Many people have been working from home since last year due to the government imposed lockdowns. In fact, 41.8% of the American workforce continues to work remotely. A lot of those don’t have formal workspaces set up at home and have to quickly adjust their homes to accommodate the new work arrangement.

Are you one of those people whose workspace consists of a laptop in one corner of the dining table? Or are you a work from home veteran trying to spruce up their home office? Everyone needs a comfortable and functional workspace. Working from home might be our reality until the global pandemic crisis gets solved. This is why you have to make an effort to make sure that your workspace can inspire you to do your job well. After all, your environment influences how you do your work.

Let’s face it, the corner of the dining table doesn’t leave any room for personalization. The reality of this arrangement is that you’re likely to move your work to another spot while the dining table is being used for…dining. Then you have to haul your laptop, notes, and pens back after you clean up. The first thing to do to improve the flow of your home office is to actually have a home office. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Just carve out a quiet space away from distractions and set your laptop up on a table and get a comfortable chair. If you already have that, here’ are the rest of the tips:

1. Personalize it!
   A sense of personalization actually helps improve your productivity. Personalization increases happiness and job satisfaction, therefore increasing productivity. But don’t go putting your children’s art on the wall just yet. Choose objects that you love looking at but would add beauty and function – a nice pen holder perhaps, a beautiful lamp, a vase full of flowers, colorful office supplies, you get the idea.
2. Keep work and play separate.
   This is the number one challenge of working from home – how to successfully keep work and personal life separate. This is why you should set your workspace up in a part of your home with the least distractions. Make it clear to everyone you share your home with that you are not to be disturbed when you are in that space. If space is tight, get creative. I have seen some Pinterest pins of closets that have been converted into tiny home offices. Check those out for inspiration.
3. Design with productivity in mind.
   Take advantage of lighting and color to productivity. If you’re lucky enough to set up near a window, take advantage of natural light. When you personalize your space, consider color. Here’s an interesting read about how color can improve your productivity.
4. Declutter.
   Clutter not only affects your surroundings, but it also affects your mindset. Your focus is always on the constant attack if your environment is messy. So get rid of clutter.

Do you have any tips on how to improve your home office? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp