Despite the return to office for many employees, 59% of workers report strongly preferring jobs that allow them to work from home, a sentiment that has gained traction since the onset of the Coronavirus outbreak. Moreover, 61% of remote workers anticipate continuing with hybrid work arrangements over the next year and beyond, favoring positions that offer flexibility.
It’s no wonder that the home office has become the coveted workspace for the majority of today’s workforce, offering perks such as flexible hours and the elimination of lengthy commutes. Studies, including one from Stanford, reveal a 13% increase in productivity among employees working from home. Workers report feeling more focused and empowered to manage their tasks efficiently within the comfort of their own homes.
However, the potential pitfalls of increased self-accountability and distractions require remote workers today to maintain a well-organized home office. Here are some tips to optimize your home office space for increased productivity throughout the workday:
Table of Contents
Start Your Day Off Right
Be sure to establish a consistent wake-up time, which not only helps regulate your sleep patterns but also optimizes your energy levels throughout the day. In those first moments after waking, resist the urge to dive immediately into emails and social media. Instead, embrace a mindful approach that sets a positive tone for the day—whether that’s with a cup of coffee, yoga, or through meditation. Moreover, though it may be tempting to don relaxed clothing when working from home, it’s important to take the time to dress in work attire and create an office-like atmosphere that signals your readiness—to yourself and others—to start the workday.
Give Yourself Space
To keep your work life from bleeding into your home life, be sure to set definite work hours for your day, and designate a specific work area that helps minimize disruptions. Utilize tall storage systems like modular shelves to effectively block off your work area from other rooms in your home – especially in smaller spaces. Keep your workday organized with digital task management apps as well as a shared calendar you keep with colleagues.
Clear Things Up
It’s well documented that cluttered spaces can have adverse effects on our stress and anxiety levels, as well as our ability to focus. This is why it is essential to make the effort daily to keep your workspace tidy and in order. Storing files and materials in accessible filing or multi-function cabinets will also keep your workspace tidy. Storage drawers that lock help you put away workday essentials while keeping your desktop clutter-free. You can also opt for wireless or Bluetooth solutions that help minimize wires or invest in functional and elegant office furniture with smart integrated wire management features included.
Time is of the Essence
To maximize your ability to focus throughout the day, concentrate on work tasks for 75-90 minutes at a stretch, followed by 10–15-minute breaks. Schedule meetings optimally on Tuesday at 2:30 PM, with a duration of 45 minutes to an hour for maximum effectiveness. This gives you time to catch up on what needs to be done the other days of the week and not be stifled by Zoom fatigue.
Avoid Distractions
When you’re engaged in remote work, it’s essential to minimize distractions to maintain your concentration. Incorporating background music can serve as a valuable motivator, especially if it contributes to fostering creativity; however, it’s advisable to keep the volume at a modest level to ensure that you stay immersed in the job at hand. For those who appreciate a subtle backdrop of noise, platforms like Coffitivity can recreate the ambient sounds of a coffeehouse. Consider taking a brief hiatus from news consumption, allowing yourself to center your attention on the tasks in front of you.
Create a healthier environment
Creating an open, airy, and healthy environment for your home office goes a long way in helping you be productive. You can create a healthier environment by optimizing lighting for improved mood. Choose a workspace with natural light and incorporate colors and greenery for a positive and creative environment. Adding an adjustable standing desk can also support your overall physical well-being during the workday, allowing you to get up off your seat from time to time.
Communication is Key
Maintaining clear communication with colleagues is important for fostering company culture – and for clearly communicating your work schedule. Be sure to take breaks or lunches over video calls for social interaction. Communicate your work schedule to family members to establish boundaries between work and personal time.
In the end, optimizing your home office is not just about the physical placement of furniture and equipment; it’s a holistic approach that encompasses your daily routines, communication strategies, and the overall ambiance of your workspace. By incorporating these seven tips into your remote work routine, you’re not merely enhancing productivity but also cultivating a work-from-home environment that aligns with success and well-being.
