Working from home can be a huge perk, and with 42% of Americans making the transition, it could become a part of your reality. To enjoy this opportunity fully, you should create the perfect workspace in your home. Regardless of your position, you’ll be sure to transform your home office into a dream setup if you follow the six steps listed below:
1. Evaluate Your Needs
The first step is to evaluate your needs. What type of work will you be doing? How much space will you need?
This is the time to consider your ideal working preferences, office temperature, and layout. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping the humidity between 30%-50% indoors to avoid issues like mold. Is there a space in your home you can work from? You may need to remodel if not.
2. Renovate Your Area
Depending on the space you have to work with, it may be worthwhile to build an addition. By creating an office addition, you can make a space that meets your exact specifications while also being calm and quiet.
It’s important to have a space for yourself where you can focus and be productive — and remodeling may be the answer. Even adding a wall can tremendously impact sound reduction. You can also include additional windows to add more natural light in your workspace.
3. Choose Comfort
While you probably have a budget to stick to when upgrading your space, it’s important to be comfortable. Choose ergonomic options when possible to ensure you are properly caring for your body. An ergonomic chair will offer proper lumbar support while helping you maintain good posture. If you type regularly for your job, consider getting an ergonomic keyboard and mouse to reduce strain on your wrists, hands, and arms.
4. Keep It Organized
It’s easy for your personal and professional worlds to blend when you work from home. Enjoy a bit of structure by staying organized. Leave work items in your office space and go through personal paperwork in a different part of the house.
It’s also beneficial to keep your desk organized. This will help you remain focused and productive throughout the day. Try to limit the number of items in your workspace, and use a filing system for business paperwork.
5. Make It Personal
This is your personal office space — no sharing with co-workers required! One benefit of working from home is personalizing the area to fit your style. Hang up pictures, add an air diffuser, or customize as needed.
You’ll feel at ease in a personalized space, which will enhance your productivity and reduce stress.
6. Add Some Greenery
Now that you’ve created your ideal workspace, the last thing to add is greenery. Houseplants can improve a room’s air quality while simultaneously boosting productivity and mood.
Choose a plant that’s easy to care for, so you can enjoy its numerous benefits without added stress.
Positivity Equals Progress
You should feel positive about your home office. By following these six steps, you can customize your workspace so it becomes your happy place. If you plan on spending eight hours a day in one room, it should encourage productivity. After all, when you feel most productive, you make the greatest progress.
