Guest Post by John Adams

Many people choose to work remotely because it adds convenience to their life. They can operate from the comfort of their home and avoid the formalities of an office job; they also save travel time and transportation costs.

However, many individuals do not prefer to work from home even if their profession allows them the privilege.

The major reason for rejecting a home-based or remote job is an unprofessional environment.

People struggle to concentrate on work at home and their productivity declines.

They cannot perform to the best of their abilities, as in a formal workplace.

Imagine sitting on your living room couch with your work laptop while the kids are running around, the television is on, someone nearby is devouring a fragrant meal, and your dog in constantly trying to get your attention.

Not being able to focus on work during such chaos is understandable.

No matter where you operate from, you require a proper workplace.

You need a safe spot that is void of distractions, but also instills a vibe that motivates you to get work done.

If you have decided to work remotely or want to give it a try, the first step is to set up a home office.

Ditch the living room, bedroom, or any other area that is in use of your family members.

A guest room or another spare room will do. This room shall be off-limits for anyone else living in the house, particularly during working hours.

The layout and décor of you home office will deeply affect the quality of your work.

1. Play up Natural Light

There’s nothing as refreshing as natural sunlight.

Artificial lighting is fine, but it cannot provide the desired aura.

Sunlight is enriched with Vitamin D and the way it illuminates the room is soothing; not to mention, it saves energy too.

Placing your work desk by a big airy window shall help reduce fatigue and the natural landscape outside is easy on the eyes.

If your work involves staring at a computer screen all day, averting your eyes to distant green scenery from time to time will alleviate weariness.

2. Invest in Ergonomics

Sitting back on a couch, lounging on a bed, or crouching over a coffee table is not the right way to work from home.

You need to consider ergonomics to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

The most important purchase for your home office is probably a practical working chair.

This chair should support a proper body posture and allow mobility. You should be able to sit in it for hours without feeling stiff and sore.

Next in line is your desk, which should provide the correct height for placing your computer and other work things.

Your eyes should be leveled to or slightly above the middle of the screen; you can expect an aching neck if you crane it upwards throughout the day.

You may also place a chaise lounge or day bed on one side of the room to rest during breaks.

3. Stick to a neutral Color Palette

You need a serene atmosphere to work, thus a loud and gaudy décor can be disturbing.

Deep bright colors and intricate patterns would be too much for the mind and eyes.

Shades of white or pastel colors are best suited for the workplace.

Choose furniture and upholstery in subtle solid colors rather than going for complex designs or prints.

4. Incorporate Minimalism

Keep your home office free of stuff and trinkets that have no relation to your work.

Make the workplace as spacious and uninterrupted as possible.

You should be able to move around freely, and the space should be void of objects that might distract you from work.

Everything in your home office should be organized and regular housekeeping is a must.

A cluttered workplace creates obstruction, confusion, and a chaotic state of mind.

Keep the walls as bare as possible, so it doesn’t feel like they’re caving in.

5. Decorate with Green Elements

Not everyone is lucky enough to enjoy proximity to nature and have a beautiful green landscape outside their window.

If that’s the case, you can always bring bits of nature inside.

Decorate the room with a few potted plants that are known to thrive indoors; you can also set up a terrarium or get an aquarium.

The indoor planters will help cleanse the air and provide a stimulating environment.

6. Inspirational Art

We all need some inspiration and motivation at work. Dull, empty, and boring surroundings can dampen the mood and make a person feel down.

Framing a few motivational quotes and putting them on display is a good way to spruce up the space.

As opposed to the neutral background of the office, your inspirational art must induce a pop of color.

7. A Bit of Personalization

Personalization makes the workplace feel like a part of you, which helps fully embrace it.

Add life to your working desk, shelves, and/or walls by placing or putting up a couple of things that please you.

The objects you exhibit may commemorate happy memories, past achievements, or heirlooms having a special place in your heart.

This will elevate the comfort level of your office, incorporate relaxing vibes, and improve productivity.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

I’d love to connect with you!

John Adams is a paralegal and lifestyle blogger who concentrates on health, fitness, personal injury law, home improvement, and self-development. He encourages readers to fight for their rights and overcome obstacles holding them back. He believes that every person can improve the quality of his/her life by thinking positive and making better choices.

The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of Michael Helwig Interiors or its Principal, Michael Helwig. Michael Helwig Interiors, and Michael Helwig, do not have any affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.