The growing trend of working from home has transformed the job market and the working habits of people all around the world. Since lockdowns ended a lot of people have shifted their offices to their homes for convenience, as indicated by a recent LinkedIn survey, which said that 82% of workers want to work from home at least once, and 57% thrice a week.
Working from home has many advantages, from not having to endure a long commute and utilising that extra time for work or leisure, to the flexibility it affords when it comes to working hours, lunch breaks and help around the house.
In addition to this, the pressure of interacting with certain co-workers each day and having to perhaps put on an appearance for the office no longer matters as much, you can simply get into your comfortable loungewear and feel relaxed while getting on with the job at hand.
With so many advantages, working from home is a much more convenient and favourable option for many workers. It saves on time and social energy, making you feel more productive at work, so if you’re thinking of shifting work to a home setup, then read on for what makes the perfect at-home working environment.
Invest in a good internet connection
Possibly the most important element of a home office is a strong and reliable internet connection to ensure that you stay connected and are able to work to the best of your ability. If you don’t have an appropriate set-up to enable a smooth working day on your home-working days, then worry not as there are so many options for internet providers, like WOW Internet, with varying plans, prices, and bundled offers. Find one that best suits your requirements for your home, based on your data requirement, location, and speed.
Choose a dedicated work area
There can be many distractions while working from home, especially if you have kids, and noise can be a big distraction while you’re working. Choose a quiet corner away from your living space or where your family spends most of their time to ensure that you stay productive.
You’ll need privacy to work properly, so set yourself up in your own office and invest in a desk and ergonomic chair. Make sure your chair is adjustable, so you can change your position according to your comfort; having the right posture is crucial as long working hours can strain your back.
The right desk is just as important and it should not look too crowded in your room, though if your desk is too small, it might not be sufficient to hold all your necessary equipment. Measure your space and get a desk that looks good while also being functional and comfortable for you to work at.
Decorate your work space
You’ll want to spend some time making your new home office a welcoming and comfortable space in which to work and so creating an aesthetic that’s as pleasing on the eye as it is practical for your needs is an important step.
Choose some décor that suits your style and add in some plants, paintings, a lamp, family photograph, and a comfy chair where you can relax when needed.
Organisation is key in a home office, so source some shelving, cabinets, drawers – even better if your desk has drawers – and desk organisers that can store away any items to keep the space look as neat and tidy as possible. A clear workspace results in a productive mind.
Lighting in abundance
When working during the day, it is best to set up your work near a window so you can make the most of the daylight to keep you feeling refreshed and active. Lighting can have a big impact on your productivity and desire to work, after all.
When the sun goes down in winter, or for those long nights working, be sure to install a range of lighting options to light up the space and keep you focused for the tasks you’re undertaking.
Use a separate work phone
When you’re working from home, co-workers, clients and the like might not always respect your boundaries or working hours and on the same note, having the same phone for work and home can be very confusing for those who need to get in touch with you. You should establish your set working hours and use a separate phone for work-related calls, this way you can simply switch off your phone after your working day has ended and relax in the knowledge that you won’t be disturbed.
Source useful digital organisation tools
Digital tools for remote work allow you to collaborate with your remote co-workers and share your work progress daily. You can share important files, and notes, add to-do lists for your teammates and initiate video conferences. Technology like this is invaluable to a constructive an organised working day.
