With at least 28% of people working from home sometimes working from home, according to the Office for National Statistics, it's time to embrace smart ways to turn a simple workspace into a stylish home office . After all, even small changes can make a big difference when it comes to increasing productivity and creativity, not to mention making it a place you actually want to spend time in.
Plus, you don't need a dedicated room for WFH, as some of these clever ideas show: From color zoning to technology upgrades, it's time to signal a change.
Design your work zone with style
Do you make Teams calls from the corner of your living room or schedule meetings from a spare room? Zone your work area by color or furniture to make it even easier. You can easily designate a space as an office with just a dab of paint on the walls, and you can instantly separate rooms with dividing screens and shelving units to create an 'interrupted' living effect. Architectural features such as fireplaces and alcoves can also be used in place of walls to separate one area from another. You can also use clever lighting to illuminate different areas of one room. For example, consider an Anglepoise with directional light above your desk and a table lamp that casts a soft glow next to your armchair.
Choose your color palette wisely
Color not only divides space and changes the look of a room, but it can also change the way we think and feel. Karen Haller, color psychologist and author of the best-selling book The Little Book of Color, argues that blue improves concentration because it is the color of the sky (blue sky thinking?) and is associated with intelligence. I am. Meanwhile, interior designer Sophie Robinson praises the color yellow, which represents creativity, as it takes advantage of the sun's energizing effects. Interior stylist Sam Grigg says: “Because green shows more shades than other colors, it reduces eye strain and is very soothing.” Not only does it infuse a space with a sense of calm, but it also connects us with nature. This stabilizes the space. ” From motivation to relaxation, think about how you want to feel and choose your preferences accordingly, whether it's the paint you paint on your walls, the furniture you choose, or the statement accessories you choose.
A splash of color: The shades you choose for your workspace can help give it a special feel Credit: Getty
Invest in quality furniture
Decorate your room with beautifully designed items that encourage a happy and healthy 9-to-5 lifestyle. Choose a clever desk with hidden storage, an ergonomic chair that promotes good posture, and optimal lighting. Also consider your computer setup. As a general rule of thumb, the top of the monitor should be slightly below eye level. Also, consider the location of your desk to allow for natural light. Finally, add a little personality to your desk with trinkets and treasures that are meaningful to you. This way, you can make the space feel more like a home office than an actual office.
organize it
The benefits of decluttering your home have long been touted by celebrities and brands, whether it's The Home Edit or Mrs Hinch, but job site Indeed has found ways to reduce stress by avoiding overwhelm. It is said that it will be reduced. It may sound obvious, but make sure everything from your desk to your shelves and drawers is organized and has everything you need for work (papers, stationery, electronics, etc.) Have a dedicated storage solution for it. Feng Shui consultant Priya Shah says: Where there is clutter, energy stagnates. Simple things like keeping your desk tidy can help you avoid unnecessary clutter. Good organization not only makes your space look cleaner and more Instagrammable, but it also gives you more control. This philosophy is also believed by professional organizer and clean queen Marie Kondo.
Clear the clutter: Create a calm atmosphere while working by decluttering your desk space Credit: Getty
Choose ultra-fast technology
No matter how comfortable your home office is, if you can't master the basics of WFH, you'll only be as angry as people forced to sit in meetings with intermittent traffic lights. So start with a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection and make sure the technology is top-notch. EE gives you all the tools and technology to suit your life and work, and offers the fastest broadband in the UK. Connect up to 190 devices at once with a tap in the app, enable work mode to boost your connection when using apps like Zoom or Teams, and reduce lag on video calls. You can use Ping Optimizer to reduce this. Think of EE as your own personal technical support.
Let's be considerate of the environment
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, having plants indoors has many proven benefits for psychological and physical health, from improving mood and reducing stress to increasing productivity and lowering blood pressure. It also helps remove carbon dioxide from indoor air. Choose species that are easy to grow, can tolerate environmental conditions commonly found indoors, and have attractive foliage, such as peace lilies, succulents, and spider plants.
The power of plants: Surrounding yourself with greenery at work can make you feel so much better Credit: Getty Trade up your technology
No matter how great your home office looks, it's useless if it's not performing well. Luckily, EE offers everything you need to equip yourself with cutting-edge kit to keep you performing at your best, from broadband and computing to mobile and accessories and even gaming to meet that critical deadline. Masu. After all, everyone needs a little down time.
For more information, please visit EE Work.