Home Office Zones that Work: Maximizing Efficiency and Comfort in the Workplace

If you've ever watched a TV show that has scenes in a work-place setting, such as The Office, the Good Wife, or Parks and Recreation, you'll notice how the environments are always quite different. Most of the low-level workers sit in cubicles with very little privacy while the higher-ups have full offices with closed doors and perhaps even a mini-fridge to store all their fresh food without Karen from Marketing stealing it. 

BUT since the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more offices have adapted the hybrid work model, allowing many of their workers that aren't needed in the office to work from various places. 

An employee productivity monitoring company, Prodoscore, released data showing that after analyzing 30 000 U.S.-based users, they found an increase of five percent in productivity during the work from home period of the pandemic. Owl Labs was another company who found that the remote and hybrid work environments had 22% happier workers that those who were on site a majority of their time and stayed longer at their jobs. 

So, What does all of this mean? 

It means that people their are many benefits to utilizing a hybrid working environment for both the company and the employee. The employee has a healthier work/life balance and the company can also reduce costs based on how many employees are regularly working from the office. 

How does this tie in to Interior Design? 

Well, it's because working from home has become such a popular form of working that now people are in need of some upgrades to their original home design. Adding an office space where you can leave your work behind before diving into your home life is essential to maintaining that work/life balance. I know it can seem pretty easy allowing yourself to jump between your work and home life because of the close proximity you are to it but it is vital to create a specific space where your home worries are left at the door and to enter your work persona and vice-versa.

What do you need to create that space? 

To create a space like that you need your basic working furniture like a chair, desk, filing cabinet, perhaps a bookshelf, and décor. It's good to keep in mind that you might be doing online meetings via a video-conferencing platform so having a space that looks and feels nice is important when making impressions on your boss and clients. 

First, you need to look for a design that matches your aesthetic and makes you excited to go to work everyday. A desk and chair that match but also provide you with a great comfort-level is a vital component to staying on track with your tasks. If your butt hurts or you're constantly shuffling around, you are less likely to remain at your desk or concentrate on your work because of it. 

Test out your furniture first!

Story time: I bought a really nice gaming chair off of Amazon. the reviews said it was nice and comfy, it matched my aesthetic, and it had a massaging feature too. It was the perfect chair . . . until I got it. I had made a perfect desk for me to concentrate on my work, feel fulfilled in what I do but I have such a hard time using the space I spent so much time and money making because I didn't test of the chair prior to purchasing it. So if you can, test the comfort level and ask about the return policy, just in case.

Adding the Little Things 

Even with an in-person office, something that I always add is a personalized touch, perhaps some pictures of your loved ones, or a Funko Pop! of your favourite character. I personally have all of the above to remind myself that I am a strong person and to motivate me further. Sprinkling these extra wholesome touches around your office or den space is a useful tool. If you have a bookshelf, think about having some of your favourite books or movies displayed.

Everyday we hear of someone who wants to add in a new office to their home because they can't keep working at the kitchen counter anymore. They need their space, privacy, and an organizational system to keep their head above water during the working hours. Reach out to us if you are looking to create an office space in your home.