Over the past few years, many of us have had to move from traditional offices to working from home. While working from home has many benefits, having a dedicated workspace can feel overwhelming. Don’t get overwhelmed.
Victoria Stultz, a longtime real estate professional in Venice and Sarasota counties, offers some ideas for creating efficient and comfortable home workspaces.
“Just improve the lighting in the room and add a comfortable office chair and desk,” she says. “It’s easy to do, 10,000%!”
“When it comes to decorating your home office, there are some tried-and-true tips for adding style without distracting from work,” she says. “Plants? Do color and texture help? I prefer the minimalist style because it’s beautiful but doesn’t distract you. Always keep it neutral.
Victoria added that she will work hunched over her laptop at the kitchen table in the short term, but there will likely be a lot of remote work. Luckily, with just a few simple and affordable upgrades, you can dramatically improve your work-from-home experience, helping you boost your productivity and well-being!
One of the most noticeable differences between working from home and working from an office is that you no longer have to travel to work. This saves time and nerves, and also means you’re less likely to spend time outdoors. Nature has powerful health benefits (not to mention it’s wonderfully uplifting!), so be sure to take frequent breaks and walks if possible. Adding houseplants can also bring a bit of nature into your home office! You can order plants online for delivery from companies such as Lively Root, who ship nationwide. Plants significantly improve job satisfaction, concentration levels and air quality. Plus, they look great! Some houseplants that are easy to care for and suitable for pets include desmodium, spider plant, and peacock grass.
Just like your plants, you need sunlight too! In addition to frequent outdoor breaks, try to work near a window so you have access to natural light during the day. It will help your mood, productivity and sleep.
You can also enhance your home office with high quality artificial lighting. A dimly lit room can make you feel sleepy or depressed, and it can also cause eye strain. Try replacing warm household light bulbs with bright LEDs. While you’re at it, invest in a lovely lamp to brighten up your space!
If you are using the computer for a long period of time, your back and neck should be adequately supported. Ideally, the goal is to get a conversion table that allows you to switch between standing and sitting, like this one from Flexispot. You can also place the converter on a desk or desk that you already have at home. You will feel more at ease and get more done if you can change jobs throughout the day.
Also, keep in mind that when typing, your forearms should be almost parallel to the floor and the screen should be at eye level – about 20-30 inches from your face. Purchase a monitor stand to elevate your desktop or place it on top of a stack of books. If you have a laptop, put it on a stand and use a separate wireless keyboard and mouse to keep your back off the keyboard.
A comfortable table and chair are everything! The Herman Miller Aeron chair is one of the best chairs out there, but it’s a $1,400 investment. If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, there are plenty of cheaper options to choose from! You can also try refurbishing your office chair at home by purchasing extra seat cushions or an attachable lumbar support.
One of the great things about working from home is that you can make your workspace your own – so enjoy! Put a candle on the table, hang a picture that makes you happy, or add some bright colors to the wall. This will help you feel more relaxed, alert and creative.
Many jobs now also require virtual video calls, so keep an eye on what’s going on behind you when you’re at your computer. If you want a better background, consider installing a room divider screen – it can also give you more privacy if you’re sharing the space with others.
These simple tricks will turn your office into a delightful oasis so you can look your best at work and even at home!
Engel & Völkers real estate consultants are known for their exceptional service and unrivaled experience in the real estate markets of Venice, Sarasota and Charlotte counties. Call them at (941) 388-9800 or visit https://venicedowntown.evrealestate.com/ to learn more about the Engel & Völkers team and view the current announcement.
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