Set Up a Home Workspace That Inspires Productivity

home workspace Nouman provides ghostwriting and copywriting services. His educational background in the technical field and business studies helps him in tackling topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development and digital marketing. He occasionally writes articles for carpet cleaning.

Working from home has become the new normal. However, it can be difficult to ensure productivity when you work at home.

Although the concept of a traditional office is no more, we all require a dedicated workspace to get things done.

If you are having trouble staying productive while working from home, then chances are that you need to set up a home workspace that inspires productivity. Not many people realize just how important it is to have a dedicated workspace.

According to data, workspace design plays a huge role in our productivity levels.

The question is: How can you design your workspace in such a way that boosts creativity, connection, and productivity? Fortunately, this Process Street blog post is here to help. There is no need to worry as this guide will provide you with all the information you need to feel motivated to work.

When you decide to work remotely, you need to understand that it comes with a fair share of complications. The main of which involves setting up your home workspace to ensure maximum productivity. Fortunately for you, this article is here to help you get started.

Let’s jump right in!

Getting started with your home workspace

1. Choose the right spot

One of the most important things you need to consider when working from home is where you will work. Choose a room that can be closed for zero distractions. It should be a room that you can shut close once you have done the work for the day.

Most people don’t understand just how important it is to separate a workspace from a regular living space. Having a separate spot for work allows you to relax after you have finished working. If you work from within your living area or bedroom, you could begin to feel overwhelmed.

To help your brain “zen out”, you need to segregate your home into living space and working space. This will help trigger your brain into work mode once you enter the dedicated work spot.

When considering the work area, you also need to focus on the lighting. It is crucial for ensuring that your eyes do not strain and for creating ambiance. To add more lighting to your home workspace, you can also place table lamps.

Science reveals that lighter (white) lighting is the way to go. Whether you are managing your cleaning business from home or any other business, you need the perfect lighting for concentration and clarity of mind. Anything too yellow could make you sleepy.

2. Choose the perfect decor

Styling the workspace is not for everyone. However, there are certain things that you can do to create the perfect environment. To create the best vibe, you need to think about your style, productivity, enhancing décor, ambiance, and color psychology.

Although you should choose décor based on your personal style, you cannot afford to overlook productivity. To create the right ambiance, choose enhancing décor that is equally functional. Similarly, you have to select a color that makes you feel productive and creative.

A color that stimulates concentration and imagination is green. Psychologists argue that the color green has a soothing and calming effect on the mind, leading to higher productivity. On the other hand, neutral tones help restore balance and ensure calmness. Therefore, it is important to focus on color psychology when designing a home workspace.

3. Choose the right furniture

Next, you need to look for the right furniture. It might seem obvious, but many people tend to forget that they spend at least 8 hours at work each day. If you choose the wrong furniture, you will feel uncomfortable, which will prevent you from getting the work done. What is more, uncomfortable furniture often leads to medical issues, such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, etc.

Hence, choose furniture that allows you to be your most creative and productive self. A good desk and chair will encourage you to keep going. Make sure that you sit 75 centimeters away from the screen. When typing, your hands need to be angled downwards.

The following tips will help you choose the right furniture.

Go for functionality. Instead of selecting an office desk that looks fancy, choose one that is comfortable.
Pick out the right chair.
Measure your office space to determine the right furniture.
Plan for storage space.

4. Choose your organization system

To work from home, you need to choose an organization system. Make sure to get rid of all the distractions.

Since nobody knows you better than yourself, this is why you need to create an organizational system that allows you to be most productive.

Some common distractions include the fridge, gaming system, television, books, or even pets. A common mistake that people make is placing the work table facing a window that has a huge distraction. However, it all depends on the conscious choice we make.

In addition to the above, you also need to ensure that you have the right tools for the job. Try to include all the home office technology to include all the tools you would find in a commercial office.

Purchase a scanner/ photocopier, printer, monitor, phone headset, and other items to prevent any work blocks. You will also need to download various management apps to finish all the tasks.

Popular apps that you might need include Skype, Trello, Google Docs, Adobe Photoshop, and of course, Process Street.

Process Street is the definition of an organization system. It’s business process management (BPM) software and a workflow tool that comes in the form of super-powered checklists. The tool helps you to automate your daily tasks and or leaving you more time for the important stuff.

If you are unfamiliar with Process Street (which is free btw), check out the Youtube video below for an introduction to what it is, and how it can help you. Or, take a look at our most recent webinar: here.

Alternatively, jump straight in and check out our remote working checklist embedded below:

Remote Daily Work Schedule Template

Working remotely can enhance productivity and save costs for both the employer and employee. However, these benefits can only be reaped if employees can work well remotely. Overcome this struggle with this Remote Daily Work Schedule Template created by the team at Process Street.

Click here to get the Remote Daily Work Schedule Template!

Setting up a home workspace: Top tips from a small business owner

We interviewed 3 professionals working from home during the pandemic to get practical advice on maximizing productivity while teleworking. The first is is a small business owner who owns a children’s clothing store, whilst also mothering two toddlers under the age of three.

Here are her top tips:

Tip #1: Keep moving

A great tip that will keep you productive is setting up the workspace at different locations. Staying in one place is not for everyone. If you feel your productivity dropping, you might want to move to a new spot. Selecting a few locations in your home to work will keep you going.

When you work from different locations, it allows you to be more creative. A little change in scenery goes a long way in refreshing your mind. For instance, you could check your emails in the kitchen, design new clothes on Photoshop in the living room, and head over to the guest room to take business calls.

Tip #2: Declutter the space

To keep things fresh, you need to declutter the space. Consider rearranging the workspace to find out what works best for you. By changing the setting from time to time, you get to ensure that your creative juices keep flowing.

Decluttering the workspace helps clear out pent-up energy. It allows you to figure out how you want to work. Hence, it is a good idea to declutter and rearrange the room.

Setting up a home workspace: Top tips from an SEO team lead

Tip #1: Use work-related communication apps

The market for work-related communication apps has skyrocketed ever since the pandemic broke out. Businesses are using these apps extensively to ensure operations remain afloat. If you are new to working from home, you will likely need to download communication apps to communicate with your workforce seamlessly.

Some apps you will find useful in working remotely include Zoom, Adobe Connect, Go to Meetings, and Google Hangouts.

Once you have downloaded all the apps, you need to organize the workspace in such a way as to manage calls and hold meetings easily. The last thing you need is to look unprofessional. You can keep things going by adding modern artwork to the room and getting a professional work desk.

The best thing about working from home is that many companies pay employees to set up the home workspace. Hence, you can ask your company for some help.

Tip #2: Plan layout and item placement to boost productivity

When working from home, you are likely to move around from one room to the next. To ensure that you do not feel overwhelmed, you need to place items in such a way to boost productivity.

If you place the work desk and chair without thinking things through, you will most likely have trouble moving around. To place items in the right place, you need to consider how you layout the room. If you take care to place everything in the most efficient place this will help you to be more productive.

Always remember that there is a place for everything. With this in mind, work out a home office layout that works best for you. If you place the items without thinking about how they would impact your productivity, it will cause a great deal of stress.

Treat the workspace with care and remove distracting items. It will prove extremely helpful. Only choose items that serve a purpose, this will help release stress and allow you to remain calm.

Furthermore, design the workspace according to your work needs. Employers have finally realized the importance of setting up the workplace according to the personal preferences of employees. Figure out what makes you the most productive. Is it sitting by the window? Or, do you prefer having a whiteboard alongside you to keep track of tasks? Choose the layout that ensures you get things done.

Tip #3: Keep the workspace illuminated

Light plays an important role in keeping us focused. It is a good idea to utilize natural light as much as possible. Besides, it is good for the environment and is also energy efficient. When you sit in natural light, it boosts the feeling of wellbeing.

If the home office is quite dark and there is no window nearby, you should opt for bright white lighting closest to natural lighting. By keeping the room illuminated, you will remain focused and motivated to complete the work. It does not get better than this.

As we mentioned earlier, a great way to increase illumination in a room is by placing additional lamps. They will enable you to keep working even when you feel like you cannot work any longer.

Setting up a home workspace: Top tips from a graphic designer

Tip #1: Consider noise levels

Noise can be extremely disruptive, especially when you are trying to get things done. To set up the perfect home workspace, you must consider noise levels. Too little or too much noise can prove disruptive.

Since everyone has a different level of tolerance to noise, you need to determine your optimal noise level and set up the home workspace accordingly. Some people prefer total silence, whereas others like some noise to feel alive. Hence, you should set up the home office, where the background noise is just right.

Noise pollution is not only a distraction but a hazard as well. You should not take it lightly as it can prevent you from focusing on your work. However, there is a solution to the problem; noise-canceling headphones. You can put on jazz or other soothing music to block out the noise. It truly works wonders.

Tip #2: Allow fresh air

Air quality influences productivity significantly, which is why you need to set up the home workspace where there is fresh air. If you are working next to the window, you can open the window a little to allow fresh air to enter the space.

When you ensure that there is sufficient fresh air in the home workspace, you get to feel a lot more productive and creative. If the weather permits you to open the windows, you should go for it. There is nothing more effective than fresh air when it comes to working.

If there is no window in the room, you can also invest in a portable humidifier or air purifier to keep the air fresh. It will prevent you from breathing in contaminated air. Thus, your mind will be able to work at full speed.

Key takeaway: Set up the perfect home workspace to boost productivity

Once you have gone over our guide, you will know how to set up your home workspace to boost productivity. Make sure to consider each tip to improve your work performance and get that promotion that you have always wanted.

As long as you commit to keeping the home workspace in perfect condition and incorporate the tips mentioned above, you are bound to stay motivated. It all comes down to effort. So, what are you waiting for? Try out the tips now!

We’d love to hear about the different ways you ensure maximum productivity in your home workspace! Let us know in the comments below.

The post Set Up a Home Workspace That Inspires Productivity first appeared on Process Street | Checklist, Workflow and SOP Software.

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Set Up a Home Workspace That Inspires Productivity