It is safe to say that the pandemic was a surprise for everyone, so not many workers were ready to fully embrace work from home. So, during the first months of lockdown, we have turned our kitchen table into an office desk and the bedroom into a makeshift conference room. However, now that we are approaching a different post-pandemic era and we all had plenty of time to adapt to the new normal, things are different.
Hybrid work models are becoming more common, and 1-in-5 workers want to continue working from home at least part-time after the pandemic – and, companies are responding to these changes. However, if you are considering making remote work your future lifestyle, you will need a dedicated home office to support your career.
Below you can find the must-haves to include in your design – but don’t forget that partnering with experienced designers as Staunton & Henry is one of the best ways to create a beautiful home office.
Plenty of Natural Light
Natural light affects your wellbeing. While this is not groundbreaking news, we all often tend to forget about this important notion. Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight can reduce stress and agitation, improve concentration, help fight depression and anxiety and reset our natural circadian rhythm, thus improving sleep quality.
Whether your dedicated home office is blessed with a large window or you only have a small opening to use to your advantage, do your best to let plenty of natural light indoors. Some options for this include changing the curtains and using mirrors to amplify the light.
A Strong WiFi Connection
Your home office might not necessarily be by your router. However, it is essential to have the best WiFi connection you can get into the office. While over the past months we have all gotten used to connectivity issues, avoiding them will make you seem more professional. And, of course, a WiFi connection that actually works can help you continue working without interruptions! You can use a repeater to amplify the system of your current connection – or, this might just be the best time to upgrade to a better one!
Natural Elements
Studies have confirmed that bringing natural elements into the office can increase productivity levels by over 15% – and make you feel much happier! Luckily, bringing natural elements into your home office is much easier than you would think!
Firstly, consider swapping heavy drapes for lighter curtains to let natural light and fresh air in. Then, consider decorating with plants and natural elements, swapping your plastic disposable items for their high-quality, ethical, and sustainably made counterparts.
A Minimalist Decor
According to several studies, clutter can significantly affect our cognitive abilities, making it much harder for the brain to focus and cut out background noise. Additionally, when working in a cluttered room, it is more common to feel tired, fatigued, stressed, and unable to concentrate.
At the same time, unless you have plenty of time on your hands, you might struggle to keep your home office always clean and spotless. Luckily, the solution is convenient for your wallet, decor, and mental wellbeing: minimalism! All you need to do is keep the design simple and focus on quality over quantity.
Silence and Quiet
When running a business at home, things can get hectic and extremely stressful. However, your environment can have a significant influence on your well-being. So, creating a silent and quiet home office can help you remain focused, cut out distractions, and avoid the stress that might come with hearing noises around the house.
A sound-proofed office can also help you keep your family life and work-life separate so that you won’t struggle to focus during office hours and unwind at the end of the day – a win-win!
Ergonomic Furniture
Ergonomic furniture might seem like an unnecessary investment, especially if you are operating on a budget. However, ergonomic chairs and a standing desk can help you take care of your mental health and physical wellbeing when spending entire days in your office. And, having multiple stations from which to work around the room can help you change scenarios and maintain high levels of focus and creativity during the day.
