Did you know that 77% of workers who telecommute at least a few times monthly experience higher productivity?
Whether you work remotely all the time or sometimes, it’s vital to have a dedicated workspace. Using a spare room or the basement as an Office can work great, but that’s if you have the space. And not everyone has the extra room to use as a single-purpose workspace.
One option is to set up an office in your Living room. That will turn your living room into a multi-purpose area for work and play. It might be ideal, but it can be done.
Consider these five things when Setting up your living room for remote work.
- Place a Small Desk Near a Large Window
While sitting on the sofa is okay in a pinch, you’re better off setting up a small desk in the living room. Do you have a bay or bow window letting in lots of natural light? That’s the perfect spot to place a desk. A work area with abundant natural light will get you in the mood for work. You can use window coverings when the sun’s rays are more intense than you’d like.
When setting up a home office, you need to plan for success. So, get yourself a desk and put it as close as possible to a window.
2. Make the Space Cozy
You need to ensure your workspace is comfortable. It’s not just about getting an ergonomic chair, either. Ensure the temperature is comfortable so you can work in the living year-round. Whether that means getting an HVAC unit, fireplace insert, or plug-in fans, you must ensure your productivity doesn’t take a hit because of poor room-temperature regulation.
According to some sources, the ideal office temperature is between 68° F and 76° F. If you’re too hot or cold, efficiency and productivity could nosedive. So, don’t underestimate the importance of keeping your living room comfortable for working.
3. Use Room Dividers
Depending on the size and configuration of your living room, room dividers may make sense. You can use them to create an office space separate from the larger living room. If your living room has a nook where you can place a desk, room dividers can help. It won’t be as good as a dedicated room, but it’ll still offer somewhere to work remotely.
4. Add Some Plants
Indoor plants are a good idea whether you’re working in a business office or home office. Benefits include higher productivity, lower stress, increased comfort, and greater contentment. Besides, plants can boost the aesthetic appeal in any workspace. Considering the potential benefits and how inexpensive plants are, you’ll want to make your workspace a green space.
5. Get the Tools of the Trade
Equip your home office with the things you need to work effectively. A computer, printer, and high-speed internet are things you’ll likely need. Your company may provide some or all the equipment you require to work remotely. If so, great. Otherwise, you’ll need to get the tools of the trade independently. What you don’t want is to have stuff scattered around the house. Try to contain the things you need in your home office so that you can be as efficient as possible.
And while you don’t have to buy everything brand new, it makes sense to invest in quality. That way, you won’t have to replace stuff every year or two.
When setting up a home office in your living room, you should remember these five tips. A living room might not be ideal, but it can work with the right strategy.
