How to optimise your workspace at home

Working from home is challenging, especially when you're accustomed to driving to work every day. People are creatures of habit, and when our routines are disrupted, our productivity falls and we get sidetracked. 

The key to avoiding a drop in productivity and remaining consistent lies in your workspace at home. You simply can't work from your bed or couch. Distractions are bound to arise, and your work will get neglected. After all, watching television and browsing through social media is far more enjoyable than producing your weekly report. 

Improving our workspace does not have to be costly, complex, or time-consuming. Here are some suggestions for enhancing productivity and optimising your workspace.

• Make your workspace as comfortable as possible

When it comes to creating pleasant, lively environments that promote productivity, comfort reigns supreme. Choose furniture that is sturdy and trustworthy enough to survive regular wear and tear while also being ergonomic and useful. This will help you reduce the risk of developing health problems as a result of using non-ergonomic office furnishings often, such as desk chairs and tables.

Photos of family and pets, as well as any other personal objects, will make your office area feel more cheerful. Even small additions, such as a desk plant, may go a long way toward creating an intriguing and dynamic work environment.

• Add some colour to your workspace

Considering that colours are associated with our emotions, they should be applied sensibly throughout the room and in accordance with the environment we want to create. Something as simple as changing the influential colours in the room may have a significant impact on your mindset. 

For example, green and blue colours are known to increase productivity and improve attention. Yellow may aid with creativity since it is energising; red is wonderful for settings with a lot of physical activity, and neutral colours are restful and provide a soothing psychological impact. 

​​If choosing paint colours for your office walls isn't an option at the moment, you may always add colour to your workspace with artwork or accessories.

• Select the appropriate lighting

When working from home, the character and quality of lighting in your workspace might help you be more productive. Inadequate lighting may deplete your energy, depress your mood, cause eye strain and headaches, and ultimately hinder your ability to work productively.
 
When it comes to workspace lighting, artificial lights are much more vital if there isn't a lot of natural light. Many home offices feature ambient lightings, such as overhead or recessed lights with trendy light fixtures, but it's a common misconception that they are sufficient. Existing ambient lighting is not meant for effective illumination in the home office; therefore, additional sources must be added.

• Clear up your desk and go paperless

Cluttered workstations stacked high with paperwork and supplies do not make for a comfortable, efficient workplace setting. Clutter can limit productivity by requiring extra time spent looking for necessary documents and information. This can result in greater tension, less attention, and a significant waste of time.
 
Keep your desk as neat and organised as possible, even if it requires a few extra minutes each day.

• ​​Scents can create a positive work environment

Another great way to increase productivity is to stimulate our sense of smell. Certain scents can help to reduce the number of errors made.

Lemon, lavender, and jasmine scents stimulate brain activity and increase productivity. To make your own DIY air freshener, combine water and a few drops of essential oils of your choice.

With these pointers in mind, you'll be able to design a workspace that encourages creativity and productivity, allowing you to develop a can-do attitude and do your best work. If you are on the market for a home with a setting ideal for a home workspace, contact Seeff Hillcrest & Kloof today.