Working from home comes with a lot of perks – greater flexibility, the comfort of being in your space, saving time and money in commuting and buying meals and overall work-life balance. But how do you fend off all the distractions around you? The laundry needs to be done. The children want to play. And then you feel like taking an afternoon nap.
You might have gotten used to the set up at your current home and negotiated with its inefficiencies. But now that you are planning for your new build home, this is the perfect opportunity to provide yourself with a better workspace that boosts productivity and output.
1. Dedicate a space for work only
Set physical boundaries to separate yourself from the rest of the house. Ideally, you should have an enclosed space used for work only. Your mind will learn to associate that particular area with work, allowing you get in the zone faster.
Make sure your workspace is clear of anything unrelated to work. You might run the risk of turning your office into a storage room or pop up games room.
2. Get comfortable
A sore, achy back can hold you back from peak productivity, so invest in an ergonomically designed chair and a desk at the correct height. Other things like an anti-glare screen for your computer, quality lighting (3,500 – 5,000K), and ample space for workflow will also help you concentrate better and get things done.
3. Choose the right colours
White, ivory and grey are the standard for most offices, also consider including accent colours which can subtly influence your mood.
A red working environment can boost your attention to detail and assist with memory. A red desktop background is found to make people more assertive when negotiating deals and prices.
Blue promotes a calming and relaxing effect because of its association with clear skies and clean water. It can also enhance your performance in creative tasks. Similarly, green enhances creative performance and positivity.
4. Tune in – A little noise can be good for you
Too much silence can be isolating and draining. Research has found that performance and abstract processing can be enhanced with ambient noise (around 70db), which is equivalent to a conversation or someone playing the piano.
5. Spruce up your office with indoor greenery
Many studies have shown that indoor plants can prevent fatigue, reduce stress, restore attention and remove pollutants. Plants are peaceful and non-distracting to look at, and they add an interesting visual element to the aesthetics of your workspace.
6. Make it personal
While some research suggests that clutter helps to boost creativity, others believe that a tidy environment will enhance efficiency. Blue may increase creative performance but what if it’s too calming that lulls you to sleep? Depending on your personal preference and type of work, find out what supports you to work productively.
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Zoe Langenberg
Zoe is passionate about coffee and interior design. You can find her most weekends exploring an art gallery or devouring a good book.
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