It’s clear to see that the pandemic has changed the way we work forever, with remote working becoming the new normal for many UK businesses.
Recent studies reveal that over 50% of Brits are still working from home in some capacity.
However, whilst remote working has an array of benefits for employees, it’s no secret that it also comes with its fair share of challenges.
In this article, we share a few top tips on how to build an environment that will improve your home-working routine.
Creating a separate workspace
One of the biggest challenges that remote workers face is productivity. It’s easy to get distracted by other household duties when working from home, so it’s important to create a separate working environment.
Converting a spare room into a study can have a positive psychological impact on switching your brain on and off from “work mode”, as you can better compartmentalise employment and home life.
Before taking on any renovation project, be sure to create a set budget to prevent you from overspending. If you have limited space, a fold-out desk in a secluded corner of your home can work just as well as a dedicated workspace.
Lighting
Adequate lighting plays an integral role in setting up a home office. Dark and dingy rooms can dampen your mood and make you less alert. Remember to open your curtains or draw back your blinds to allow as much natural light into the room as possible, enabling you to feel awake and refreshed.
If your room doesn’t benefit from much natural light, investing in a bright desk lamp is a handy alternative.
Desk set-up
Studies in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that clutter has a negative impact on overall well-being, leading to difficulty engaging with the space you’re in and causing tension.
As such, keeping desks free from clutter helps to reduce stress while we work: a messy environment leads to disorganisation, making mistakes more likely.
So, take this as your cue to polish your pen pots, file your folders, and keep your notebooks neat as we enter the new working year!
Decorations
Your surroundings can help to focus your mind, so consider what works best for you when it comes to decorating your home office.
If you’re someone who finds pleasure in nature, having plants around you can be a great way to bring the outside world in. This can also help with concentration, as plants help to oxygenate the room.
For some, having photos of family or friends on their desk can serve as a happy reminder to keep spirits high. Have a think about what desk decorations would bring positivity to your working day and be sure to implement them!
