In the United States, the number of people who work from home has increased by 140% since 2005. If you’ve been remote working for some time, your workspace may need upgrading. By using the following tips from SmartBizOpps.com, it’s possible to do it without spending a lot of money.
by Eleanor Wyatt
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Improve Your Lighting
If you’ve ever worked in an office, you’d be familiar with the bright overhead fluorescent lighting. This type of lighting isn’t practical for the home. A simple desk lamp or standing lamp will usually suffice. It may be necessary to install an overhead light in some cases, especially if your workspace isn’t exposed to sunlight.
Consider a dimmer switch when installing an overhead light. This will allow you to adjust the brightness depending on the time of day and the task at hand. It’s wise to leave any electrical installation jobs to a qualified electrician. You can find one in your area by searching online.
Check your HVAC
While upgrading your workspace, have your HVAC system inspected. It’s always a bad time to be looking for help with HVAC replacement near you during a heating or AC failure, so get in touch with a local company to have your system looked at. Most systems are designed to last 20 years at most and should be inspected annually. Having preventative maintenance performed regularly can save you a lot in the long run.
Organize Your Space
Something as simple as rearranging your space can change your workspace’s feel and perspective. And it won’t cost you a dime. Options include:
- Move your desk to a window. The result is that you’ll get more exposure to natural light, but that’s not all. Working near a window can improve productivity too.
- Liven things up. If your workspace consists of just a single desk, you can still liven things up by moving items such as your laptop and other accessories around.
- Create a reading nook. The downside to remote working is that it can sometimes be difficult to disconnect. Your reading nook provides a place of respite where you can enjoy a coffee while reading the newspaper or a book.
Add Comfortable Furniture
Around one-third of your day is likely to be spent sitting at your desk, so the chair you use must be comfortable. Chairs of inferior quality can cause pain and discomfort, affecting productivity. Look for an adjustable chair that provides essential back support for optimum comfort.
Utilize Your Wall Space
If working by a window is not possible or feasible, the only option you may have is to have your desk facing a wall. To avoid boredom and remain motivated and inspired, you should maximize your wall space.
Put up a calendar on a pinboard to remind you of your daily appointments. Adding a whiteboard is a good way of helping you stay motivated. You can write down any ideas that come to mind or your daily goals and tasks.
Add Some Plants
While houseplants undoubtedly improve the aesthetics of a workspace, research suggests that they also offer a myriad of health benefits. Adding greenery to your workspace can enhance air quality by eliminating certain chemicals.
Furthermore, plants in an office could reduce stress levels by lowering blood pressure and, as a result, increase productivity. Some of the best office plants to boost productivity include:
- Bonsai
- Neon pothos
- Snake plants
- Peace lilies
- Spider plant
- Orchids
If you intend to add plants to your space, be sure to invest in a good humidifier as well. There are dozens of potential options available, so make sure you read unbiased product reviews online before shopping. You may also find other home products that you can put to good use as well.
A Comfortable and Inspiring Workspace
You could spend a great deal of money upgrading your workspace. Or, you could simply organize your space, invest in a comfortable chair, utilize your wall space, and add some plants. It won’t cost a lot, but it will provide a comfortable and inspiring working environment.
