In today’s world, more of us are finding different ways to work our day-jobs. According to Forbes, 50 per cent of the U.S. workforce will soon be working remotely and freelance workers are projected to become the majority of the workforce by 2027. It’s no surprise, as working from home is being made easier and easier every day – it really is the workplace of the future. Modern tech advances have truly changed the working game, and it won’t be long before we won’t even have to get out of bed to go to work!
By far the best bit about working from home is the freedom – freedom to be comfortable, and freedom to design your own space! Whether you’re switching to remote work or have plans to start your own business, you’ve gotta agree that working from the comforts of your own home is a dream. Who doesn’t want to work in their PJs and have their pet keep them company all day long? No one, because everyone wants that. On the flip side though, it can be detrimental to your productivity when you don’t take full charge over your time or practice proper work etiquette.
With great privilege comes great responsibility. If you want to succeed in a remote work situation set-up, we’ve got some essentials you’ll need to design a home office where you can truly concentrate on your work.
A designated workspace
You need a workspace that’s going to be dedicated to your work and your work alone. And we don’t mean substituting your dining table for a work desk. Ideally, you should have space in your home or a closed-off room with a desk where you can focus on solely doing work. When you have a separate room you can use as your very own office, you can reduce distractions and psychologically train and condition your mind into a more productive, work-focused mindset.
The right office chair
If you’re going to be sitting for hours and hours, you’re going to need the right chair with the right support. A comfortable and ergonomically designed work chair will help prevent posture problems and will keep your blood flowing even while you’re sitting.
Effortless work minus the back pain? Yes, please!
Good lighting
Proper lighting is known to improve mood and energy levels. Lighting will also affect the overall atmosphere of your workspace, as well as your productivity. So, your workspace should be in a room that is close to windows or have easy access to natural light so that the sun can come in and liven up your space! If you don’t have enough access to natural light, try switching out your lightbulbs with white LEDs – that should do the trick. Just make sure you have enough bright light to keep you awake and focused.
Wicker basket organisers
Ok, they don’t necessarily have to be wicker – we just think a bit of cane looks super cute in any space. You can use any type of box, container, or baskets, as long as they keep your clutter and miscellaneous items out of sight.
Clutter can have a negative effect on your mood and it’s best to keep your office things organised so that your mind can think freely and more effectively. Plus, you won’t have to look for your stapler for the umpteenth time.
Lively home office plants
You can really change your whole life just by getting a few plants, honestly. But start small, and think about adding a green, leafy plant or two to your home office. You don’t have to have a green thumb to grow indoor plants, we’ve even written a handy guide if you’re a first-time plant mum.
Indoor plants like succulents and cacti are very low maintenance and they do a great job at purifying the air in your office. Plus, they’re extra company when you feel alone during the day!
Inspiring art
Work can be draining, especially when you’re working a 9 to 5. But when you work at home, there’s more freedom to liven things up with your office decor. Add a splash of colour and bring a bit of personality to your home office with art that speaks to you. You can choose to DIY some illustrations and prints as a weekend project, to make the space your own. You can frame your excess wallpapers, your fabric collection, hang an expensive piece of art, or your kids’ drawings. Anything goes, really, whatever makes you happy! You’ll love entering a space every day if you’ve decorated it yourself.
A good sound system for productive music
Though music can be a form of distraction, you can use sounds to amplify your productivity levels. The right music at the right volume can help you feel more energised and more productive. There are some great Spotify playlists you can download that help to make people more productive. Ambient sounds or even classical music are both really effective for productivity. Plus, music can help drown out all the noises you might get from around your house which can be, er, eery – especially if you’re home alone.
Stationery for note-taking
Note-taking apps are very handy when you’re commuting or on a commute rush, but not when you’re working from home. One good thing about home offices is you get to go back to the roots of writing things down physically on paper. Plus, it’s a great technique that helps you better remember important tasks.
If you haven’t heard of bullet journaling, now’s the time to go watch some youtube tutorials, you’ll be surprised how addictive this form of organising your notes can be, and with some brand new stationery that’s fun, you’ll find note-taking could be your new favourite part of the day!
External hard drive
Okay, on a more practical note. Get an external hard drive ASAP! When you’re the only person responsible for your files, it’s extra important to back. Everything. Up. Make sure you invest in a reliable hard drive that’s compatible with your computer (Mac and PC will need to get different ones, you can just ask your local tech store which one will work best for you).
Using external hard drives will save you from the most stressful of situations that can happen way more easily than anyone expects!
Stay focused, wherever your office may be!
Working from home is great, especially when you’ve made yourself a space that suits you perfectly to go and take on whatever the day throws at you! Whatever your career goals may be, the right workspace can give you a head start on your journey to owning your own time and taking responsibility for it.
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