5 Tips on creating a conducive home office environment

Productive Space: 5 Tips on creating a conducive home office environment

huibing

19 Jul 2017

updated the 20 July 2017 à 11:36

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Have good lighting
Big, open spaces are ideal for bringing in bright light and fresh air — both of which are extremely important for conduciveness. Unfortunately, if that isn’t really a possibility, try settling for a large window whereby you can set your desk next to. It is important to get some natural lighting to shine in. If that isn’t feasible, ensure you install good lighting fixtures that will truly brighten up the place.
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Create a distinct separation between your private and public life
Even though your workspace may be a mere walk away from your bedroom and the kitchen, ensure that there is a clear distinction between your work area and the rest of the house. This will reduce the possibility of you heading off to rest up for the night way too early. Yes, this means changing out of your pyjamas and getting into work clothing that will make you feel in the mood. A dedicated space is extremely important, so get your own work table and chair as well, that are solely used for productive work only.
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Organisation is key
The worst thing that can happen when you’re in the zone is when you’re utterly distracted and lost by the clutter on your desk. No matter if you’re fond of keeping knick-knacks, or you prefer the minimalist approach to things, having a designated space for everything ensures that your items are all kept in order. So, you’ll never have to worry about rummaging through piles of paper just to find that file any longer! If your current organisation system hasn’t proved effective, try using a modular system to keep things in place!
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A cosy area to relax
And, to prevent a burnout, don’t forget to have a little corner to relax. Now, a delicate balance must be struck here. Too fun, and it might be hard to revert back to the mood. If it’s too boring, it might have absolutely no effect at all. Some examples would be having an electronic keyboard to play on, or books you could peruse while reclining on an armchair.
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Embellish, embellish, embellish!
Last but not the least, don’t forget to give it that personal touch. Whether it’s your favourite potted cactus, your favourite grey penguin plushie, or something else entirely, your work space is your own, and it should reflect that. Of course, ensure that the items do not distract you entirely, but having things to keep you in focus is important. Even if you’re not particularly fond of decorating your space, ensure that the little things like the light, the texture, and the scents are perfect for you.

It’s not all about working in your pyjamas!

So, you have decided to set up your very own home office environment. No matter what your occupation is, whether you’re a freelance creative, a virtual assistant, or your own boss, having a conducive home office environment is paramount to getting things done in an efficient manner. After all, mixing work and play can get dangerous, especially when lines can blur up so easily. And, while spending a day doing absolutely nothing might seem fun, the load will merely pile up and snowball into a mountain. But, whether you’re choosing to work at home out of convenience, or because of familial commitments (amongst other reasons), productivity is the most important thing to ensure your time is properly utilised.

When it comes down to it, choosing the perfect location in your home is one of the most important things. So, don’t be afraid to experiment around until you have found a spot that fits you and your needs perfectly. Looking for well-designed home office ideas (in magazines, online, etc) can also give you a burst of inspiration that will help you choose the kind of home office to fit you best. Getting a good chair and table can prove extremely important too, so opt for something that feels good for you. Try a standing-desk, as well as an ergonomic office chair if you’re going to be sedentary for the whole day.

Still looking for more tips? Scroll back up and check out five more pieces of advice that will ensure your home office is the place you will truly appreciate when it comes time to crunch numbers and get your brain juices flowing.

Lee Hui Bing

Photos: Getty Images

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