In recent months, homeworking has become prominent across the UK once again due to lockdown restrictions. Although we've experienced this before, many people still struggle to find motivation when working remotely. There are many ways to increase your productivity levels, but the most important factor is your work environment.
If you're lucky enough to have a dedicated workspace, consider whether you need to spruce up the interior design, as it has the power to hinder or boost your creativity. Working from home will likely be present for a while and could even remain a common workstyle post-Covid. So, it's worth investing in re-decorating your home office to maximise productivity.
Display artwork
Art can inspire people in different ways. If you're a writer, a print of a famous literary quote could induce creativity, or if you're a musician, a photograph of your favourite singer could motivate you. It doesn't need to directly relate to your profession either. You may feel inspired by bold colours or merely the presence of someone else's creative vision.
Finding the right artwork for you is often the hard part, especially when art gallery visitation is limited. However, you can browse a diverse collection of art from the comfort of your home. The online gallery, Bleur Art, showcases a range of unique artwork from an array of independent artists. From abstract paintings to illustrative embroiders, there is plenty of choice.
Prioritise comfort
Although the appearance of a room can help motivate you, it shouldn't compromise the room's function. An uncomfortable workspace can distract you and affect your posture. When choosing a desk and chair, ensure they meet ergonomic requirements, such as supporting your back and enabling you to sit with your feet flat on the floor.
Add desk plants
While plants can elevate a room's aesthetic, they can also strengthen your work performance. Previous research has suggested that house plants can improve concentration, memory retention, and productivity. House plants can keep your stress levels down too.
It's also been found that placing potted plants and flowers around your workspace can enhance your creativity and problem-solving skills.
Develop storage systems
It's difficult to remain organised in a cluttered office, so forming an efficient storage system will make it easy to keep the room tidy. The type of storage solutions will depend on your line of work but might include filing cabinets, magazine holders, desk drawers, and cubbies.
Brighten the room
Poor lighting can make it difficult to focus and strain your eyes, especially when working off a screen. Try to optimise natural light by sitting near the window and opening the curtains, but if daylight doesn't flood the room, invest in lighting that can replicate it. Many offices choose cool white lighting as it can help you feel attentive, whereas warm lighting prompts relaxation.
You could also place a task lamp on your desk or wall to help you focus on fine details.
Add a pop of colour
White walls encourage alertness but can be a bit unstimulating on its own. Injecting hints of vibrant colours such as yellow, green, and pink, can promote creativity and help you feel energised. If you don't want to paint the walls, you could incorporate different hues with accessories like lamps, cushions, and curtains. Be careful not to add too much colour or contrasting shades as this might be distracting.
When you're used to operating in an office environment, you may struggle to adapt to working from home. It's easy to let bad habits develop, causing your productivity to suffer. However, designing a workspace that supports and inspires you will help you stay motivated.