4 Key Elements of a Smart Work at Home Office
Working from home is great and comes with many advantages. It’s hardly a new phenomenon, however, the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged many to stay at home making it an unplanned shift for a majority of employees and entrepreneurs, and in Europe the EU has also given some advice for this purpose. If you are new to the concept of working from home, whether due to the coronavirus or because you just bagged yourself a remote job, you’ll need to adapt to some practices and routines to make working from home a success.
The work-at-home lifestyle calls for a cleverly designed space to enhance efficiency and productivity. This requires one to create a functional and practical office within the walls of your home. Below are some essential elements of a smart home office;
1. Choose The Right Space
It’s paramount to make your home office as professional-looking as possible. This will help the mind distinguish the space from the rest of your living space. As you will ideally be spending a lot of time in the office, choose a spot with a spectacular view and come with fresh air. Identify an area that is infrequently used and away from the kitchen, laundry and play area to avoid unnecessary noise and distractions. If you are limited in space, put your creativity into play through converting your closet space into a workstation. Just as with any room of the house, you’ll need to figure out the storage and organization of the office for peace of mind as you work.
2. Pick Appropriate Furniture
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in your home office, it’s wise to invest in quality furniture that is comfortable and suits your style. A modern desk for your office will lighten up the space as well as improve your productivity. An ergonomic table and chair is an excellent solution to protect you from various conditions and diseases that may arise from sitting down all day and avoid backaches because of their immense lumbar support. A standing desk is a trend these days for millennials who don’t want to gain weight or risk diseases like diabetes and other cardiovascular issues. Opt for a motorised standing desk that can easily be adjusted to a standing and sitting position when needed. Home office furniture enough to complement other rooms of the house. Let this space have a color that gets your work motor humming.
3. Proper Lighting
Lighting plays a pivotal role in a smart home office. A poorly lit office can be demoralising and affect the overall mood of work. Whenever possible, use natural light by letting in the sunshine through the windows, however, artificial lighting fixtures will work well in the absence of natural light. Position your desk close to the window or somewhere you can stare at something as opposed to a blank wall. To reduce eye strain, avoid working under the direct glare of overhead lighting. Instal your lighting accessories over your workstation or behind you to avoid reflection from bouncing off on your computer monitor.
4. Have The Right Tools
For a smart office to be complete, you’ll need to have all the necessary tools to complete your job. Depending on the type of work, tools and industry-specific equipment can range from personal PCs, laptops, monitors, printers just to name a few. Make sure that these equipment are close to power outlets for easy access if you need to plug or unplug. Don’t forget to stock up on traditional supplies such as notebooks and stationery to make your work as seamless and efficient as possible.
