Create a home office you will actually want to work in

The majority of South Africans are working from home due to the national lockdown and for many it's working out great, but for some, their home office could do with some improvements. Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie's International Real Estate says that ''an office that reflects the design and comfort of the rest of your home is a place you'll want to burn the midnight oil'' so there are a few allowances you should make in order to get your home office in tip-top shape.

1. Where to set up?

Location is everything when it comes to setting up a home office and just like a mouse, you should find the quietest corner of your house - this will not only boost productivity but it will be distraction-free which is what you need when trying to get through your to-do list.

Your home office is where you will most likely spend most of your day - as you would if you were actually going to work - so don't skimp on space i.e. don't squish a tiny desk into a crammed space and call it a day. This will not be beneficial to you nor will it inspire and motivate you to be productive.

Tip: Choose a room with the best connection speed. Having a home office means undoubtedly having to make use of the internet and a computer so that you can communicate with those you have working commitments with. Should your home office not have a wired internet connection, a Wi-Fi router offers a cheap, simple alternative. Greeff says that it is imperative however, that you find a room with a good signal and connection speed. A simple ping test in the morning and evening should be able to firmly establish which room would work best.

2. Create some comfort

As mentioned, this is the space where you will be spending most of your time so there needs to be some element of comfort. Your desk is where you do active work, but you need a place where you can take a breather, without having to venture into the rest of your home where there are distractions abound. Greeff says that a great home office has a ''comfy chair or chaise where you can put your feet up and take a break''. A 'comfort zone' is one of the most overlooked perks of a home office, continues Greeff.

Tip: Try your best to not take breaks in your lounge or bedroom. This takes you out of ''working mode'' and productivity levels drop. Try to stay in your office for the duration of your working day in order to get the most work done, but don't forget to take regular breaks in between to get some much-needed fresh air.

3. Declutter your desk

It's no secret that a messy desk delays your progress so the question is what should you have on your desk? The answer: only what you need - everything else poses as a distraction.

Desk necessities:

• One or two folders that house your current projects.
  • The work you're not busy with should be filed away and out of sight.
• Sticky note pad
  • These are ideal as they are small enough to not take up too much space but also prominent enough, so you won't forget items on your to-do list.
• Your laptop/monitor, a laptop rise (should you be using a laptop), a wireless mouse and keyboard
  • Should you be using a laptop, a rise is of the utmost importance to prevent any stiffness in your back and neck. Making sure that your desk is ergonomically friendly is just as important in aiding productivity.
  • A wireless mouse and keyboard give your office a cleaner, sleeker look. You won't have to worry about tripping over cables just to get to your desk.

4. Bring some of the outside, in

Adding a bit of greenery to your office gives it life and personality. Greeff suggests that a desk or floor plant is ''a great way to add a breath of fresh air to your workspace and create some visual variety when your eyes need a break from the screen''.'

If you do not have the best green thumb, opt for plants that can ''take care of themselves'' like cacti or succulents. Should you not want any greenery at all, place your desk underneath a window so you can admire the outside every now and then while working.

5. Keeping it lit!

The proper lighting is essential in optimizing your home office. First prize is natural lighting but coming in at a close second are well-positioned lamps and overhead lights. It is proven that higher lighting levels as well as natural daylight stimulate and boost productivity.

When working from home, you have the luxury of choosing where to set-up shop so choose an area where you can take full advantage of the natural light. For example, windows that face towards the north give you abundant sunshine, which is especially important during the winter months.

Having improper lighting can cause eye fatigue and drowsiness which of course, hinders your productivity. The hue of light is also an important factor to take into consideration. Warm color temperatures are calming, while cool color temperatures stimulate productivity. Choosing an LED task light where you can adjust the settings, allows you the flexibility to select a suitable light for the task at hand.

6. Keep it personal

As much as your home office is a place for work, it should also be a representation of who you are. Set up a mini-shrine - a few cherished knickknacks, a piece of framed art, a special photo on your desk - anything that keeps you motivated and inspired to create and/or get the job done.

Personal touches to add to your office:

• Family photo gallery
  • A gallery wall filled with family photos and precious moments are one of the most obvious ways to personalize your office.
  • Opt for a grid layout in order to provide a cohesive, yet elegant aesthetic.
• Display something homemade
  • If you have children, encourage them to get crafty and make you something to decorate your desk with.
• Get motivated
  • If you have a specific quote that keeps you driven, have it printed on a canvas and hang it up on your office wall. For example: Mike Greeff's favourite quote is ''Where it counts, find a way to win''.

The key to creating a home office that boosts productivity is making it yours. You are the only one who knows what motivates and drives you, so create a space that works for you.