England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland
Interiors
How to Create the Perfect Home Office that Promotes Productivity and Wellbeing
With remote and hybrid working becoming the norm, our living spaces are getting a little revamp.
To ensure that our space is fit for work purposes and we have a calm and stimulating environment, a dedicated
home office is essential.
Remote employees from all over the world are implementing the latest trends in home office design to create the ultimate workspaces at home. In fact, the home office furniture market has been growing exponentially, with a current market value of USD 22.42 billion, and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 6.17% by 2029.
Lucy Ward, marketing executive at Beanies Flavour Co: “Designing a home office has become an integral part of our lives. Just like we expect our commercial office spaces to facilitate a comfortable and healthy environment that promotes wellbeing, our home offices should reflect that approach too.
“Think about all of the features that you cherish at your workplace. The ergonomic chair and desk, adjusted to your posture, the bounty of plants, and the break room always stocked with premium flavoured coffee to energise you during the day. Now, think how you can incorporate that into your home office while being efficient with space and mindful of the work-life balance.”
Designing a functional workspace
The foundation of the perfect home office lies in its design. Lately, residential workplaces that combine home comforts with functionality have been on the rise. At home, you want your office space to mirror all the comfortable features of an actual office while maximising the advantages of your home environment.
Dedicate a room or space
Designating a specific area in your home solely for work is important, as it helps create a mental boundary between professional and personal life. Whether you have a spare room or use dividers to set up a corner in your living room where you feel secluded and focused, designating an office area is important.
It doesn’t matter how big the space is; with the right design techniques, you can create a home office that gets you in the zone.
Adobe
Invest in comfortable furniture
A comfortable chair and a spacious desk are crucial for your home office. Invest in an ergonomic chair to support good posture and prevent discomfort during long working hours.
There are several ergonomic desk options available on the market, including standing desks, which are great for enhancing worker’s productivity and energy levels.
It’s also important to note whether you’re sitting properly at your desk. To ensure your home office is set up correctly, you can ask your employer to provide you with an ergonomic self-assessment and make appropriate adjustments.
Invite natural light
Natural light profoundly influences both physical and mental wellbeing, increases productivity, and promotes better rest and sleep. According to a study from 2022, natural light and views of nature are amongst the top five characteristics workers from 16 nations around the globe want in their workplace environment.
To ensure you get sufficient natural light in your home office, position your workspace near a window to maximise natural light. If you can install one of those garden offices that were a hit during the pandemic, you will be reaping extra benefits from natural light and exposure to nature.
Creating a calming atmosphere
A tranquil environment can significantly contribute to your work performance. You can incorporate certain features into your home office design to create an atmosphere that soothes you and sets the tone for a productive day.
Choose calming colours
The colour scheme you choose for your living and working space is key in facilitating a certain vibe. According to a recent study that takes a holistic approach to office workspace design and mental health, white and blue positively affect employees’ wellbeing. These colours can create a serene atmosphere and enhance productivity, especially when combined with other features promoting tranquillity and focus.
Embrace greenery
Plants are like a godsend from heaven to bring us closer to the natural world, and inviting them into our home office environment has immense benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing. A study on the effects of office plants found that a small number of plants (one or three) on an employee’s desk has significant positive effects on attention, efficiency, creativity, productivity and stress reduction.
Adobe
Incorporating plants and adopting a biophilic design in your home office will not only improve your wellbeing but will also enhance the aesthetic appeal. If you’re wondering what home office plants to get, a study among finance workers found that viewing blue and purple hydrangea flowers resulted in a significant increase in the sensation vote for ‘comfort', ‘relaxation' and ‘cheerfulness', as well as in a fundamental improvement in the mood state. Lucky bamboo indoor plant is another option, as Google search volumes for the plant have increased by 900% over the last year, showcasing a rising trend.
Think about the break room
Just like you have recreated your office space, your work break room deserves a spot in your home too. What are the things in your office that truly make for a relaxing time away from your desk and, in return, stimulate you to be more productive?
Dedicate a break room space
Even though you work from home, having a designated ‘break room’ will help reinforce professional and personal boundaries. Perhaps you decided to set your favourite armchair in the living room and have a speaker with cheerful music ready to play? In the summertime, a section of your garden can become your personal oasis during office hours, and you can even engage in some of your favourite gardening activities. Consider how you can best incorporate your leisure activities into your space for the optimum break time.
Create a coffee station
For many remote workers, a cup of coffee is an indispensable part of the workday. Elevate your coffee experience by setting up a coffee station in your kitchen.
Lucy Ward said: “Creating a personalised coffee nook will only make the coffee drinking ritual feel more genuine and satisfying, thus boosting the effects of the magical drink and your break. Invest in quality flavoured coffee to diversify your coffee experience, set up your favourite cups, and enjoy the aroma of a fresh brew.”
Conclusion
Designing the perfect home office is a personal journey that involves tailoring your space to meet your unique preferences and needs while emphasising comfort and design appeal. By incorporating elements of functionality, tranquillity, and a touch of indulgence, you can create a home office that fosters productivity and wellbeing in the era of remote and hybrid working.
