Simply being in your office can help put you in a productive mood. When you settle in at your desk and see your coworkers, your brain knows it’s time to work — but when you work from home, it can be difficult to focus because your comfy bed is calling your name and there’s a pile of laundry that isn’t going to clean itself. If WFH is a challenge for you, creating a designated office space might help to boost your productivity levels. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Access to an Outlet
When you’re working from home you have to stay in constant contact with other members of your team, which means you need to be plugged in at all times. You don’t want to risk your phone dying in the middle of a conference call or your computer running out of juice mid-project, so make sure your home office setup includes an outlet. If there isn’t one nearby, you might want to invest in an outlet extension cord.
Tech Must-Haves
To avoid leaving your office space and getting distracted, make sure you have all of the tech accessories you might need to get your work done, including things like a phone, laptop, iPad, or printer. Pro-tip: If your job requires a lot of screen time, you might want to invest in a pair of blue light protection glasses.
Adequate Lighting
Bad lighting can cause headaches and eye strain, which might make it hard for you to concentrate while working. If possible, set up your office space near some natural light. If you can’t be near a natural light source, you might want to explore light therapy options. Additionally, a desk lamp will provide “task lighting” for things like reading, writing, and working on the computer.
A Comfortable Setup
It can be tempting to work from the comfort of your bed, but it might be easier for you to focus at a desk or some sort of designated workspace. Just make sure whatever table or setup you choose is spacious enough for all of your work materials. Most importantly, you’ll want to invest in a good chair that provides ample support.
Desk Beverages
How many drinks do you need on your desk at all times? According to The Atlantic, three is the magic number; a glass of water, coffee or tea for an energy boost, and a wildcard like kombucha or green juice. Even if you don’t need all three, consider keeping a reusable water bottle nearby so you can stay hydrated. Drinking water can help you feel more alert.
Workspace Décor
If you’re working a full-time job, you likely spend a lot of time at your desk. Brightening up the space with a cute house plant, a vase of fresh flowers, one of your favorite candles, or a few meaningful photos can help make the workday more enjoyable.
