Whether you’re a remote worker or self-employed, the home office space has become the new normal for many. With millions of people working from home, the boundary between work and life can become blurred causing stress and an even unhappier life outside of work.
With that in mind, here are some ways to help maintain that all-important work-life balance.
Schedule your working time
To create a sense of ‘normality’ within your home office, it’s helpful to set dedicated working hours just as if you were in the office. Giving structure to your day, including a start time, lunch breaks and those all-important tea breaks really helps to maintain a good day-to-day routine.
If you struggle with sticking to a routine, you could consider writing a plan out somewhere you can always access it. Whether written directly above your desk or scheduled on your phone, reminding yourself of the routine can be very effective.
Plan out of office time
When you work from home, it can feel like you never actually leave your house. Scheduling a walk for some much-needed vitamin D can be one of the easiest and most efficient ways to relax and reset during the working day. Beyond the working day, it can also be beneficial to put some time aside to socialise before or after work to help you unwind after a long day or gear up for the day ahead.
Designated office space
Whilst not everyone will have a full-blown ‘home office’, it’s vital that you have a designated space to carry out your work. Not only does this prevent distractions from everyday household tasks, but helps to maintain focus on the work tasks. Wherever you decide to work, make sure it’s as spacious as possible to reduce the risk of feeling claustrophobic.
Although, it is highly recommended to avoid a room that you relax in, such as your living room. If you work in these spaces, your mind is less able to ‘switch off’ and you might find yourself thinking about work tasks when trying to unwind.
Suitable office furniture
It’s crucial to have suitable home working furniture, not only in terms of comfort but to help maintain focus and increase productivity levels. Kitting your workspace out with the right furniture can help to create a divide between home and work life, by providing a similar experience to an actual office space.
This similar experience also extends to the breakout area. Whether used for in-person meetings, zoom calls or even your lunch break, a designated breakout space is an important component for a home office. Breakout furniture, including modular sofas and tables, are a great fit for this multipurpose space and can save you a lot of cost as well.
Home working certainly has its benefits, but it’s essential to strike the right balance between work and home life. It can be tempting to get carried away with work, but establishing a routine and making sure your home office is kitted out with the right furniture is essential. Carefully consider the space you’re working in and don’t just settle for the living room sofa.
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