How to improve your home office and increase productivity

After more than a year of working from home, you may be stuck in a routine that has become monotonous. This can easily lead to a lack of motivation and productivity. You start becoming lazy and struggle to keep up with the pile of work on your plate. What you need to combat these tendencies is an office makeover. 

Think about how exciting it was to start a new job in a new environment. You were inspired to do the best that you can. While still working from home is not a change, you can however change your surroundings. 

These tips will help you improve your home office and bring back that lost drive for productivity:

Put on some music

If you can get work done while listening to some great tunes then get yourself some high-quality speakers or headphones for your computer. Compile playlists of your favourite songs for different kinds of work and concentration levels. Going old school is also an option - that old radio will also do the trick. 

Listening to music while working and studying can give you a boost in productivity, creativity and memory retention.

Evaluate your routine

You probably have a set routine that you follow each day. You wake up, have breakfast, then start work and have coffee breaks in solitude. After a while, it becomes such a bore. 

You lack physical interaction with other people which can decrease your creativeness. Think about how many times you had a fantastic idea after hearing your work colleague's weekend plans? 

While you set boundaries for a productive daily routine, you can also schedule short coffee breaks where you Zoom or Skype your colleagues to see how they are doing, if you can offer your assistance and more. A fresh perspective is sure to help you get back on track.

Get a plant

Not only are indoor plants pretty to look at, but they also reduce indoor air pollutants. Having a plant in your home office will help filter the indoor air, increase the levels of humidity, and will help you breathe better. Plants also bring in positive energy which can boost your creativity. 

Your plant does not have to be indoors. If your home office is next to the garden or a few trees, keep the blinds open so you can marvel at their beauty whenever you need a boost. 

Re-think the colour of your walls

Did you know that the colour of your walls in your home office can influence your mood, affect productivity, and even cause you to stress? If your home office walls are painted with an aggravating colour, re-paint it. Go for a colour that puts you in a relaxed and productive mood. 

Some of the suggested colours you should be surrounded by include; blue, red, orange, and grey. These colours are said to boost your creativity, happiness, and productivity.

Get your lighting right

Poor lighting in your home office can weaken your energy and dampen your mood. It also leads to eyestrain and headaches which reduces your work productively.

One way to get better lighting in your home office is by opening the blinds or curtains to allow plenty of natural light in. Re-arrange your desk if you need to so you get the most natural light on your workspace - without getting it directly on your screen. When using artificial lighting, the trick is to illuminate your workspace without casting shadows.

Is your current space not enough for the perfect home office? Contact Knight Frank today and our agents will help you find the perfect space to live in and which can be converted into a productive home office.