dive right into it. The very first step in organizing your home office is to figure out where exactly you're going to set up shop. Now, this could be anywhere in your home, depending on the space available and what you feel most comfortable with.
Are you lucky enough to have a spare room that can be devoted entirely to your work? That's fantastic!
A dedicated room allows you to create a clear boundary between your work and personal life, which can boost productivity and help maintain work-life balance. You can close the door at the end of the day, physically and mentally leaving work behind. But hey, don't worry if you don't have an entire room to spare. Many of us are in the same boat and we're still making it work. You might be carving out a spot in your bedroom, living room, or even kitchen. And that's completely fine!
The key here is to pick a spot that's quiet, well-lit, and free from constant interruptions. If you're opting for the bedroom, try to find a corner that's away from your bed to avoid associating your workspace with relaxation or sleep. It's all about creating a separate 'work zone' within your personal space.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to home office spaces. It's all about what works best for you and helps you stay productive. So take some time, explore your options and choose a spot that suits your working style and needs.
Organize The Space So You Can Create A Positive Working Environment
Finally, Alright, let's dive right into the nitty-gritty of getting your home office in shipshape. Here's a more detailed step-by-step guide to help you out:
1. Clear your workspace: First things first, you've got to start with a clean slate. That means decluttering your workspace. Remove everything from your desk, shelves, and drawers. Yes, everything! This might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but trust me, it's an essential step towards achieving an organized office.
2. Sort your items: Now that you've got all your items out in the open, it's time to sort them out. Group similar items together. This could mean putting all your pens and pencils in one pile, your notepads in another, and so on. It's like solving a puzzle - finding what fits together. This will make the next steps easier and save you time in the long run.
3. Store appropriately: Once you've sorted all your items, you need to find a proper place for each group. Use storage solutions that work best for you. This could be anything from desk organizers for your stationery items to file cabinets for your documents. Remember, it's not just about tidying up; it's about creating a system that makes your work easier.
4. Label everything: Now that everything has its own place, make sure you remember where that place is! Labeling is key here. You don't want to spend valuable time searching for something when you need it urgently. A simple label maker can be a lifesaver in a home office setup.
5. Keep everything clean and organized: Last but definitely not least, make it a habit to keep your space organized. Regular maintenance is crucial for any system to work efficiently over time. Set aside some time each week or even each day to tidy up and ensure everything is in its rightful place.
So there you have it! A more detailed guide on organizing your home office space. Remember, the goal isn't
Choosing the Right Furniture - Three Must Haves For A Home Office
Your home office needs to be functional and comfortable. Here's a comparison table to help you choose the right furniture.
| Furniture | Pros | Cons | Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing Desk | Helps with posture, can reduce back pain | Can be tiring, may not suit all tasks | Adjustable height, good for alternating between sitting and standing |
| Ergonomic Chair | Promotes good posture, reduces risk of back pain | Can be expensive | Designed for comfort and support, often adjustable |
| Filing Cabinet or File Storage Box With A Lock | Keeps documents safe and organized, saves space | Can be bulky, may not suit digital workflows | Great for paper-heavy work, comes in various sizes |
You will of course need other office supplies such as a computer, pens, paper etc. but those will usually be provided by your work where as items like desks and chairs are usually paid for by the individual. Make sure to check with your HR team though as there may be a stipend or rebate available for employees who choose to work from home.
Position Your Desk Properly
Alright, so you've got your desk and chair all set up - that's a great start! But here's the thing, just having them isn't enough, you need to position them correctly to truly maximize productivity. Think about it like this: your workspace is your command center. It's where the magic happens, right?
So, it only makes sense to arrange it in a way that boosts your efficiency while also keeping health and safety health and safety at the forefront. Now, let's talk about the placement of your desk. You might be tempted to stick it against a wall, but have you considered placing it near a window? Natural light can do wonders for your mood and focus.
Plus, when you need a break from staring at your computer screen, you can rest your eyes by looking out the window.
Just make sure there's not too much glare on your screen - we don't want that!
Adjust Your Chair Properly
As for your chair, it's not just about where it goes but also how you sit in it. Ensure it’s at a height where your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are in line (or slightly lower) with your hips. Your back should be well-supported with the help of ergonomic features of the chair.
This helps prevent back pain which can be a real productivity killer! Remember, positioning your desk and chair properly isn't just about making things look nice (although that's definitely a bonus!). It's about creating a workspace that enhances productivity and keeps you healthy and safe while you're conquering the world from home.
So take some time to experiment with different arrangements until you find what works best for you.
Update Your Home Network To Ensure Your WIFI Connection Is Secure
At the main office you probably have an IT manager who’s job is to make sure that the office network is running smoothly and free from danger. In your home office though, you really don’t have that luxury. While you should absolutely consult your IT manager to inquire about how to use the corporate VPN, make sure to ask inquire about any advice or help that the tech team there can provide in making sure that your home WIFI network is just as secure.
Organize Wires And Cables
Things can get pretty crazy quickly if you are pluging and unplugging your laptop into a mouse and keyboard as well as monitor as you bounce between your desk at home, your main office, and other places. Investing in a docking station is a good idea, but even with this, there are still going to be random cables.
To fix this, make sure to organize them by bundling them with zipties or special cable ties so that they don’t get tangled or look messy.
Don’t Forget To Utilize Wall Space For Organization
Well, let's talk about wall space. You know, that vertical canvas that often gets overlooked when we're setting up our home offices? It's actually one of the most underutilized spaces in any home office, but here's a fun fact: it holds a treasure trove of possibilities for maximizing your productivity. Think about it. Your wall isn't just for hanging up a calendar or a couple of family photos.
No, my friends, it can be so much more! It can be transformed into an effective work tool with just a bit of creativity and planning. For example, you could install shelves to keep your books, files, and other essentials within arm's reach. This not only declutters your desk but also keeps everything organized and easy to find. In other words, no more wasting time hunting for that one document in a stack of papers!
Or how about turning your wall into a chalkboard or giant whiteboard? This way, you can jot down your ideas as they come and keep track of your tasks visually. It's a great way to stay on top of things and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. You could even use it for a green screen so that it looks like you’re sitting in a vineyard in Napa rather than in a spare bedroom surrounded by boxes.
You could also consider using pegboards for hanging supplies or cork boards for pinning important notes and reminders. The possibilities are endless! Remember, every inch of your home office counts when it comes to productivity. So don't neglect your walls – use them to their full potential!
Add A Personal Touch
Adding personal items to your home office setup can make it feel more like your workplace and boost productivity. Consequently, surround yourself with personal things that motivate and inspire you in various ways. These items can be mementos, family pictures, or personal photographs. This way, you can feel more at ease and get in the right mood for work quickly.
Choose Color Purposely
Color has a significant impact on mood, so it is best to be deliberate with your color choices when setting up your home office. For instance, red is a bad idea for home office décor since it is known to raise heart rate and blood pressure. In contrast, blue is an excellent choice because it creates feelings of calm and can help you focus. Similarly, yellow is worth considering if you are a creative since it can stimulate the senses.
What’s more, green is also worth considering for your home office space since it is a color of nature that is soothing. However, remember that the saturation of your color choice is paramount when choosing your color. The higher the saturated color is, the more stimulating it will be.
Keep Your Space Neat And Distraction Free
Finally, regardless of where your setup your work from home space - keep it clean and distraction free. This means if you eat lunch at your desk - put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher after you are done eating. Just because you are at home doesn’t mean you can be a slob!
