How to Create a Functional Home Office In Any Space

For some of you, this work from home thing isn’t going away anytime soon. The demand for a home office is skyrocketing. Most people figured they would be working from home temporarily, so they didn’t go out of their way to create a designated work space. We’re seeing that this has decreased productivity AND made it harder for people to relax after office hours. For those of you working from home, you need a home office in some form or fashion. There’s no getting around it. Here are a few tips on creating a functional home office in any space.

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Designate your work space.

The first step is deciding which spot you’re going to work in and sticking with it. Although plopping down on the couch with your laptop sounds like a good idea, it makes it harder to get work done and harder to wind down later when you’re on the couch in front of the tv. Your brain needs separation. So, pick a spot for work, and pick a spot for play. 

Your “home office” should have limited distractions, an appropriate amount of light, and a comfortable chair. To prevent neck and wrist pain, be sure you find a chair that positions your forearms parallel to the floor when typing and your eyes looking straight ahead at your screen.

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Declutter the area.

Trying to work amidst a mess is nearly impossible. Even if a space isn’t messy, having too much STUFF surrounding you is going to make it difficult to think straight. Physical space goes hand in hand with mental space, so make some room. Organize your home office in a way that gives you room to think and room to spread out.

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Design your backdrop.

If you’re working from home, then you’re probably participating in some kind of video calls. Even though you’re not in your ideal work environment, your video backdrop should reflect your professionalism. Position your camera away from dirty dishes and piles of laundry. Some good backdrop options might be a nice piece of art, an organized bookcase, or even a plain wall. 

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Decide on the ground rules.

Many of us are sharing our work from home space. The kids are home, the pets are running around, and the spouse is on the phone. It’s important that you set some clear rules to communicate what everyone can and can’t do during work time. Come up with a system that lets everyone know when it’s time for zero interruptions. You’ve probably noticed that if you don’t do that, the minutes will tick by without the work getting done.

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Divide your devices.

Typically when you go to work, you have a work computer. Then, when you come home, you have separate devices that are solely for personal use. Ideally, this should still be the case for people who have transitioned to work from home. Why? Using different devices for different activities cues your brain when it’s time for work and when it’s time for play. This is the same reason we don’t recommend working from your favorite relaxing spot on the couch.

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Working from home can totally change the dynamics of your home. Click here for 4 ways to Make Your Home Your Happy Place!!