Article
Working at home: Design your space appropriately
Remote work is here to stay. Tips for a more functional space.
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, many things in our lives have drastically changed. One of the most important is the form of work. In fear of the virus being transmitted, countries have instituted remote work as a temporary need. But the businesses themselves have also taken similar initiatives, both to protect their workers and to ensure the smooth flow of business.
Remote work is here to stay
Remote work may be a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it seems to have come into our lives to stay. Many factors contribute to this. The lower travel costs, the hours saved (valuable time is lost every day for commuting, especially in the world's major urban centers), the drop in environmental pollution, the possibility to spend more time with one's family, etc.
However, understandably, such a rapid change in our daily life did not come without difficulties. Many people found this transition unpleasant, while others felt that the transformation of their home into a workplace was sudden and they had no time to process this development. A recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association found that almost two-thirds of people who worked from home experienced feelings of isolation or loneliness at least some of the time, while 17% felt this way all the time.
The "return home" and the transfer of work activities within it is a major challenge and it takes work to make it as smooth as possible. Here are some ideas to make your space more friendly and functional, improving your mood and your performance.
Find the right spot
Before you start your day working from home, it is crucial to find an area in the house where you will have the least distractions, so that you can work without interruptions. Avoid, for instance, a room with windows facing a busy and noisy street. If your options are limited or you don't have a dedicated space, try to choose a spot that is used less by the other people in your household.
Tip: Create a makeshift fabric partition to make the boundaries of your office clearer and wear headphones, playing ambient music to help you concentrate.
Tidy up your office
A tidy space, and in this case a tidy office, can be a great ally in your daily "battle" with deadlines! You've probably heard of decluttering, used to describe the process of clearing our space of useless items that have been lying around for a long time. Make sure you have the necessary tools of the trade on your desk and choose to keep only items that facilitate your work or help you concentrate.
Tip: Clear out old magazines that have been piling up on your desk and place a small shelf to store what's needed.
Light and air working for your comfort
According to an article on the American Lung Association website, "Indoor air can accumulate high levels of humidity, unpleasant odors, gases, dust and other air pollutants. To keep the air safe indoors, fresh outside air is needed to dilute these indoor pollutants." Therefore, it is very important to open your windows in the morning to let fresh air in. If you have tilt and turn windows, you can - weather permitting - leave them tilted, allowing fresh air to circulate for longer.
At the same time, make sure you don't block natural light from entering your room. Open the curtains or alternatively install sheer curtains. If you can, try to work in the area of the house with the largest window openings and take advantage of the light, minimizing the use of artificial lighting.
Tip: Install light-colored blinds or shade panels on your windows to adjust the brightness of your workplace as you wish.
Remote work in the company of your... plants
Houseplants can transform your workplace and make it more welcoming. In a study conducted by the University of Reading, the findings on the benefits of indoor plants were encouraging, with experts noting that "indoor plants can be a simple and cost-effective way to cope with a dry atmosphere [...] while providing other mental and physical health benefits".
Place one or more potted houseplants in the room where you work. You will soon find that the space has become much more welcoming, as plants are both a decoration option and an air conditioning factor.
Tip: Improve the aesthetics of your office by placing a pot with your favorite plant in it.
Make working from home work for you
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended many of the constants in our lives. Despite the unfortunate effects of the health crisis, the shift to remote work is reshaping our understanding of workplaces, and in the long run, it may prove to be a positive change for businesses and their employees.
By designing your home workspace to promote tranquility, creativity, and focus, you can enhance your productivity and, most importantly, achieve a better balance in your daily tasks. Try some of the tips above and improve your everyday life!
