How To Achieve An Efficient Workspace Where You Can Be Productive
Choosing a good chair is just half the battle
Whether you’re a freelance professional, a work-at-home mom, or a business owner who runs his company from the comforts of home, finding the right workspace at home can be a challenge. With the bed or the sofa just a few steps away, it’s hard to resist the temptation of just sleeping or watching TV all day. The conclusion? Having a good home office helps get the job done. However, it’s not just about getting a sturdy desk and an ergonomic chair. There are factors you have to consider when creating a home office for optimum productivity. Start with these tips:
Let natural light into the space.
You don’t want your workspace to look like a tomb or a dungeon so choose a room or area that has a lot of natural light. We say natural light because artificial lighting can actually cause drowsiness.
If you don’t have a space with a natural light source, try to replicate it using the right lighting fixtures. Also, be sure you’re not positioning your desk where there won't be screen glare. Don’t let your computer sit in front of the window either; you don’t want to strain your eyes from shifting between the window light and your screen.
Remove distractions.
Nothing dampens productivity more than distractions. Don’t position your space in a room with a TV, where your kids would normally play in, or where noise will be constant. If not, you’ll never get anything done. It’s also good to keep your desk relatively empty so your arms aren’t actively trying to avoid knocking things over while you’re typing away on your computer.
Choose the right color scheme.
We all know that certain colors can elicit certain moods. Picking the right colors for your workspace can mean the difference between meeting a deadline and just napping the day away. Yellows and reds are excitable colors—evoking excitement and energy. Although these sound great for work, they can also be distracting so use sparingly.
Blue, green, and violets are great if you need a relaxing work environment. Remember that you don’t want it to be too relaxing that it lulls you to sleep. Try to avoid blue or mix it up with green to bring out an organic, fresh feel that will inspire concentration. Do your research on colors to see which is right for your space. When in doubt, you can always go for neutrals.
READ: Expert Advice: Color Psychology in Interior Design
Have ample storage.
Clutter is a productivity killer so keep your work space organized by getting ample storage. May it be a file drawer or a shelf, scan all your office equipment and archives for the kind of storage you’re going to need to be able to put everything away. If you have limited space to put in office furniture, think vertical. You can use wire grids with hooks to hang your mood board, notes, pencil holders, and your other office supplies. You can even mount sturdy shelving.
Plan the layout.
Planning your home office layout is the trick to achieving optimum efficiency. You don’t want to have to get up from your desk every time you need something printed or to take a phone call. Make a list of all your office activities, see what you do most often, then prioritize them in your space and place them within reach. If you print a lot of documents, set your printer near your computer. If you need to check your files often, place your filing cabinet next to your desk. Make your work space work for you.
Make it personal.
Take it from Michael Corleone—mixing business and personal matters is a no-no. In this case, we have to pass on the advice. Personalizing your home office is good for productivity because it creates a welcoming environment for you. The last thing you want is to dread going into your home office. So make it personal—put up photos of family and friends or display your favorite knickknacks. It’s up to you to make it how you like—just make sure you don’t get distracted by them all.
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