Working from home used to be a dream for many office-based employees. No 7am wake-up calls. No commuting in gloomy mornings and morose evenings. No mindless ‘how-was-your-weekend’ chats. Instead, settle in with your laptop at a favourite coffee shop, spend quality time with your family/cat, enjoy a home-made lunch. Being lucky enough to work from home was, indeed, an aspiration for many. Until, well, the COVID-19 hit. Maintaining a clear divide between workwear and loungewear, work time and downtime, a zoom boardroom and breakout couch became almost impossible. Your home became your workplace, your bedroom converted into an office, your dining table transitioned to a desk.
In the latest twist of the Coronavirus kerfuffle, we are to endure another Government encouraged work from home scenario. To put it simply, and, if you haven’t done so already, the kitchen table should only be now left for post-work wining and dining. Moreover, motivation levels are very much dependent on your workspace as Grace Paul, author of The Ultimate Guide for Working From Home points out:
Motivation can also be affected by your workspace. Are you working in the same room as your partner? Are your kids running around while you’re on deadline? While most of us aren’t lucky enough to have a home office, Paul says there are some things we can do to create a workspace that can pique motivation.’
It is a high time to work from home the right way and create an office space that is both stylish and productive.
No home-worker would be able not only thrive but also survive without the essential kit of practicality and organisation. Whilst it is tempting to adapt your office chair for office use, a prolonged uncomfortable position will not do your back any favours. Similarly, poor lighting is likely to strain your eyes so opt for an adjustable model. This is to make sure that you are able to direct the light where it is needed and your desk arrangement remains flexible. Last, but not least, storage that adaptable to all your needs is a must to keep you productive and motivated. Make sure you invest in a mixture of drawers, shelves and cupboards to accommodate various filing and office supplies to keep things organised.
Tip 1:Â Wall of Wonder
Turn a chimney breast alcove into an office area.
Tip 2: Â Room with a View
If your property allows, position your desk facing a window – plenty of natural light is great for productivity.
Tip 3:Â Small but Perfectly Formed
Empty out a closet to turn it into a hidden office, if you are stuck for space.
Tip 4:Â Feeling Moody?
If you work visually, install a cork board across an entire wall to act as a mood and pin board.
Tip 5: Bedroom Beauty
If you are setting up your working space in your bedroom, choose pieces that go with existing furniture and do not scream ‘office’!
Tip 6: Restful Retro
Opt for retro furniture and/or reclaimed materials to add character and quirkiness to your existing pieces and and these won’t look out of place.
Tip 7: Love’s on Every Corner
If there is an unused awkward corner, install a bespoke desk.Â
Tip 8:Â Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Consider a fold away wall mounted piece, if your current arrangement does not allow for a freestanding desk
Tip 9:Â On Your Marks!
Get creative and mark the office area with painted shapes or a wall sticker.
Tip 10:Â Work Smarter, not Harder
Invest in desk accessories such as a stylish tray, a paper weight and pencil holder.
To bring back your motivation and productivity to pre-lockdown levels it is not necessary to apply all of the above tips. After all, as Grace Paul suggests:
‘motivation is a mindset, something that’s fed by knowing the value in what we’re doing and, psychologically, by being able to take breaks, breathe in the fresh air, and leave the house from time to time. It can ebb and flow, but the tools you need to find it again are already with you.’
Header image credit: Hearts in Colors.
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