The COVID pandemic drastically changed the way we work nowadays. A lot of changes that were adopted throughout various lockdowns around the world are set to stay, with some companies adopting a work from home policy. Some companies may implement a more hybrid approach and allow employees to work partially from home and partially in the office. So, for a lot of workers, setting up a dedicated home office or workspace has become a more long-term necessity than previously expected. There are many ways to create a home office or workspace that lets you focus. Ideally, this will be a separate room in your house or apartment. However, not everyone has the luxury of an additional room that can be used entirely as an office. Below are some top tips for setting up an office in your home when space is an issue.
Rethinking the Space
As the shift to ‘Work from Home’ (WFH) occurred, a lot of new products appeared on the market to support this new way of handling the 9-5. Small, compact desks and chic office chairs, for example, became popular purchases for employees throughout the various lockdowns. There are even gadgets that can help you stay productive while working from home.
If you will be working from home for the foreseeable future, it is worth investing in the best equipment and furniture possible. A comfortable office chair is essential, while a second monitor can be a game changer. Some companies may provide these types of things or will reimburse employees for purchases of office equipment.
Other tips for setting up a comfortable place from which to work include the following:
- If you have a garden, a shed can make a great additional space that can be used as an office. Placing your office in the garden also offers some distance between your house and workplace, which can help support a healthier work-life balance.
- Double up on functionalities. For example, a guest room can be home to your desk and computer and be used as an office while you don’t have guests staying. And, if visitors do come to stay, built-in cupboards are ideal for hiding away your work equipment when not in use.
- Accessories, such as a printer, a coffee machine, and wireless headphones can make your working day that little bit more comfortable and easier.
- If you are on a budget, it is worth checking to see if there is anything in your home you can repair or upcycle to use in your home office. Pretty much any household items and furniture can be repaired quickly and easily with the right kind of glue, which will allow you to give that wobbly desk a new lease of life with a quick and durable repair.
Staying Organised
‘Work from Home’ looks set to stay, at least in some capacity for many employees going forward. As a result, having a dedicated workspace in your house or apartment is perhaps essential. It offers the possibility and flexibility to focus and work from home when needed.
Once you have a desk, chair and general work area sorted, ensuring that you can stay organised and on top your game is crucial. It can be very easy to get distracted when working from home. Plus, it can be a little harder to separate your work life from your home life when you’re not heading into an office each day. Use drawers, shelves, or a desk organiser to keep your work items neat and tidy – it’s much easier to focus at a clean desk than a cluttered one.
And a final key tip – if your workspace is in the kitchen, living room, or bedroom, for instance, be sure to close your laptop and put it away each evening. Out of sight is out of mind, which is just what’s needed when it comes to finishing the workday and relaxing in the evenings.
