7 Tips for Creating a Productive Home Work Space

Remote work has a fair share of benefits, but creating a productive work space from your home can be difficult to achieve. Thousands have migrated to remote work but are still seeking suggestions for upgrading their work space. There are several ways you can enhance your remote work experience and achieve both efficiency and comfort without breaking the budget. 

1. Find or Make the Space

If you don’t have a dedicated office, you may be tempted to choose the couch or kitchen table for a work station. However, it is best to be intentional with your home office decision. Consider transforming your bedroom or living area into a dual-purpose room. You may be able to rearrange your bedroom or living room furniture to create a desk space. Get creative and find or make the space you need.

2. Find a Corner 

If you need to maximize desk space, consider finding a corner in your house to claim. Corners work well with L-shaped desks—an ideal option for hosting multiple monitors. It also offers room to spread out your office materials so you don’t feel cramped. 

3. Learn About Ergonomics

Ergonomics predominantly examines factors that lead to efficiency and health at work—notably, employee equipment. Your chair, desk, and mouse can be designed to support proper posture and muscle use. Spend some time exploring ergonomic solutions as you develop your workspace and support long-term health. 

4. Develop a Storage Strategy

If your personal space is overlapping with work space, you may already feel disorganized. Create an organizational system that works for you. Consider purchasing files, bookshelves, or containers to hold paperwork, meeting notes or other necessary supplies. 

If your work is entirely digital, take time to organize your files on your computer and create an organized digital structure. This will help you feel and be more organized as you multitask. 

5. Upgrade Your Home Network

Working from home requires a reliable home network. If you are dealing with video calls, managing large files, or streaming any material, it may be time to upgrade your internet package. Spotty connections hinder effective communication and breed frustration. Be proactive and consider whether you could benefit from panoramic Wi-Fi or faster Wi-Fi—such as Wi-Fi 6. Check to see what packages or devices are available to aid your interactive lifestyle. 

6. Make Better Video Calls From Home

If you’re making video calls from home, you will want to consider these tips for enhancing the quality of your remote meetings. 

• Boost Your Lighting: Poor lighting makes a poor impression. Try angling light sources toward you so others can see you clearly. Natural light is a great option. If possible, move your desk near a window. It will provide a soft light to support your video calls and a source of inspiration throughout your day. 
• Consider Your Video Call Backdrop: To the best of your ability, keep a professional background while you make a video call. A wall with art or a tidy living space is preferable. You can also make use of virtual backgrounds, available in common video conference platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. 
• Perform a Practice Call: If you’re worried about making video calls from home, perform a practice call on a close coworker. Double-check your Wi-Fi and ensure you have fast enough Wi-Fi with minimal latency. Brush up on how-to articles and have the same confidence meeting virtually as in the office. 

7. Establish Boundaries with Family Members and Roommates

Working from home may mean you have children, a spouse, or a roommate within talking distance during work hours. To produce an interruption-free work area, consider establishing boundaries with these important people. You may choose to leave your door open when you are free and close it when you or not. Alternatively, you can respectfully ask that they do not disturb you except on breaks.