Creating a productive workspace at home during the pandemic is really important. It will help you stay focused and be effective on the job every day.

Home life can be chaotic, especially if you’re sharing rooms and equipment. Or if you’re homeschooling while trying to work. 

There are so many challenges that we all face while trying to get through COVID-19. So what can you do to improve your home office design? 

If you follow a few simple rules, you can have a more productive workspace to get the most out of your time working from home.

LAUREN ON DOMAIN’S PROPERTY PODCAST

Property Unpacked is a podcast hosted by Alice Stolz from Domain. She unpacks property related issues, to provide clarity and context on how they affect you.

Our very own Lauren Keenan joined Alice to provide some practical advice on how to improve your workspace at home. Listen here now or in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast app to hear Lauren’s expert tips.

Alice also talks to Domain journalist Kate Burke discusses how COVID-19 has altered what buyers are looking for in a property.

WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO PRODUCTIVITY

There are mental and physical barriers to productivity in the home environment. 

There is the temptation to do other things like cleaning or watching TV. Homeschooling could be distracting, particularly if you live in Victoria. Or you might just like being in the office and separating work and home. 

Then there are physical barriers like sharing the workspace with a spouse, children or flatmates. You may not have a designated work area, especially hard in apartments and small homes.   

Lauren says it is important to accept that you are working from home for the foreseeable future and that will change how you usually work. She says setting a work schedule is vital.

“We need to remember not to be too hard on ourselves. It’s different for everybody. It’s about ascertaining what works for you and your family and accepting that things are different and that’s OK,” Lauren said. 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT FURNITURE FOR A PRODUCTIVE WORKSPACE

At the start of the pandemic, there was a huge rush on home office furniture. But supplies have been replenished and there are plenty of options that are stylish and functional.

Lauren told Alice that talking to your employer should be your first port of call.

“You might be able to bring home your office chair or screen. Some employers are also buying new items and delivering them to employees. It’s definitely worth asking,” she said.

Ergonomics, or how you arrange your workspace to fit you best, is really important too. 

“I think we’re much more productive when we are comfortable. So look for a chair and table that are at the right height for you,” Lauren told the Property Unpacked podcast.

“A lot of dining chairs tend to be a bit lower these days. If you have to work at the dining table, consider putting a cushion on the seat to lift you that will help.”

There are a number of businesses making working from home furniture during the pandemic, including Stage Kings in Sydney. They’re producing lovely Scandinavian style desks that clip together that are easy to assemble and to take apart. Their inspirational story will be featured in an upcoming episode of our podcast At Home with Lauren Keenan.

ADD HOME DECOR ITEMS TO PERSONALISE YOUR WORKSPACE

There are a range of key items that can help to personalise your space and make it feel great for working. These include a plant which can help purify the air. Greenlife is also known to improve your mood.

If you’re working on a laptop, then a stand will have a big impact on your productivity. 

“There are plenty of great suppliers out there. And if you can’t get your hands on a stand then stack your computer on some books. The pandemic has taught us to be resourceful – it doesn’t have to be, it just has to work,” Lauren said.

Some of Lauren’s other recommendations include a nice mousepad, desk accessories and even a water jug. 

“Make it a spot you’re proud of and that you like to work in. Give yourself something nice to look at. And remember, natural light is free. So if you can set up near a window, you will look great on your next video call and feel better too.”

Lauren also recommends lighting a candle at the end of the work day to help signify the transition from work to home. 

“It’s a great way to promote relaxation. Scent and home fragrance can be really powerful in changing our mood. I like candles from PF Candle Co. and Posie.”

NEED HELP SETTING UP YOUR HOME OFFICE?

If you’re looking for an interior decorating company or interior styling service, please get in touch. 

Find out how our founder and lead interior stylist Lauren Keenan can help you with your home office design and create a productive workspace.