But with just a few simple steps you can transform your home office to make sure you work more productively. Furniture experts Pottery Barn have developed an interactive resource that’s all about making your home office work for you. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to do just that – whether it’s conquering clutter, the lighting in your office or the effect of a few humble houseplants…
Embrace natural light
The impact of light on the way we work cannot be overstated – too much light can give us headaches and make us miserable, too little can strain our eyes and tire us out. Striking a happy balance is the key. Opt for a 65W light bulb for your home office – with an intensity similar to daylight, they’re perfect.
Declutter
With 83% of people saying they feel more productive in an organised space, keeping on top of your home office is paramount if you want to enjoy a smooth, stress-free working day. Spend 5 minutes at the end of each day having a little tidy, throwing away anything you don’t need and filing away anything you do – making your home office ready to start the next day anew. Decluttering doesn’t just have to be physical, either. Keeping a lean inbox can also help you feel less stressed and clarify your workload for the day ahead.
Green-ify your space
Houseplants are cheap, you can pick them up all over town, and they could work wonders for your home office space. As well as looking pretty, they could make you more productive. Pottery Barn say a study of office workers shows plants in workspaces can improve productivity by a sizeable 15% – so it’s well worth introducing a little complementary flora to your home office.
Take frequent breaks
Working from home means you can mix your schedule up a bit more than you would in the company office. Research suggests a breath of fresh air can boost your responsiveness by as much as 131%, so try and lace in a few gentle strolls to your day. You could go for a walk in the park, sit in the garden or have a wander to the shop and back. Whatever you do, it’s proven that getting out in the fresh air is good for you. You’ll come back to your home office energised and ready to work!
Boost your mood with colour
Redecorating your home office might cost a bit of money but it could work wonders for your day. Colours have long been associated with mood and wellbeing, so choosing a relevant palette for your home office could be the key to a better day’s work. The following colours are associated with positive emotions:
Blue and green – these 2 colours together are thought to positively influence emotions and positivity. Yellow – as long as it’s not too overpowering, yellow is good for optimism and better concentration spans, making it perfect for your home office.
Today, with millions of homeworkers playing a key role in the economy, it’s essential you ensure your working spaces are made as conducive to productivity as possible. Taking an extended break or watching TV is fine once in a while, but to start doing it regularly could be dangerous. Making sure your home offices are fit for purpose is key.
