Best Home Office Setup for Productivity

April 12, 2018 by
Best Home Office Setup for Productivity
Jacob Tingen

Take it from someone who worked from home throughout several years of law school: working from home is a great way to take control of your career. Many people are able to increase productivity by working at home because it cuts down on usual workplace distractions. In order to get the most out of working from home, take these factors into account when building the best home office setup for productivity.

Finding the Right Space

The first step to creating the best home office setup for productivity is finding the right space. You can’t just stick a desk in a corner and call it your office. Choosing the right room means thinking about how you can maximize space and cut down on distractions.

Ideally, your home office will be in a separate room in your house. Designating one space for work will help you stay focused and keep your work separate from your leisure time. This isn't always possible, so if you're tight on space, be sure to chose that corner carefully.

Natural Light

When you are looking for the right place to set up your home office, look for natural lighting. Natural light increases productivity, regulates the sleep cycle, and makes reading easier. The more well-rested and refreshed you are mentally and physically, the better your work product will be.

Home Office Plant

Just like natural light, bringing other natural elements into your home office will increase productivity. Studies show that having an office plant positively influences perception of productivity and workplace satisfaction.

Having a plant in your office also gives you a way to take a meaningful break during your working hours. Instead of taking a break and engaging with social media or the Internet, you can take a break to water and tend your home office plant.

Declutter Your Space

best home office setup for productivity

One of the most crucial components of the best home office setup for productivity is a decluttered space. Personalizing your office is important because having some source of stimuli will keep you focused, but pick and choose what makes the cut.

If you find yourself distracted by excess decor or office clutter, take time to prioritize what you need in your home office and what you can throw away or move to another room.

Stay Organized

Just like decluttering your space, keeping things organized is also important. Having a desk covered in documents and other work related materials will overwhelm you and reduce productivity. Time you spend trying to locate important documents is time that could be better spent doing other things.

Keep papers and other materials filed and stored where they belong so you can access them easily and efficiently.

Avoid Other Distractions

Although working from home eliminates typical workplace distractions like chatty coworkers or unnecessary meetings, it comes with its own unique set of challenges.

Make sure the members of your household are aware of your office hours. If they continuously interrupt your work, your productivity will take a hit.

While the best part of working at home is being at home, it can also be a major source of distraction. Stay away from your television and other at-home indulgences or you might not get your work done efficiently.

Stay Motivated in Your Work Environment

Finding the best home office setup for productivity is all about how well you are working in your environment. Keep track of what works and what doesn’t to make the most of your day and cut out what slows you down.

A major part of maximizing productivity is getting motivated. If you are feeling stuck and find it hard to be productive, readdress your home office environment and try something new.

Find the Right Desk

Finding the right desk for both you and your space can be a huge factor in how much work you get done in your home.

When you are picking out a desk, consider your home office space itself. Will you need storage in the desk? How big of a desk will your workspace accommodate? Do you need a desk that fits into a corner? All of these considerations will help you create a comfortable and productive work environment.

Working from home can create a pretty sedentary lifestyle. To cut down on the time you spend sitting down, consider getting a height-adjustable desk so you can sit and stand throughout the day. Standing up will help you fight that midday slump and give you time to stretch.

Find the Right Chair

When you do decide to sit and work, having the right chair is important. When picking a chair, choose something that will offer you the proper support. Having good posture and a comfortable chair will help you stay awake and focused as well as protect you from back pain.

Assemble the Tools You Need

best home office setup for productivity

Before you can begin to work from home, make sure you have the tools you need. Without all the right gear on hand, you won’t be able to create the best home office setup for productivity.

Equipment

Consider what equipment you need to maximize productivity. Will you need a computer and a monitor or two? What about a paper shredder? Make a list of all the equipment you need so that when it comes time to start your day you know you won't be interrupted by an unnecessary trip to send a fax at the post office.

Phone and Internet

Depending on the type of work you do, make sure you have adequate phone and Internet access. Slow Internet or a bad phone connection will frustrate you and bring your work to a halt. If your phone and Internet are efficient, your work habits will be, too.

Create a Space for Breaks in Your Office

Consider getting a couch or comfortable chair for your office away from your desk to take breaks. Sometimes work and can get frustrating and you just need to take a moment for yourself.

Creating a space in your office where there aren’t other distractions will allow you to take a breather from your work without getting glued to your living room tv.

Plan Your Day

Even if you have the best office setup for productivity, working from home without a schedule might cause you to get distracted. Planning out what you are going to do when, from waking up to establishing the end of your day, will help you stay on track.

Keeping a desk calendar or bulletin board in your home office area can help you stay on-task and mindful of any longterm projects.

Conclusion

Being productive while working from home depends on creating the right environment. From decluttering, to setting up the right equipment and comfortable furniture, creating the right office space is the key to staying productive while working from home.