Productivity Boosting Home Offices
It’s been over a year since many of us said goodbye to our bustling offices and hello to the quiet confines of our homes. While the initial thrill of working in our pajamas and avoiding that dreadful commute may have worn off, the reality is that remote work is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
Whether your company has embraced a permanent work-from-home policy or a hybrid model, one thing is certain – your home office is about to get a lot more use. So, it’s time to give that space a little TLC and turn it into a productivity-boosting oasis.
As a building and renovation company in Aberdeen, UK, we know a thing or two about creating functional and inspiring workspaces. And let me tell you, the days of haphazardly setting up shop on the kitchen counter are long gone. It’s time to take your home office game to the next level.
Upgrade Your Lighting for a Brighter, More Focused Workspace
I don’t know about you, but I’m a firm believer that proper lighting can make or break a room. And when it comes to your home office, getting the lighting right is crucial for boosting productivity and maintaining your sanity.
As Forbes notes, “Studies of sunlight and productivity in the office found that sunlight had a direct positive effect on employees’ mental health, productivity and job satisfaction.”
I know, I know – your home office may not be a sprawling, sun-drenched space like the ones you see in the movies. But that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to working in a dimly lit cave. Even the smallest of spaces can benefit from a little strategic lighting.
Start by positioning your desk near a window to take advantage of that natural daylight. Resist the temptation to keep the curtains drawn, even on those gloomy Scottish mornings. That early morning sun exposure can do wonders for regulating your body’s internal clock and keeping you alert throughout the day.
If natural light is limited in your home office, don’t despair. Forbes recommends exploring the world of “circadian lighting” – lighting that mimics the natural cycle of daylight and darkness. These types of bulbs can help boost your focus and productivity, all while keeping you calm and collected.
Personally, I’m a big fan of the warm, cozy glow of Edison bulbs. They add a touch of vintage charm to any space while still providing ample illumination. And don’t be afraid to layer your lighting, either. Combine overhead fixtures with task lighting and accent lamps to create the perfect ambiance.
Invest in Quality Headphones to Stay Connected (and Sane)
Remember the good old days when we could just pop into a coworker’s office for a quick chat? Well, those days are long gone, my friends. These days, our interactions are relegated to the digital realm, which means crystal-clear audio is an absolute must.
As Forbes points out, there’s nothing more frustrating than jumping on a video call only to realize your colleague’s audio sounds like they’re trapped in a tin can. Not only is it annoying, but it can also seriously impact your productivity.
That’s why investing in a quality pair of headphones is a game-changer for your home office setup. Not only will they ensure you can hear (and be heard) during important virtual meetings, but they can also help block out distracting background noises, allowing you to stay focused on the task at hand.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But won’t those earbuds I’ve had since the early 2000s do the trick?” Well, my friend, I hate to break it to you, but those days are long gone. Technology has come a long way, and your old earbuds just aren’t going to cut it anymore.
Forbes recommends considering noise-cancelling headphones to help you block out unwanted sounds and truly immerse yourself in your work. And while you’re at it, make sure to follow the “60/60 rule” – keep the volume at 60% and your listening time to 60 minutes or less to protect your hearing.
Breathe Easy with an Air Purifier
In the age of COVID-19, we’ve all become a bit more conscious of the air we’re breathing. But did you know that even in the comfort of our own homes, the air quality can be just as concerning?
As Forbes reports, the average American apartment can have air quality comparable to a “polluted major city.” Yikes! And that’s not even taking into account the everyday activities we engage in, like cooking or cleaning, which can further degrade the air we breathe.
If that’s not enough to convince you to invest in an air purifier, consider this: a study found that employees who worked in a clean air environment performed 61% better in their cognitive functioning. Apparently, breathing easy really does translate to thinking clearly.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “An air purifier? That’s just another thing to clutter up my already cramped home office.” But fear not, my friends. There are plenty of sleek, space-saving options out there that can seamlessly blend into your workspace.
When it comes to choosing the right air purifier, Forbes recommends considering HEPA filters or electrostatic models. HEPA filters are the traditional option, removing up to 99% of airborne particles on the first pass. Electrostatic filters, on the other hand, use static electricity to capture those pesky pollutants.
Whichever route you choose, just remember that clean, fresh air is the key to keeping your mind sharp and your productivity levels high. And with so many stylish options out there, you can find an air purifier that will seamlessly blend into your home office decor.
Bring the Outdoors In with Some Lush Greenery
You know what they say – “nature is the best medicine.” And when it comes to boosting productivity and wellbeing in your home office, a little greenery can go a long way.
As Forbes points out, many common houseplants have the amazing ability to purify the air, filtering out toxins and replenishing the oxygen in your workspace. It’s like having your own little indoor oasis, right at your fingertips.
But the benefits of bringing plants into your home office go far beyond just air quality. Studies have shown that simply being around greenery can have a calming effect, reducing stress and boosting mood. And let’s be honest, a little touch of nature can really liven up even the blandest of office spaces.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But I can’t even keep a cactus alive, let alone a whole jungle of plants!” Trust me, I’ve been there. It wasn’t until a friend showed me the ropes that I finally cracked the code to becoming a plant parent.
The key is to start small and choose low-maintenance species that can thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions. Forbes recommends snake plants, spider plants, and aloe vera as excellent options for the home office. These hardy beauties are not only easy to care for, but they also pack a serious punch when it comes to air purification.
So, don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty and bring some life into your workspace. Trust me, your productivity (and your mood) will thank you.
Say Goodbye to Digital Eye Strain with Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses
In the age of remote work, it’s no secret that we’re all spending way too much time staring at screens. And while that may be great for our productivity, it’s not exactly doing any favors for our eyes.
As Forbes reports, a 2020 study showed that during the pandemic, a majority of Americans spent more time looking at screens – whether it be their phones (59%), TVs (59%), or computer screens (55%). And the result? A whole lot of digital eye strain.
Symptoms like itchy, red eyes, blurred vision, and persistent headaches are all too common these days. And let’s not even get started on the impact that all that blue light exposure can have on our sleep cycles. It’s enough to make your head spin (and your eyes water).
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution that can help alleviate these issues: blue-light-blocking glasses. These nifty little frames filter out the harsh blue light emitted by our digital devices, reducing eye strain and supporting healthier sleep patterns.
As Forbes points out, there are plenty of stylish options out there, from affordable drugstore frames to high-end picks from brands like Warby Parker. And the best part? They’re an easy, cost-effective way to protect your eyes and boost your productivity, all without sacrificing your sense of style.
So, if you find yourself squinting at the screen or tossing and turning at night, it might be time to invest in a pair of blue-light-blocking glasses. Your eyes (and your overall well-being) will thank you.
The Takeaway
As we continue to navigate this new era of remote work, it’s more important than ever to create a home office that truly works for you. And trust me, the team at ABC Home in Aberdeen, UK, knows a thing or two about crafting productive, personalized workspaces.
By investing in the right lighting, tech, and greenery, you can transform even the most basic of home offices into a productivity-boosting oasis. And let’s not forget about the little things, like blue-light-blocking glasses and a comfortable, ergonomic chair – the details really do make all the difference.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to take your home office game to the next level. Who knows, you might even start to look forward to those video calls (well, maybe not, but a girl can dream, right?).
