How To Create A Productive Home Working Environment
As the prevalence of remote and home-based working increases, it is important to ensure that home workers have the environment necessary to make sure that they can work effectively and remain productive. The following are some tips to make sure that your home working environment is suitable to maximize productivity:
Designate a Space for Working
Having a dedicated space for working is one of the most important factors in creating a productive home based working environment. Without a space that is reserved solely for work, a home office can quickly become cluttered and unorganised. Designating a dedicated office area can help to remove distractions, make sure that you have the necessary tools for productivity, and establish a well organised workspace.
Make use of Natural Light
Working in natural light can have a huge impact on productivity. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light stimulates the production of serotonin, which can help to regulate alertness, sleep, mood, and concentration. Where possible, try to position your workspace in an area of your home that is bathed with natural light; this will help to keep you energized and productive throughout your day.
Invest in Ergonomic Furniture
With studies showing that a comfortable workspace can help to boost productivity, investing in ergonomic furniture is an essential component of creating a productive home working environment. Ensure that your workstation includes an adjustable chair and a desk that is the appropriate height for your work surface. This will help to make sure that your workspace is comfortable, preventing unnecessary strain on your body, which could impact your productivity.
Consider Soundproofing
Distractions like background noise can be a major disruption to home workers. Whether you live in a noisy area or your home tends to be subject to frequent noise from family members or pets, soundproofing your workspace can help to reduce the amount of background noise that you have to deal with, helping you to focus and maintain your productivity throughout the day.
Establish a Schedule and Take Breaks
Setting up a schedule and adhering to it can help to establish a routine and keep track of when tasks need to be completed. Additionally, regular breaks can help to ensure that your focus stays sharp throughout the day. Taking breaks at regular intervals will help to boost productivity and give your mind a chance to rest and recharge.
Maintain Cleanliness and Organisation
Finally, keeping your workspace organised and clean will help to make sure that distractions are kept to a minimum and that you remain productive throughout the day. Regularly decluttering and keeping your workspace neat will help to make sure that you have everything you need to hand, making it easier to focus and find documents quickly.
In conclusion, creating an effective home working environment is an essential step to ensure that productivity and concentration are maintained throughout the day. Designating a space for work, making use of natural light, investing in ergonomic furniture, considering soundproofing, establishing a schedule, taking regular breaks, and maintaining cleanliness and organisation are all key steps to creating a productive home working environment.
References:
- Jiang, J., Stegemöller, E.L., and Orban, D.A. (2015). Factors influencing productivity in home-based work settings. Frontiers in Psychology, 612-619.
- Beilharz, J. (2019). What’s the psychology of natural light in office design. Built Space.
- Flanagan, E. (2019). How to create a productive workspace in your home office. Lifehack.
