Has your company shifted to a remote or hybrid work model? Whether you’ve just recently made the move or you’ve been working remotely for years, it’s important to create an environment that invokes productivity and inspiration. 

Designing a home workspace doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to invest in fancy tech gear or completely overhaul an entire room in your house. With the right strategy, you can carve out a space that you love to clock in and out of each day. 

Not sure where to start? Today, we’re sharing a few of the key factors to consider when creating your ideal work-from-home oasis. 

Limit Distractions

There are many perks to setting up a home office.

You’re surrounded by your comforts and the things that matter to you. The kitchen is within walking distance, where plenty of snacks await. You may even be fortunate enough to work alongside your furbabies!

To an extent, these features are fine. They help you feel at home and can keep you in a good headspace. You’ll appreciate those puppy snuggles at the end of a long work call!

However, it is possible to indulge a little too much, and it’s all too easy to do. Before long, you might find yourself sneaking off to the kitchen after you complete every task. Or, you pick up that book on your nightstand and suddenly, you’ve lost a full hour. 

While the layout of your home might limit your options, try to set up your WFH office in a spot that won’t be too distracting. If possible, it should be a good distance away from your kitchen, living room, and bedroom (no mid-day naps!). An upstairs loft room or guest bedroom would work well.

If you don’t have an entire room to dedicate, look for a walk-in closet that you can convert, or even an empty hallway wall! There are lots of ways to maximize the impact of the space, even if you’re working with small square footage. Here are more than 50 examples to check out for inspiration!

Get the Lighting Right

When you made the move from an in-person office to a remote one, you were probably excited about one major perk: not having to deal with those headache-inducing fluorescent lights anymore!

While it’s true that office lighting can be stark and uninspiring, don’t dive right into the opposite when planning your remote office design. Instead of relying on lamps alone, try to bring in as much natural light as possible. 

If you have a window in the room, try to sit close to it. However, positioning the sun directly at your back could create a glare on your computer screen. Try a few different angles and find one that works for you, taking into account how the light will change throughout the day. 

In addition to natural light, you’ll also need a few other forms of illumination. This may include:

  • Task lighting (desk lamp)
  • Floor lighting (floor lamp)
  • Overhead lighting (chandelier, recessed can lights)

If you spend the majority of your day on video calls, you may also want to invest in a ring light. This type of light usually includes multiple small bulbs, formed into a circle. Alternatively, it may only include one circular fluorescent bulb. 

Ring lights emit a soft, diffused light that can improve video quality. You can find smaller models that sit directly on your desk or bigger ones that pull double-duty as a floor lamp. 

Bring in Some Greenery

Ideally, you’ll be able to take a few breaks during the day to stretch your legs, walk Fido, and enjoy some fresh air. However, it’s still a good idea to surround yourself with living elements, even when you’re sitting in front of the screen!

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve WFH productivity is to bring in a few plants. You don’t have to go overboard and haul in an entire ficus, but a few strategically placed succulents or small houseplants can do wonders for your mood, energy, and concentration. 

While the verdict is still out on whether or not plants actually clean the air, they can bring vitality and brightness into your home office. Place your favorite varieties in an area where you’ll be able to see them easily and enjoy the positive vibes they deliver. 

Keep It Neat

Yes, your home office will likely get a little messy during the day. After all, without the space that a physical office affords, this is where all of your documents, files, and accessories must live. 

Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t corral the clutter. The key to creating an efficient WFH environment is following the old adage: a place for everything and everything in its place. 

Invest in drawer dividers to hold your accessories and a filing cabinet for all of your paper documents. For a more aesthetic spin, use decorative baskets or pegboards to keep small items contained. While you’re setting everything up, look around the space and decide where you’ll store each item. 

If you can’t find a spot, decide if you really need it. If the answer is yes, then check out this list of nearly 30 desk organization ideas to help you decide on the perfect solution.

Create an Efficient, Productive Home Workspace

Whether you’re working in a designated office, a spare bedroom, or a converted closet, there are ways to make your home workspace productive and inspiring. These are only some of the ways you can transform your WFH setup and make it work for you. As you use yours daily, it will become easier to discover areas you need to adjust.

Are you a business leader looking to expand your global presence through a remote workforce? If so, our consultants can help you make this transition with ease. Reach out to us today to learn more about the services we provide.