What should the ideal workspace look like? It is important that your home office is well designed because only then are the advantages of working from home (such as better work-life balance and productivity) truly present. You need to choose appropriate colours (according to your own emotional responses), proper lighting and all necessary equipment. The aim is to create a workplace where you feel good and all distractions are minimised – this according to the americanexpress.com website.
Necessary equipment
Purchase just the items you really need. If, for example, you print only a few colour copies per month, you probably do not require a colour printer. Remember to insure your equipment to protect items in the event of possible loss or a natural disaster. If your business involves frequent meetings in person, invest in new furniture of professional appearance. Bear in mind ergonomics when choosing your chair and keyboard: both should be as comfortable for you as possible.
Appropriate lighting
Proper light is essential for productive work. You want as much natural light as possible. A combination of general and task lighting is necessary. For more comfort add dimmers because you will thus gain control over the lighting’s intensity. Never place a light between yourself and the computer screen; otherwise, your eyes will be strained much more than they need be.
Organisation options
In terms of minimal distractions a private office would be perfect but this is not always an option. To reduce disturbances you might try implementing some white noise, perhaps a fan or air filter … or in extreme cases you can use headphones. Your desk should facilitate the process of getting work done. Random piles of paper are not what you want: in order to prevent chaos, organise your pending work into a few separate folders based on which phase you are currently at with the given task.
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