Back in March 2020, at the start of the Covid pandemic, many workers were sent home to carve out a remote working space for the first time. Kitchen tables, spare rooms, and sheds were hastily converted into make-do office spaces and for many, that was how things stayed.
Now, though, five years on, and with the employment landscape irrevocably changed, your home office is likely due for an upgrade. Whether you’re working for someone else, managing your own business, or simply running a busy household, you’ll want your home office space to work for you.
That means a distraction-free zen space that maximises concentration, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Keep reading for five top tips for accomplishing just that.
1. Pick the right spot
The first key step for minimising distraction and maximising concentration is to pick the right spot for your home office. When working from home began, it might’ve been enough to work at the kitchen table – the light was just right, and the kettle was nearby – but as time has worn on you’ve likely encountered problems.
The kitchen is a high-traffic area, filled with noisy appliances. And your kitchen chairs, while comfortable for the duration of dinner, don’t provide sufficient support for an eight-hour day, let alone for five days a week.
If you’ve been using a spare room, maybe now is the time to get serious and fully equip it (more on this later).
Or, if you’re using the corner of a living room or bedroom, consider taking the plunge and investing in a room divider that allows you to completely demarcate your work zone.
2. Make yourself comfortable
If you work full-time then you’re going to be spending a large portion of the week at your desk, so you might as well settle in.
Start by making sure you have enough light to avoid eye strain. Then check the height of your desk, ensuring that your computer screen is at a comfortable arm’s length. If you’re not comfortable, speak to your employer.
You might find a second screen helps, or a wireless keyboard and mouse work better for your set-up.
Now invest in a high-quality office chair. Think carefully about what you can afford but remember this is an investment and you’ll need it to be both comfortable and adjustable.
Ensure that you can sit with your feet flat and your legs parallel to the floor. With your shoulders relaxed, you should be able to type with your forearms parallel to the floor and with minimal bending of your wrist. The top of your laptop screen should be level with your eyes and the screen should be tilted slightly.
A poorly planned office space can lead to bad posture and health problems such as back and neck aches, chronic pain, and muscle fatigue so it’s important to take your setup seriously.
3. Spring clean your office and declutter your desk
Winter is officially over so why not combine your home office makeover with a spring clean?
Tidying and decluttering your office space can help you declutter your mind too and could help you to work more efficiently, even improving your productivity. Remove or neatly tidy away the items that you aren’t regularly using and take the time to cable tie and organise wires so that they’re easily accessible but no longer a trip hazard.
Ensure your desk space is free of clutter and that the area directly in your eyeline is as distraction-free as possible so that you can concentrate on the task at hand.
4. Minimise external distractions
If you’ve chosen the correct office space, you should find that you’re not in a high-traffic area and that external distractions are kept to a minimum. You might be in a quiet area of the house or have a lock on the door to avoid any awkward Zoom meeting interruptions.
Regulate the noise and temperature as much as possible too by striking a balance between open windows and fresh air versus a chilly breeze and the barking of next door’s dog.
Consider soothing music or noise-cancelling headphones when you need to focus and take advantage of other tech too. Productivity apps can block distracting websites, help you to organise times of deep focus, and sound alarms to ensure you take regular breaks.
5. Add a personal flourish
You’ll want your office space to be professional and distraction-free but that doesn’t mean it has to be a soulless cube, devoid of character.
Making the environment relaxing and personal to you will help you to feel comfortable, which will ultimately affect your positivity and your productivity.
Houseplants can brighten a room, as can artwork and personal effects that mean a lot to you. You want to feel inspired, so put up photos of loved ones and favourite holidays, or maybe even a mood board.
You’ll find what works for you through experimentation so don’t be afraid to try something new.
Get in touch
If you have any questions for our office-based team of financial professionals, speak to us now. Get in touch by emailing hello@fingerprintfp.co.uk or calling 03452 100 100.