Looks like Work from Home is here to stay

Posted by HeyCarson on

With WFH (Work from Home) being in the running for ‘Acronym of the 2020s’, we feel pretty confident in saying that our at-home office spaces are in it for the long haul. And since putting in short-term effort to reap long-term benefits is one of our most strongly held values, we thought we’d put together some tips and tricks you can incorporate today to make your at-home work space more productive.

Check ‘em out:

  1. Minimalism is key.

    When it comes down to it, researchers in the subject of productivity and office design agree on one thing: less is more. Fill your desk with as few things as possible in order to eliminate distractions (this includes noise distractions as well; AKA it might be time to invest in a pair of noise canceling headphones). Additionally, make sure that everything you choose to leave in your space serves a purpose (i.e. aiding in your work tasks or providing a pleasant, non-distracting aesthetic).

  2. Be strategic with your space.

    The most productive office space is the one that makes the most sense for YOU. Organize your desk (and, if possible, the room in which your desk resides) in a way that takes into consideration your day-to-day tasks. Make note of which ones you do the most and structure the layout of your space in a way that prioritizes those. It’s the little things (like not having to get up 15 times in an hour to grab supplies from the drawer across the room) that make for a more constructive, stress-free work day.

  3. Add some green.

    You can take the man out of nature but you can’t take nature out of the man. Adding some potted plants to your desk space allows you a small taste of the connection with the natural world us humans naturally crave. Cacti or succulents are a go-to for those who want to dabble without having to exert too much effort. Flowers and houseplants like the ZZ or Snake Plant, on the other hand, require a bit more commitment, but make for a refreshing and aesthetically pleasing deskspace addition nonetheless).

Additionally, incorporating greenery into your workspace allows a much-needed visual break from the dull, lackluster grays and whites of your tech screens, which leads us to our next tip...

  1. Harness the power of sunlight.

    The more of the outside world we can feast our eyes on, the better. Set up your desk space in a room with as many windows or as much natural sunlight as possible and position your desk so that it faces the window. Between bouts of focus on an email or specific project, turn your focus to your window and bask in the glow of anything that ISN’T a phone or computer screen. Natural sunlight and a change in visual stimulation are proven to boost both mood AND productivity.

  2. Incorporate a soothing scent.

    At the end of the day, we have to be real with ourselves about the fact that work isn’t always a pleasant process. In order to combat this unpleasantness, it can be helpful to fill your office space with things that stimulate your senses in a positive way. Incorporating calming scents like sandalwood, geranium, or peppermint into your desk space are great ways to create an ambiance that feels comfortable and even enjoyable to be in. Bottom line: It might be time to invest in a diffuser!

    Ultimately, the ingredients that make up a productive office space will vary from person to person depending on their preferred working styles and job type. However, a little organization, nature, and simplicity can go a long way for just about anyone.

    Know of any more productivity tips that have worked for you? Share them with us at concierge@publishbrand.com