Whether you are working from home, or have an uncomfortable desk job, this article will help you make your workspace more comfortable. The key is to match comfort with productivity. For example – lying in bed with a laptop on your knee is too far in favor of comfort, whereas sitting on a stool in a cramped cubical is too far in the opposite direction.
Carve out a working space at home
Working on a laptop placed on the kitchen table or even your bed can be an attractive scenario. However, when you work from home, it is important to separate your home life from your work life by creating boundaries that are both physical and psychological. The best way to create a productive and motivating work area is to dedicate a place of your own, with your own desk and storage areas. Ideally, it will be a separate room in the house that you can convert into a workshop, office or mini-studio. If you do not have rooms to spare then opt for a space that will be specifically assigned to you and your job.
Remove the clutter
Opt for a minimalist approach for your work area, by removing unnecessary objects, stacks of books that you do not use, paper clips lying around, etc. Store files away as much as possible and make sure you have very few cables showing from your computer equipment.
Add a little flora
Add plants to your office as they can greatly improve your working environment. Watering your plants daily is also a positive distraction in your day, and some claim that the oxygen produced by the plants will help you concentrate, although they produce just as much carbon dioxide when they are out of sunlight, so the legitimacy of the claim is suspect.
Ease of use is your top priority
Items and equipment that are easy to use are going to improve your work comfort and allow you to do your job more efficiently. A comfortable chair is good but it needs to be elevated enough for you to get up easily. It must also have enough rigidity to allow you to depart easily from the chair, since the beanbag effect is tiring if you have to keep getting up. The position of your monitor should be far enough away to not impose too harshly on your vision.
Your chair, desk and keyboard should also be positioned for maximum comfort and ease of use. If you are sat uncomfortably then it will eventually take its toll on your work. Give yourself extra space for your legs and take regular short breaks to stretch them a little. An ergonomic office chair is an excellent investment, ensuring your concentration at work in addition to avoiding the possibility of developing back problems.
Add one or two exciting visual element
Visual stimulation such as poster frames or paintings can help you inspire and motivate you. If possible, position your desk so that you face the window in order to rest your eyes and give your brain a break.
Install a whiteboard
Use it during a period of “brainstorming” or to write your lists priorities. It is also good for adding notes for ideas and things to do. If you do not write them down then they will often play on your mind. It also stops you from creating little lists on paper, which often become yet more office clutter.
Author: Korah Morrison – Follow her on Google+.