Has your temporary work-from-home situation become permanent? If so, it’s time to get off the couch and create the perfect workspace. So what should you do to create a productive telecommuting environment? Here are five ways to upgrade your work-from-home space for maximum focus.
1. Get Tidy
Research shows that you’re not as productive as you can be in a cluttered environment. Why? All the stimuli overwhelm your visual field, making your to-do list seem like Everest. So tidying your room restores your sense of control.
Take those random stacks of paper and organize them in files — use as many as necessary. Keep any documents with personally identifiable information, like Social Security numbers, in a locked filing cabinet for security.
It also pays to address your indoor air quality, especially during the pandemic. To do that, change your home’s filters as necessary, and consider investing in a separate purifier for your work-from-home space. The fewer dust particles you breathe, the sharper your mental function and productivity.
2. Eliminate Distractions
Some people prefer telecommuting because they no longer have distractions like chatty co-workers and background noise. However, this also increases the temptation to check your phone while on the clock.
To conquer that, try leaving your device in another room or closing it in a desk drawer if you must be able to answer calls. You can also find apps that block social media websites to keep you from spending hours scrolling when you should be completing that budget report.
If you have family members who also work from home, there are other things you can do. For example, work out a do-not-disturb signal that you can use when one of you has a Zoom meeting or otherwise needs silence. You might also wear a special “thinking cap” or hang a sign on your office door.
3. Choose the Right Color Scheme
Psychologists tell us that specific colors have the power to influence your mood. That’s why restaurants often use reds and yellows in their schemes. These energizing colors encourage patrons to stay a while and eat more.
You can take advantage of this knowledge to boost your productivity. Big, bold colors are currently all the rage in interior design. On the other hand, hues like sunflower yellow keep you energized for hours.
4. Adjust Your Lighting
Your lighting can energize you or leave you with a headache. So, whenever possible, use natural light — locate your work-from-home space near a window.
Swap out your overhead fluorescents for softer track lighting with warm undertones if you work in an enclosed space. What’s more, some people find that the hum and invisible pulsing can trigger migraines, which hinder focus.
Consider adding a desk lamp, too. It can keep you from squinting when you need to read the fine print, further staving off headaches.
5. Maximize Your Comfort
There’s no need for you to tolerate uncomfortable seating at home, so take time selecting yours. When doing that, make sure it supports you comfortably.
Likewise, take control of your temperature settings. If your work-from-home space is always chilly, invest in a space heater. Then, you won’t need to worry about colleagues when you adjust your household thermostat! If you’re concerned about heating costs, look up some smart hacks to reduce your bill instead of letting your health and comfort suffer.
Little touches can also boost your productivity. For example, consider investing in an essential oil diffuser. Scents like citrus increase energy levels, while aromas like lavender relax you on stressful days.
If your pandemic telecommuting arrangement becomes permanent, you deserve a place where you can concentrate. So upgrade your work-from-home space for maximum focus with these tips.
Featured image via Corinne Kutz on Unsplash
