Recently, you may have found yourself working remotely for the first time in your life. Whether you're used to working from home or are still trying to carve out an area in your house to call clients and complete projects, you'll need a space that promotes productivity.
From the best lighting, furniture options and accessories, here are our tips for how to create the perfect home office to help you work efficiently.
Limit distractions
First and foremost, it's critical to limit distractions in your workspace. This starts with choosing an area of your home that is quiet and relaxing. Of course, everyone has different levels of what qualifies as distracting – for some, complete silence is needed to be productive while others may find it easier to work with some background noise from the outdoors or music.
Once you've chosen your workspace, keep it clear of other distractions like TVs, games and clutter that may make your mind unintentionally wander while you try to work.
Keep a clean desk
Your desk is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your office, and The Muse explained it's important to keep it tidy. Having extra paperwork strewn around your space can be distracting and delay your progress on other tasks. Instead, take a minimal approach to what's on your desk by only keeping essentials handy like pens or projects you're currently working on.
Investing in storage solutions like file cabinets or bookshelves can help you organize other important paperwork so it won't distract you while you work but can be easily accessed when needed.
A tidy home office limits distractions.Choose comfortable seating
Perhaps even more important than your desk is your office chair. This is where you'll be spending most of your time while working so it's crucial to find a seating option that is comfortable and promotes productivity. According to Lifehack, you should be sitting about a foot away from your computer screen with your feet resting on the floor while in a slightly reclined position. This chair posture is best to reduce pressure on your spine to minimize back pain and be completely comfortable while you work.
An adjustable chair is best for finding the posture that is the most comfortable for you.
Don't overlook lighting
Finally, don't forget about the importance of lighting in your office space. According to The Balance Small Business, a space with natural, cold light provided by daylight improves productivity and alertness. On the other hand, avoid working in spaces that are too cozy or warm like with a lit fireplace, as this kind of warm light promotes relaxation.
Working near windows with plenty of natural light can also help reduce headaches and eyestrain so you can work efficiently. Also, don't hesitate to crack open the window for some fresh air or add a plant to your office decor, both of which are also known to boost your mood and improve productivity.
Arwood's offers a huge selection of office furniture when you need to work from home. Take a look at our website or come into the store for expert advice on how to create the perfect work environment at home.
