Working from home is not a new concept, but recent events have created a mass shift in the
American workforce and more people than ever before are working from home. While simply
placing a laptop on the kitchen table is one way to work from home, having a designated
home office offers a better environment for productivity and is easier to set up than you might
think.
• The first step is to find the right location for your home office. Although it’s great if you
have a spare room to use, not everyone has this luxury. A corner of a master bedroom
or living room, a loft area, or even a section of a well-insulated garage can work just as
well.
• Once you find the right space, create a list of the materials you’ll need to be productive.
A formal desk is best, but if you don’t own one, then any table will work. Use
bookshelves or storage cubes to keep paper, pens, and other useful items within easy
reach.
• Pay attention to the lighting – both natural light and lighting fixtures. Cool light, such as
sunlight, is best for productivity. Make sure you have a desk lamp or floor lamp if the
room doesn’t have proper natural lighting.
• Once you have the essentials set up, it’s time to add some personal touches. Add a plant
or decorate a wall with pictures you enjoy, to bring the space to life. Consider the
storage elements as well, such as pen holders or file folders.
A home office doesn’t need to be fancy to be an effective and enjoyable space. The most
important consideration is to ensure you can work in peace; it should also offer a pleasant
place to be productive that is separate from your living space so you can unplug at the end of
the workday.