As more people are working from home, researchers are noticing an exciting trend:
Workers are more productive.
According to a survey by Airtasker, working from home can “increase productivity and leads to a healthier lifestyle.”
One of the most effective ways to boost productivity working from home is by properly setting up your home office. For example, studies have shown that plants can boost productivity by 15 percent.
If you are working from home and would like to boost your productivity, keep reading to discover seven common home office setup mistakes to avoid for beginners.
1. Too Much Clutter
Having too much clutter is never a good thing, but especially when it comes to your home office. Clutter can get in the way of your work and can limit your creativity as well.
Organization is critical when it comes to designing your home office. To start, it is recommended to limit the number of personal items on your desk to three, anything over seems to be too distracting.
Another thing to keep in mind for your office is storage. Having a place to store office essentials properly will create a more comfortable and visually pleasing office. Simple bins and baskets can be used to keep essential items within reach and still out of the way.
2. Wrong Office Chair
Having the right office chair can make or break your home office. Nobody wants to sit in an uncomfortable chair for 8, 9, 10 hours, or longer a day.
Purchasing a comfortable Stressless office chair will be worth the investment. Having the right office chair will not only help you feel better at the end of your shift, but it can also boost productivity and work satisfaction.
The perfect office chair will vary depending on the worker’s height and preferred style. It is recommended to look for something comfortable but not too much so to where you will just want to relax in it, remember you will be sitting in it for 8+ hours a day.
When shopping for an office chair for desks, it should have a good balance between being supportive and comfortable.
3. Too Dull Lighting
Have you noticed a difference in your work on days when its sunny out compared to those dark and dreary days? That’s because natural sunlight has been shown to improve your mood and ability to focus.
According to a study on employee health conducted by the University of Twente in conjunction with VU Amsterdam and CBRE, when participants were introduced to the right lighting:
- 71% felt more energized
- 76% felt happier
- And 50% felt healthier
It is best if you can utilize natural sunlight for your home office lighting but, if not, there are a few things you can consider. Avoid using direct light sources as they can create glare and distract you. You can also create different “layers” of lighting by using various sources of light for tasks and the general lighting of the room.
4. Near Too Many Distractions
When working from home, it is no secret that there are more distractions around you. Distractions are everywhere, but you can do your best to limit them and avoid letting them get to you.
Some of the most common home distractions that people experience when working from home include:
- Kids
- Cell Phones
- Background Noise
- Other Duties
- Checking Email
- And Clutter
However, the number one distraction reported by remote workers was the television, according to a study by Porch. To avoid this as a distraction, it is recommended to keep your office space and personal space separate. This way, you won’t have the temptation to turn on the TV.
Another way of avoiding distractions is by choosing an area of your house that isn’t as busy, the fewer people walking past, the fewer distractions you will have. Also, if you are easily distracted, avoid placing your desk right in front of a window if the scenery tends to be busy.
5. Ignoring Ambiance
When talking about ambiance for your home office, it is crucial to consider what you are looking for. The ambiance is all about having character and what feel you want the room to have.
The ambiance of your home office will include many things like lighting, design, layout, and accessories.
An important thing to keep in mind when considering the ambiance is having space for desks and how you will utilize that space. It is recommended to create a space that is fitting for you. There is no “one size fits all” for the design of your home office.
Some people prefer having a classic office style setup and others like the look of a modern home office setup. You will have to decide what works best for you and in what setting you are most comfortable.
6. Not Having Enough Space
Sure, when working in the office, you are typically confined to a cubicle or a smaller environment. But when working from home you will want to adequately utilize your space and make it as useful as possible.
To start choose a room that is sufficient enough to get work done in. This means having space away from distractions that will be big enough to work in.
Avoid having a desk in your bedroom if at all possible. You will want to separate where you work, from where you sleep. It’s best to have a dedicated workplace that you can go and be fully plugged into work.
7. Failing to Consider Ergonomics
Ergonomics refers to doing what is necessary to increase productivity and efficiency, while at the same time reducing discomfort.
Important things to keep in mind while considering ergonomics include:
- Desk height
- Chair height
- Chair design
- Where your computer is sitting
- And your posture
Setting up your home office to make it ergonomically correct, along with making sure you purchase ergonomically correct office chairs, will give a significant boost to your productivity as well as your health.
Need Help With Your Home Office Setup?
Working from home has its perks like having more freedom, no commuting, and less workplace drama. But to be able to do your job effectively, you must have a proper home office setup.
If you are looking for furniture or accessories for your home office, contact us today, and we can help answer any questions you may have.
