Easy ways to create the home office of your dreams…

In the post-pandemic era, working-from-home has become the norm rather than the exception. And while the lockdown might have driven most of us up the wall, it did have a few benefits – the biggest being that working from home is possible and that one can be as (if not more) productive doing so.

Employers also saw the benefits – employees weren’t wasting hours in commuting; miscellaneous office expenses didn’t have to be paid and rent could also be considerably reduced if half the workforce comes in everyday, alternating with the rest, resulting in a smaller work space.

Which means that now, as we are slowly getting back to normal, a lot of us are choosing to work-from-home or even being specifically asked to do so. So the once-makeshift home office (the dining table or even the bed for some of us) will not suffice long-term. Here are a few easy-to-do things to create a workspace in your home that reflects professionalism as well as your personal style.

1. Create a space and make it yours

If you’re going to be working from home long-term, or on a regular basis, it’s important to have your own dedicated ‘office space’ or room that you could convert into a home office. Working from the comfort of your bed or sofa is okay once in a while, but it’s not good in the long run – not for your motivation or your back!

Having a set space for work keeps you focussed, helps you concentrate better and sets some sort of distinction between work and home. If you have a spare room, consider turning it into a home office or study. You could convert the garage (or part of it) as well. If you are short on space, at least keep a corner of a room as your workspace, and make sure it is not infiltrated with toys and other things.

2. Furniture

Have your own desk

It’s ok if you don’t have your own home office – as long as you have a professional desk, it is half the job done. A good desk helps you stay organised, gives you a sense of workspace and professionalism, and gives you a productive space to work. Besides, sitting at an Executive Desk is much better for your spine than crouching over a sofa or slouching on your bed. Coupled with a good ergonomic office chair, you won’t suffer from work-related aches and pains.

Make sure you put it in a space that motivates you to concentrate (preferably a quiet corner or near a window overlooking the garden). And you can also personalise it to your taste. Put up motivational quotes, sustainable and eco-friendly stationery and photo frames of your family members if you like. Make your desk your own little workspace.

Storage solutions

Depending on the type of work you do, you might need a lot of storage space. Filing cabinets and easily accessible storage options helps keep you organised, and keeps your home office looking neat and tidy. If your work is more creative, and you need a lot of space to store things like paints, materials and the like, compartmentalise them for easier access. If you want to add some colour and spunk to your storage, store items in a colour-co-ordinated sequence.

A place to de-stress

Lastly, if you have some extra space, you could keep a sofa and side-table in a corner, for when you want to take a little break from your screen or just unwind, without leaving the office ‘zone’. A kettle, some tea and coffee and your favourite mug can complete this little corner.

3. Lighting

A factor not many consider when planning their home-office, but one that is both important and essential. If possible, choose a room with a lot of sunlight, as there are proven benefits of sunshine being good for your health. Besides, a room with a lot of natural light will just keep you in a more cheerful mood!

What’s more, you will save on escalating electricity bills as well, as a darker room will need the lights on at most times.

4. Personalisation

Your home office is going to be a space where you will spend most of your day, so why not make it a happy, cheerful space that you look forward to spending time in? If bright colours cheer you up, paint the walls a bright colour. If indoor plants make you happy, add in a few. Put up posters, paintings and photo frames on the walls to make it feel more personal. Think outside the box on this one!