The COVID-19 Pandemic taught us a lot, like why it is important to have a long-term home office. Our mind is a maze. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of rules to go about this maze. Having a domestic workspace is not only important for regular-salaried employees but also for freelancing workers and students who can work better in a productive atmosphere.
Remote working has become an unplanned necessity. Commuting became a choice, and home became where you work. There are many key points to keep in mind when it comes to creating a home-based office, and also many tips to follow when you are building one for yourself.
The Most Ideal Work-From-Home Space
It is recommended to have your workspace disconnected from your domestic one where you do your homely duties. While getting your home-life and work-life mixed can serve many problems, it is important to understand that you must not sacrifice the efficiency and productivity that you would find in a regular office. Keep it safe and simple. List certain office essentials in mind and create your productivity zone.
Personal Computer
Starting with the basics, a computer is no doubt the most essential thing you need for your setup. This is a universal law- to have an electronic device around you for work. The first step is not as easy as you think it is. Getting a PC that fits your electronic demands is quite often a challenge.
For individuals who are just starting out, PC’s can be expensive but they can also be costly to maintain. So instead of buying the latest model, consider getting a reliable refurbished PC; it might not have the newest technology but it will still suffice for your needs. Additionally, you’ll save money since you aren’t paying for all that new features as long as you know what to look for during a refurbished sale.
A computer is essential, mostly because it is multi-functional, almost doing everything that you require. It is best for storage, ambient music, and more. Always remember to separate the laptop or desktop that you use for work from your daily use.
Chairs
Take your own sweet time for this one. While you might be thinking that every chair is the same, prepare yourself to be proven wrong. About 75% of the employees suffer from body aches due to uncomfortable chairs and unleveled tables. The number is higher in IT and other technical industries.
Comfort being one of the most important matters at hand, do not compromise with low-quality chairs. Chairs made of bright and eye-catching fabric like Keekea upholstered chairs provide the most comfort, keeping relaxation and designed ergonomy as the mantras. Look for options that let you try before you buy.
Ambient Lighting
The ambiance is everything these days. Having good and natural lighting becomes all the more essential when living in an environment where sunlight barely makes it through your windows and curtains. Lighting is more than essential, it is a necessity. If you are living in a place where natural sunlight hits your room, take advantage of that and place your desk in that area. Studies have shown that insufficient lighting causes severe migraines and eye defects, which hamper the productivity levels of employees by a great margin.
While lighting is a serious essential, one can also add some level of ambiance for a good mood and aesthetic. During night shifts, having LEDs level up regular lighting can widen your range of creativity. Creating ambiance through 24V COB LED strip light can spice up your workspace, and make it a little more interesting. Using LEDs that have color-changing motivational quotes is a great idea!
Paper And Storage
Henri Fayol’s 10th Principle of Management, ‘Order’, states that there everything must be in the right place and at the right time. There is a place for everything, and adhering to this principle provides maximum productivity for the employees. This is no less true for a work-from-home office setup.
Keeping a designated space for all your collectibles and documents can serve many purposes. One, it stores all you need in one place, so when something is lost you know where to look for it. Two, it gives you an unparalleled advantage in managing your space. Optimal utilization and organization of space are challenging when you have tons of paper to sort out. An added perk you get in creating a home-based office is that you are your boss, and there is a slim chance that your work will be mixed up with your colleagues.
Take advantage of this fact. Buy or make a strong and spacious cupboard to ensure maximum storage options. Get yourself a drawer with bearing drawer runners to ensure smooth movement of the compartments. Create compartments and name them with different color codes to design an aesthetic. Sort your papers and documents accordingly.
Paper is a staple for an office. Whether it is notes, reminders, or contacts, nothing can replace actual paper. So always ensure there is enough stock of paper right next to your working desk. The same goes for printers, ink cartridges, etc.
Speed Internet
Cutting to the point, having good bandwidth is a self-explanatory requirement. Having a terrible internet connection is a memory of the past, a history no one talks about. Not only does it deliver efficiency, but also boosts productivity. Remember that the internet has been created for speeding and smoothening the information gathering process, not to slow you down. Having a fast internet makes your work faster and break-free.
So what are you waiting for? Set up your office Wi-Fi connection as soon as possible!
Final Words
Having a checklist for things is a smart way for getting things done. When looking to build a home office setup, you can get as creative as you want. Are you going for a themed look? Are you looking for a specific aesthetic in your workspace? Is the regular office not offering customizations? Having a home office breaks all the barriers and caters to you and you only. So, take full advantage of that fact, and get your hands dirty by building your workspace!
