P.MAI Journal
Making a work-friendly space
With the recent COVID19 crisis upon us, many companies have implemented new work from home (WFH) policies. This has disrupted our normal routines and presented with new realities—from balancing family-work demands and dividing shared spaces, to allowing us to appreciate human connection more than ever. While our commutes have been reduced to the distance between our bed and our laptops, WFH can be difficult with the onslaught of distractions and, in our case, abundance of snacks present.
That's why we've rounded up some easy tips to help you organize and optimize your workspace. With a little effort, it's possible to stay calm and productive during these trying times.
1. LOCATION MATTERS
Choose a dedicated place in your home solely for working. Avoid working from your where you sleep, as a clear physical separation will also help you compartmentalize mentally. Drawing clear boundaries between work and personal life is important for one's well-being. Use a nook, corner, balcony, kitchen table or whatever you have available. If space is limited, then try not to work from the bed itself.
2. THINK GREEN
Researchers at the University of Essex proved the positive effects of nature on human mental health. The experience of simply by being outside restores the mind from mental fatigue and thereby improves cognitive performance. Can't get outside? Bring the green inside. Consider having plants and succulents around your house and workspace. Indoor plants can improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15%)!
Don't have a green thumb? You can even fake it. Using technology to create digital nature also has its benefits. For example, a study found a plasma TV displaying nature scenes was more mentally restorative compared to blank walls.
3. LIGHT IT UP
According to NVision Center, the best kinds of lighting to work with include warm light sources, such as natural light. Your windows can filter and block the UV light from the sun and allow natural warm light in during the day. Here are some more tips by them:
- Use multiple light sources in a room to increase the amount of light without using super bright bulbs.
- Consider warm light bulbs over cool light fixtures and bulbs. Combing different types of light to get as close to a natural feel as possible.
- Use lamps with directed light for tasks like reading and writing.
- Work in areas that are well-lit to decrease potential eye strain related to dim lighting.
- Try to minimize glare by positioning lights and screens appropriately.
- Open blinds and curtains, and allow as much natural light into your home and workspace as possible.
4. SPICK AND SPAN
There are many benefits to having a clean and clear workspace. If you know you'll be on video calls often, it's a good idea to tidy up your workspace. Cleaning up your space can be a cathartic way to stay productive.
- Less clutter means less stress. When your work area gets messy, it can naturally make you feel drained and induce stress. Now is the time to get rid of the clutter and piles of papers laying around. Place items into neat drawers and labeled trays to save you time later by knowing where things are located.
- Gain confidence. A clean work environments give the impression of professionalism, while enabling you to feel pride in your efficient space. When you feel good about your space, this boosts your spirit as well as your productivity.
- Prioritize. Having an organized space allows you to remember what important tasks need to get done. This allows you to work more efficiently and better focus on tasks, projects and priorities.
Do you have tips on how you balance work-life while working from home? Leave us a comment below!
With the recent COVID19 crisis upon us, many companies have implemented new work from home (WFH) policies. This has disrupted our normal routines and presented with new realities—from balancing family-work demands and dividing shared spaces, to allowing us to appreciate human connection more than ever. While our commutes have been reduced to the distance between our bed and our laptops, WFH can be difficult with the onslaught of distractions and, in our case, abundance of snacks present.
That's why we've rounded up some easy tips to help you organize and optimize your workspace. With a little effort, it's possible to stay calm and productive during these trying times.
1. LOCATION MATTERS
Choose a dedicated place in your home solely for working. Avoid working from your where you sleep, as a clear physical separation will also help you compartmentalize mentally. Drawing clear boundaries between work and personal life is important for one's well-being. Use a nook, corner, balcony, kitchen table or whatever you have available. If space is limited, then try not to work from the bed itself.
2. THINK GREEN
Researchers at the University of Essex proved the positive effects of nature on human mental health. The experience of simply by being outside restores the mind from mental fatigue and thereby improves cognitive performance. Can't get outside? Bring the green inside. Consider having plants and succulents around your house and workspace. Indoor plants can improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15%)!
Don't have a green thumb? You can even fake it. Using technology to create digital nature also has its benefits. For example, a study found a plasma TV displaying nature scenes was more mentally restorative compared to blank walls.
3. LIGHT IT UP
According to NVision Center, the best kinds of lighting to work with include warm light sources, such as natural light. Your windows can filter and block the UV light from the sun and allow natural warm light in during the day. Here are some more tips by them:
- Use multiple light sources in a room to increase the amount of light without using super bright bulbs.
- Consider warm light bulbs over cool light fixtures and bulbs. Combing different types of light to get as close to a natural feel as possible.
- Use lamps with directed light for tasks like reading and writing.
- Work in areas that are well-lit to decrease potential eye strain related to dim lighting.
- Try to minimize glare by positioning lights and screens appropriately.
- Open blinds and curtains, and allow as much natural light into your home and workspace as possible.
4. SPICK AND SPAN
There are many benefits to having a clean and clear workspace. If you know you'll be on video calls often, it's a good idea to tidy up your workspace. Cleaning up your space can be a cathartic way to stay productive.
- Less clutter means less stress. When your work area gets messy, it can naturally make you feel drained and induce stress. Now is the time to get rid of the clutter and piles of papers laying around. Place items into neat drawers and labeled trays to save you time later by knowing where things are located.
- Gain confidence. A clean work environments give the impression of professionalism, while enabling you to feel pride in your efficient space. When you feel good about your space, this boosts your spirit as well as your productivity.
- Prioritize. Having an organized space allows you to remember what important tasks need to get done. This allows you to work more efficiently and better focus on tasks, projects and priorities.
Do you have tips on how you balance work-life while working from home? Leave us a comment below!
