Having an office in your home is a great benefit. For maximum productivity, your office needs a welcoming atmosphere. The furniture you buy, the temperature of the room, and organization of your workspace all impact comfort. If you find yourself wandering into other rooms instead of working, now is the time to improve your home office environment.
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Don’t Skimp on Comfort
Although it may be tempting, don’t drag a chair in from another room or buy a cheap office chair. You spend most of your day in your office chair and you need comfort, not a sore back at the end of the day. Invest in an ergonomically designed chair. These chairs cost a little more, but your body will thank you. The design of ergonomic chairs keeps your posture straight and allows you to work longer without aches and pains.
Lighting is Important
Natural lighting is the best option for your home office. However, if the office is located in the basement or a room without a lot of windows, keep the place bright with different styles of lighting. An overhead light plus a desk lamp gives optimum brightness for your work space. A dark and gloomy area doesn’t help your productivity.
Keep the Temperature Pleasant
Concentrating in an office that is too hot or too cold can be difficult. Keep the temperature at a setting that allows you to feel comfortable. Consider installing a ceiling fan or an AC to keep you feeling cool during hot weather. Although the fan doesn’t actually lower the temperature you will feel cooler and won’t mind adjusting the thermostat up, adding savings on utility costs in the process.
Make sure your HVAC unit is in top working order by scheduling seasonal maintenance with a licensed technician. If your heater goes out in the middle of winter or your air conditioner in the middle of summer, working while waiting for it to be repaired could quickly become uncomfortable. Preventative service allows you greater peace of mind and comfort no matter what time of the year it is.
Get Rid of the Clutter
Clutter is distracting and your home office should not double as a storage closet. So, find another spot to store the holiday decorations and memorabilia. Keep papers in order and easily accessible with a filing cabinet. Plus, keep computer or other wires neat and together. Or, invest in wireless equipment like a wireless mouse and printer. The neater your office, the more work you will get done.
Decorate the Office
Staring at blank walls or having no color is also a distraction. Remedy this by making your office reflect your personality. Give yourself something interesting to look at and hang some of your favorite pictures on the wall. Adding some plants will keep the air feeling fresh. An area rug gives the room some color, and if a sitting area is part of your office some colorful throw pillows will add a nice touch.
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Take some extra time designing your home office and don’t forget to add the little touches that make the space your own. Don’t skimp on your chair, proper lighting, or organization. Your creativity flows when you work in an inviting and delightful space.