It has been nearly eight months since employees began working remotely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies have announced they will continue to support remote work until the summer or fall of 2021. While others are considering integrating remote work into their long-term business model. This means many employees are stuck in their homes with the task of transforming a temporary workspace into a permanent solution. For those of us who feel stagnant in our home offices, below are steps we can take to improve our environment for a long-term remote work plan.
Think about ergonomics
It is necessary that your chair, desk and computer are set up in a manner that is most comfortable for you. Websites like Inc. have posted articles detailing the best ways to improve your desk to be more ergonomically correct. This means sitting in a chair that allows your feet to rest on the ground and which supports your spine. It also means adjusting your desk height so your elbows can gently rest at a 90-degree angle. Your computer monitor should be positioned at eye level and adjusted to a screen brightness and text size which is most comfortable for you.
Declutter
Take a few minutes each day to clean your office of old papers, coffee mugs, and lunch plates. It is easy for us to collect souvenirs of previous workdays, especially without the physical presence of others pressuring us to keep our space tidy. Spending a few minutes each day to clean up our office and put stationary away may also clear up space in our heads.
Make your office comfortable for YOU
Home offices provide a unique opportunity for you to customize your workspace without needing to negotiate with coworkers nearby. Position your desk near a window and open the blinds to access the natural light. Additionally, try out an essential oils mister or scented candle to help aid in your focus and relaxation during the workday.
Get closer to nature
Reconnecting with nature, whether indoors or outdoors, has positive impacts on our work performance. According to a 10-year research project conducted by psychologists at Exeter University, looking at an indoor plant or greenery around your office can give you up to a 15 percent boost in productivity. Similarly, a 2015 study found that active interaction with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress. Buying and nurturing houseplants is not only a fun quarantine activity but may provide benefits to your job performance too.
Focus on color
Color has an incredible impact on our feelings and emotions. Reconsider the colors of the stationery on your desk or the color of paint on your walls to positively impact your work performance. For example, incorporating green into your office could boost productivity and creative thinking. Additionally, painting office walls blue may help you focus better, as discovered in a 2018 study of university study rooms and residence halls.
These are small changes that can make a lasting improvement in your performance. For those of us unsure of how much longer this will last, or who are preparing for remote work for the long haul; taking the time to customize your home office will bring lasting benefits. Implementing any of these changes will inspire and energize you during this unique time. If anything, the pandemic has emphasized the importance of taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and also at work.