Work From Home.
These 3 simple words have taken on a new meaning in the recent times, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. What was once considered a luxury or a “break-day” is now the new way of life for most of us.
While there were initial apprehensions about its effectiveness, Work From Home culture (or WFH as it is popularly referred to) is now seen as being productive with numerous benefits of having a virtual office, like
- Zero travel time, hence no traffic-related stress
- Better work-life balance, leading to employee satisfaction, better productivity & performance
- Monetary savings for both the company (real estate, overhead etc.) and the employee (transport, professional wardrobe, team outings etc.)
- Positive impact on the environment as pollution levels come down
Most of us usually consider our home as a space where we can relax and unwind with family and friends. However, these changing times have also necessitated establishing a dedicated workspace that lets us continue to work in the safety and security of our home, even as the pandemic rages on. Not only are we working, we are also learning from home. The key to making the Work From Home experience seamless for you and your family is to know how you can create an exclusive space with simple interior design ideas, where each of you can concentrate and work without disturbing the other.
We bring to you a series of posts with tips on how to work from home and make your experience great, starting with this one for creating a dedicated Home Office space.
- Identify A Dedicated Space
While it may sound like a good idea to lounge around the house and make most of the freedom by working wherever you fancy, it actually is not! Having a dedicated space ensures that you are able to take a break from work when needed and move to a different setting to clear your head. Also, you will have a designated place to keep your work-related files & notes and not have to hunt all around the house for it.
If you have a spare bedroom or a study – you have your home office space! If not, create one in any part of the house which is not in the way of other family members. This ensures privacy for you while you are working and also for others as they go about their daily routines.
- Create A Good & Comfortable Seating Arrangement
It may sound basic but it is very essential. Because you will be sitting for long hours, it is not a good idea to put the laptop on your lap all the time and work. You need a proper seating arrangement so that you don’t hunch and develop posture-related problems. While you may not have a proper office desk or chair lying around the house for your use, you can use any table and a straight back chair. Or if you are the kind who prefers to sit cross-legged or stretch your legs out while working (because you have the luxury do it while working from home), get a laptop table from the many options available. This will ensure that the laptop does not weigh you down constantly or harm you with the heat it emits. In this scenario, also get a good back support, like a stiff cushion or pillow.
- Ensure Your Work Space Is Well Lit & Ventilated
Place your desk close to an open window for good natural light and ventilation. Apart from this, ensure that you are able to focus ample artificial light on the work area for the evening times or on dark, cloudy days. You could use an overhead light or even get a desk lamp. A ceiling fan will provide you with additional air and help maintain a healthy temperature by circulating the air. Good light and ventilation ensures that you are comfortable while working and don’t strain your eyes or end up with a headache.
- Stay Connected!
Most of our work requires constant and continuous internet connectivity. Ensure that the space you choose receives good internet connectivity to enjoy an uninterrupted work experience. Similarly, the space you choose should also receive good mobile signals in case you need to speak to people during your work. A power socket close-by guarantees that your phone and computer get the necessary power supply when low on battery. You also won’t trip over wires running over the floor.
- Background Check! Ensure A Neutral Or Professional Background
Many of us have been guilty of this! Yes, we are working from home and don’t expect a sterile office environment. However, a messy background or one with inappropriate posters while on video call is not recommended. See if you can place painting, artwork or even a nice picture of the family as your backdrop. If not, just go in for a plain, clean wall. This is better than a messy background. Also, be presentable when on video calls – you don’t want to look sleepy or unkempt when talking to your colleagues or your boss.
- Make It Your Own!
Make the space your own and let it inspire you. Since you will be spending most of your work day here, make it a pleasant space. Add a pop of colour to your desk with a bright pen holder or picture or even a small green indoor plant. You can also create a contemporary décor around your desk so that the space visually stimulates you!
These simple, easily doable suggestions will make your work life at home more enjoyable. Do you have any other suggestions for improving the work space at home? Do leave us your suggestions – we would love to hear from you!
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