Work-from-home (WFH) setup is becoming more commonplace these days. It offers a more flexible working schedule, better time management, and more Inclusivity. As a result, it improves employees’ satisfaction and mental health.
However, it’s easy to get distracted and unfocused when working in the comfort of your home. It can be even challenging if you’re strapped for space. Fortunately, there are ways to boost work productivity and build work-life balance in a WFH setup. Here are simple home projects to make your WFH setup more conducive to work.
Soundproof Walls
No matter how well-built your walls are, they’ll less likely offer moderate sound reduction if they have holes. Consider sealing these holes, like gaps around outlets or ducts, with all-purpose caulk.
Changing the entire wall can also help. If you’re looking for cost-effective alternatives, try solid walls or plasterboards. These two function almost the same. In the US, plasterboards are popular materials used by contractors because they’re affordable, easy to work with, and durable.
Similarly, in Australia, plasterboards are also a popular pick used in soundproofing walls. With that said, if you’re from Newcastle or anywhere near the area, make sure to get the best plasterboard newcastle has to offer.
Note that solid walls or plasterboards won’t damper all excess noises, but the noise permeation will drastically decrease by up to 50 dB. If unsure, better do your research first or seek professional advice before buying.
Another way to enhance the sound insulation in your workspace is by installing acoustic panels on one or more of your home office’s walls. Bare walls are like an echo chamber, so installing sound-absorbing panels over them can reduce the noise level in your workspace.
Custom Desktop Shelf
Fitting all office gadgets and other miscellaneous office items together into a small space can feel like a hassle. Even worse, they easily get chaotic, which may negatively impact your workflow and productivity.
Consider customizing a desktop shelf, especially if you use many items that need to be organized. Incorporate drawers into it to have more storage space. Moreover, it’s good for you since its measurements will be after your size, which supports your neck and back health.
Add Pops of Color
It has been long proven that colors have a major effect on our moods and productivity throughout the day. In fact, most psychologists and interior designers recommend the following colors for your home office:
- Bland gray, beige and white – to induce feelings of sadness and depression in women;
- Purple and orange – to reduce gloomy feelings in men;
- Restful green and calming blue – to improve efficiency, focus, and overall sense of well-being
- Red – to enhance accuracy and attention to detail at work; and
- Yellow – to trigger innovation and creativity.
Place Live Plants
Consider adding houseplants as well. They don’t only improve the air quality and add a bit of brightness to a room. According to the American Society for Horticultural Science, they can also help people focus.
Their study found that workers feel less stressed and more productive when exposed to plants in their workspaces. Examples of houseplants to add are Bamboo Palm, Dragon Tree, English Ivy, Peace Lily, and Spider Plant.
Prioritize Good Lighting
Good illumination has a significant impact on our work productivity. A dark room is the last thing you want when working on accurate data encoding or reading information. More importantly, good lighting is also critical for proper eye care.
The easiest way to secure good lighting is to place your workspace where natural light can come in. Add mirrors too. They can brighten rooms by reflecting light and make small spaces appear bigger, opening up your workspace. For evening work sessions, opt for LED lighting to save more on energy and costs.
How to Maximize WFH Setup in a Small Space?
Working in small home spaces, like apartments or condo units, often result in clutter and disruption in workflow. Here are some tips for building a small home office that doesn’t only feel lighter, airer, and bigger but can also improve work productivity.
The first step is to identify your workspace. Look for a low-traffic, quiet space in your home to convert into a workspace. For example, these can be any empty corner where a small working desk and other office materials can fit.
Since your home’s space is limited, consider making spaces and furniture multi-purpose. For example, convert a spare closet into your workspace. This is particularly true if separating your office space from the main living area is impossible.
Another example of multi-purpose space is designating a section of your kitchen table or counter to function as your work desk during the workday. Additionally, maximize this workspace by placing a thin desk behind in a wide hallway or behind a couch.
If you opt for a corner as your workspace, consider using a space-saving desk to make the area more spacious, especially the floor space. Examples of these are fold-out desks and floating desks. There are other styles, depending on your preference and the space you have to work with.
Most small offices lack room for storage, so maximize your vertical space (or wall space). For example, add pegboards, install floating shelves, or opt for a desk with built-in vertical space for storage.
Maximizing your vertical space comes with a lot of benefits. It doesn’t only provide functional storage to organize your office must-haves and knick-knacks. They also provide you with more floor space, which helps prevent decluttering and improve your workflow.
Final Thoughts
A WFH setup enables employees to hit performance metrics at home. However, it should be quiet, inspiring, organized, and well-lit to help remote workers stay productive and achieve a work-life balance. Try these tips for a more conducive home office to work productivity!
