So what makes a home the perfect office? It's not simply visual aesthetics that make a difference in the surrounding environment. Psychology and science also explain how designing layouts, managing work space, and placement of objects can improve productivity in your environment. 1. Manage and Have Ownership of Your Work space Regardless of whether your rental is owned by your property manager or your apartment is shared with roommates, the act of bearing ownership and making decisions regarding your work space can be empowering. This is supported by research that demonstrates work space management increases productivity. This is due to the fact there is a sense of social identity associated with your space use. Psychologists have asserted that decorating office work space with personally meaningful items projects identity, which gives feelings of permanency, control, and privacy. If you're living with other housemates, you can take this ownership to the next level through enforcing "home office hours". Are you working from 10AM-4PM in your home office on Tuesdays? Mark it in an agreement with your cohabitors so they don't throw a ruckus in the living room while you are working on your project three meters away. It's important to dictate your needs to not only those who work with you, but live with you. 2. Pick Rounded Furniture For a Better Feel Purchasing new furniture can either be an overwhelming or exciting process. With so many decisions to make - the color, size, type, and material - it's one that requires careful consideration since these items make up your environment. According to a study, layout and furniture that is curved and rounded, as opposed to straight-edged, makes the furniture appear more pleasant and inviting. This is because the roundedness triggers more brain activity that is associated with appreciation and aesthetic recognition. So when you're selecting your office chair and desk, be sure to weigh in carefully on the types and sizes you have available. While it might be more feasible to have a rectangular desk as your main work space, you can also explore the option of buying a small round coffee table to place on the side as well. 3. Choose the Right Colors For Your Work Performance Color psychology examines how color has an impact on moods and emotions. With that in mind, it's pertinent to choose the right color scheme for your office as it can affect your performance and productivity. Different colors and lighting will have different psychological effects. For example, red is a color that is very strong and attractive. It can stimulate us and gives us the impression that time is passing quicker. Brighter light levels are also more suitable for analytical and critical thinking. A dimmer environment can also cultivate creativity and imagination, which can be beneficial for idea generation in the work environment. Don't let a poorly selected color distract you from what's important and hinder your ability to work. If you own your apartment or if your property manager permits, you can choose to paint your wall a color reflective of your working needs, which can have a huge overall effect on your environment. If not, you still have choice over your furniture color, which can also have an impact on your performance. 4. Bring Nature Indoors You may be working with tenacity over your work desk for hours continuously and not have the chance to step outside to perambulate around the neighborhood. Hence, bringing in plants inside your home office can be a great idea to brighten up your work space. In fact, research has proven that office plants can help workers deal with demanding tasks and decrease stress levels while enhancing productivity by 12%. Another way to make the most of your home office is to have a window with a view. A window facing natural landscape would be ideal as it balances out the tension you have from your work, and fosters tranquility and relaxation in your mind. On the other hand, if you reside in an urban area, plants are still a great alternative to revitalize your work setting regardless. Ways to Increase Productivity in Your Home Office
So what makes a home the perfect office? It's not simply visual aesthetics that make a difference in the surrounding environment. Psychology and science also explain how designing layouts, managing work space, and placement of objects can improve productivity in your environment. 1. Manage and Have Ownership of Your Work space Regardless of whether your rental is owned by your property manager or your apartment is shared with roommates, the act of bearing ownership and making decisions regarding your work space can be empowering. This is supported by research that demonstrates work space management increases productivity. This is due to the fact there is a sense of social identity associated with your space use. Psychologists have asserted that decorating office work space with personally meaningful items projects identity, which gives feelings of permanency, control, and privacy. If you're living with other housemates, you can take this ownership to the next level through enforcing "home office hours". Are you working from 10AM-4PM in your home office on Tuesdays? Mark it in an agreement with your cohabitors so they don't throw a ruckus in the living room while you are working on your project three meters away. It's important to dictate your needs to not only those who work with you, but live with you. 2. Pick Rounded Furniture For a Better Feel Purchasing new furniture can either be an overwhelming or exciting process. With so many decisions to make - the color, size, type, and material - it's one that requires careful consideration since these items make up your environment. According to a study, layout and furniture that is curved and rounded, as opposed to straight-edged, makes the furniture appear more pleasant and inviting. This is because the roundedness triggers more brain activity that is associated with appreciation and aesthetic recognition. So when you're selecting your office chair and desk, be sure to weigh in carefully on the types and sizes you have available. While it might be more feasible to have a rectangular desk as your main work space, you can also explore the option of buying a small round coffee table to place on the side as well. 3. Choose the Right Colors For Your Work Performance Color psychology examines how color has an impact on moods and emotions. With that in mind, it's pertinent to choose the right color scheme for your office as it can affect your performance and productivity. Different colors and lighting will have different psychological effects. For example, red is a color that is very strong and attractive. It can stimulate us and gives us the impression that time is passing quicker. Brighter light levels are also more suitable for analytical and critical thinking. A dimmer environment can also cultivate creativity and imagination, which can be beneficial for idea generation in the work environment. Don't let a poorly selected color distract you from what's important and hinder your ability to work. If you own your apartment or if your property manager permits, you can choose to paint your wall a color reflective of your working needs, which can have a huge overall effect on your environment. If not, you still have choice over your furniture color, which can also have an impact on your performance. 4. Bring Nature Indoors You may be working with tenacity over your work desk for hours continuously and not have the chance to step outside to perambulate around the neighborhood. Hence, bringing in plants inside your home office can be a great idea to brighten up your work space. In fact, research has proven that office plants can help workers deal with demanding tasks and decrease stress levels while enhancing productivity by 12%. Another way to make the most of your home office is to have a window with a view. A window facing natural landscape would be ideal as it balances out the tension you have from your work, and fosters tranquility and relaxation in your mind. On the other hand, if you reside in an urban area, plants are still a great alternative to revitalize your work setting regardless.