Article
Work at home: Design your space properly
Remote work is here to stay. Tips for a more functional space.
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, many things in our lives have changed drastically. One of the most important is the form of work. In fear of the virus being transmitted, states have instituted the circumstantial need for remote work. But the businesses themselves have also taken similar initiatives, both to protect their workers and to ensure the smooth flow of business.
Remote work is here to stay
Remote work may have come as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it seems to have come into our lives to stay. Many factors contribute to this. The reduced travel costs, the hours saved (valuable time is lost every day during commuting, especially in the world's major urban centres), the reduction of environmental pollution, the possibility to be closer to one's family, etc.
However, understandably, such a rapid change in daily life did not come without difficulties. Many people found this transition unpleasant, while others began to feel that the transformation of their home into a workplace was abrupt and without time to process this development. A recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association found that almost two-thirds of people who worked from home experienced feelings of isolation or loneliness at least some of the time, while 17% felt this way all the time.
The "return home" and the transfer of work activities within it is a major challenge and effort is needed to make it as smooth as possible. Here are some ideas to make your space more friendly and functional, improving your mood and your performance.
Find the right spot
Before you start your day working from home, it is crucial to find an area in the house where you will have the least disturbance so that you can work unhindered. Avoid for example the room where the window faces a street with high traffic and therefore has more noise. If your options are limited or you don't have a space of your own, then try to choose a spot that is used less by the other people living with you.
Tip: Create a makeshift fabric partition to make the boundaries of your office clearer and wear headphones, putting on ambient music to help you concentrate.
Tidy up your office
A tidy space, and in this case a tidy office, can be a great ally in your daily "battle" with deadlines! You've probably heard the word "decluttering", which is widely used to describe the process of clearing our space of junk or items that have been lying around for a long time. Make sure you have the necessary tools of the trade on your desk and choose to keep only items that facilitate your work on it or help you concentrate.
Tip: Clear out old magazines that have been piling up on your desk and place a small shelf to store what's needed.
Light and air at your service
According to an article on the American Lung Association website, "Indoor air can create high levels of humidity, bad smells, gases, dust and other air pollutants. To keep the air safe indoors, fresh outside air is needed to dilute these indoor pollutants." Therefore, it is very important to open your windows before the start of your day to let fresh air in. If you have tilt and turn windows, you can - weather permitting - operate them in tilt and turn mode, letting fresh air in for longer.
At the same time, make sure you don't block natural light from diffusing into your room. Open the curtains or alternatively install higher transparency curtains. If you can, try to work in the area of the house with the largest window openings and take advantage of the light, minimising the use of artificial lighting.
Tip: Install light-coloured blinds or shade panels on your windows to adjust the brightness of your workplace as you wish.
Remote work with your... plants
Houseplants can transform your workplace and make it more welcoming. In a study conducted by the University of Reading, the findings on the benefits of indoor plants were encouraging, with experts noting that "indoor plants can be a simple and cost-effective way to cope with a dry atmosphere [...] while providing other mental and physical health benefits".
Place one or more potted houseplants in the room where you work. You will soon find that the space has become much more attractive, as plants are both a decoration option and an air conditioning factor.
Tip: Improve the aesthetics of your office by placing a pot with your favourite plant in it.
Make teleworking work for you
The COVID-19 pandemic has overturned many of the constants of our lives. Despite the unfortunate effects of the health crisis, the shift to remote work from the home, is changing what we knew about workplaces and in the long run may prove to be a positive change for businesses and their employees.
By designing your home space in a way that promotes tranquility, creativity and concentration, you can be more productive and, most importantly, more balanced in carrying out your tasks. Try some of the above tips and improve your everyday life!
