In the past few years, many of us have made the shift to working from home. While we’ve adapted admirably to this new working world, there’s always room for improvement. Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or a home office newbie, upgrading your workspace can boost your productivity, comfort, and overall job satisfaction. Here are four straightforward yet effective ways to upgrade your at-home work setup.
Improve the Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for reducing eye strain and keeping your energy levels up throughout the day. Natural light is ideal, so try to position your desk near a window if possible. However, if there aren’t many good windows in your space or you live in an area where the sun doesn’t shine as often, you’ll want to invest in quality lighting. Consider buying a daylight simulation bulb or a desk lamp with adjustable brightness levels. Proper lighting can dramatically affect your mood and productivity, so it’s worth getting it right.
Organize the Space
Clutter can be a major distraction, so keeping your workspace organized is key. Start by decluttering your desk and surrounding areas. Then, introduce organizational tools that can keep your space tidy—a filing system for your documents, cable organizers for wires, and desktop organizers for your pens and notebooks. On top of helping you focus better, a clean space will look more appealing, hopefully boosting your mood.
Buy an Ergonomic Chair
If it’s time to replace your current home office chair, it might be time to find a new, more comfortable option. Considering the hours you spend sitting at your desk for work, investing in an ergonomic chair can make a significant difference in your posture. Look for one that supports your back, has adjustable height and armrests, and helps you sit up straighter. Your back (and future self) will thank you for making this upgrade to your at-home work setup.
Invest in a New Computer
Finally, let’s focus on the most important component of your job: your computer. If your current laptop or PC is slow, crashes frequently, or can’t keep up with your workload, it might be time for an upgrade. A fast, responsive computer can drastically improve your work efficiency. Consider your needs for the job and find an option that meets (or preferably exceeds) these requirements. Investing in new technology can seem like a big step, but with proper research, finding the right option should be a breeze.