Getting the ‘new’ work from home space right

Ever since the pandemic, the term ‘work from home’ (WFH) has been on everyone’s lips. It has become deeply embedded in our professional as well as daily lives. It is an inevitable fact that WFH has brought us many benefits along with the usual challenges. While certain restrictions are being carefully lifted, the culture of working from home may stay for the longer haul. Organisations like Twitter have announced a permanent remote-work policy and Salesforce is allowing their staff to work from home for the rest of the year. Every organisation has different requirements but this is the right opportunity for you to invest and create a suitable home office, for now and the future.

While it may seem a simple matter of setting up your system at home and having all your required documents within reach, making the right adjustments can result in a productive and enjoyable WFH experience. Here are some easy and effective tips that you can follow to make the most of your WFH period.

Though we always try to keep office and home separate, not all of us have a dedicated study room, which gives you flexibility in choosing your favourite corner in the whole house! Working from home can be quite challenging if there isn’t a dedicated area for it. Pick a space in your house which is best attuned or at least can be fine-tuned to your needs. It can be a simple and basic factor like natural light or inspiring balcony views that can help you in finalising the space that works best for you. It is advisable that you don’t extend your WFH space “visual” limits to multiple areas of your home but, rather dedicate a singular one which is customised as you like.

Regardless of the fact of whether you are one to take multiple breaks or the one to sit for long hours at your desk, the right seating and lighting are mandatory. Not every workspace has the provision of natural lighting and in such a scenario, you can consider a table lamp or a stylish arc lamp in addition to the basic spotlights in the space. With every meeting taking place on Zoom nowadays, you would want to ensure that the lighting is adequate. When it comes to your chair, as tempting as it might be to grab that ottoman or dining chair next to you, it’d be best to pick the most comfortable chair.

Some of us require adequate storage space for work-related files and storing away your laptop and other gadgets. According to the requirements, pick the right drawers and shelving units and avoid the office-like cabinets.

There is no harm in sprucing up your work corner with some plants and accessories. Space is no constraint for those wondering how to bring the green touch. Floating shelves are great multifunctional items for your books and notepads as well as to keep a few succulents, terrariums or trailing plants.

Small investments made for this new way of work can go a long way and help you enhance your productivity!

wknd@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai