In the UK and all over the world, more and more people are working from home each year. The global pandemic really sped things up, but even before then, remote work was becoming more popular. Better technology, as well as higher costs of commuting, have made it more of a viable option, and many companies now offer partial or fully remote positions.
If you want to start working from home, there are loads of great benefits. However, you will need to make sure you have a tidy space to work in that’s free from distractions. Keeping things tidy is important, from cable management devices like these to a clean desk. In this article, we’ll share how to keep things clean and ensure you work productively.
Why is a Tidy Office Important?
Keeping your home tidy is important anyway, but keeping your home office tidy and clear of clutter is even more so. There’s lots of research that suggests that having a tidy environment to work in helps us feel a lot happier. Not only that, but it can boost productivity. You won’t have to spend ages searching for that document that you’re sure was around here somewhere. Instead, you’ll be able to find anything you need quickly and efficiently.
If you want to get all the benefits of working from home while still being productive, it’s important to keep things tidy. This means regular sort outs to remove things you don’t need, as well as keeping the area you work in clear from clutter and distractions.
Cable Management
Cable management is one of the most important steps for a clean and tidy office. Most home offices have lots of devices, including laptops and desktop PCs. Even with modern devices that use batteries and Bluetooth, it’s very likely that you’ll still have some cables lying around. While these are useful, they can be unsightly and cause a hazard if they’re left untidy and out of place.
It’s recommended that you sort through all the devices you use and their cables, and ensure they can be run safely from their point of origin to their destination. Try and group cables together using some sort of cable management device, as this will reduce the chances of them tangling. Not only will this look nicer, but it will also reduce the hazard of tripping or damaging your cables.
Filing Systems
If you work with paper documents on a regular basis, some sort of filing system is a must. Many modern offices only use digital documents, but there are still plenty of jobs that require regular access to paper files. In this case, it’s a good idea to have a file folder or some kind, or even a filing cabinet if necessary.
You can arrange your files based on groups and alphabetical order. That way, you can always find what you’re looking for without having to dig around and search for hours. This will help you save time and keep your desk clear. In addition, it will mean the documents are secure and unlikely to go missing or get damaged in some way.
The Right Furniture
The right home office furniture can actually make a big difference to how your home office looks and how tidy it is. Using a kitchen chair is not only uncomfortable, but it also looks untidy and could affect how productive you are while working. Find a chair that’s no only ergonomic but also comfortable to ensure your posture is unaffected even when working long hours.
Your desk makes a difference too, with the best desks helping to keep your office tidy while also providing a flat and stable surface for you to work from. You can look for office desks that have storage space for you to store your equipment and files. Some people prefer to use a standing desk, which allows you to work while standing up for greater health benefits.
The Right Room
One of the key steps to having a productive home office is to choose the right room to set it up. While you may have a spare bedroom already earmarked as your home office space, you shouldn’t simply use the first available option. Choosing the right room for your workspace makes a big difference to how productive you can be. It’s important to choose a room that has enough space for your needs.
Not only is space an important factor, but so is light and potential distractions. Even if you prefer to use a light source, having a good amount of natural light is great for staying healthy. Using artificial light can lead to issues with your eyes and your mood. Your office should also be a quiet spot in the home where there are fewer distractions to worry about.
Air Quality
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time inside a small space, you need to make sure your office has good air quality to keep you comfortable. This includes both the purity of the air and its temperature. Both air quality and temperature are big factors in how comfortable a room is, and can also have an impact on your health and how much you’re able to work.
Ensure that you’re able to open windows regularly within your home office to provide sufficient ventilation. If there’s no window, you could also invest in an air purifier. To keep your office cool and comfortable, even with a desktop computer, you may need air conditioning. Check the room’s temperature, especially on hot days, and make sure it’s comfortable enough to work.
Keeping Time
Most offices have a clock on their wall somewhere to help gives employees an idea of what the time is. Regular timekeeping is important, and even if you have a clock on your computer and phone, it’s still good to have one hanging on the wall. This provides a fast and easy way to stay on top of the time and stay focused on your tasks.
