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Strategy

Refresh Your Home Office

A year into the pandemic, our remote workstations could use a little TLC.

It’s a year this week that millions of employees were sent home to work because of the pandemic. Not knowing how long it would last, many people quickly established remote office setups that were good enough for short-term use.

Woman sitting at desk in home office

But now, work-from-home is a reality for the foreseeable future, especially for employees whose companies have decided not to return to the office or those that use hybrid workforces (splitting the week between home and office). Research firm Global Workplace Analytics says 25% to 30% of the American workforce will be working in a hybrid setup by the end of 2021 as companies start making plans to open offices.

For those who are settling in for the long term, here are five tips for giving your home office a refresh.

1. Take care of clutter. After 12 months of working in the same spot (and not having to worry about anyone but your immediate family seeing your desk), clutter has probably encroached on your workspace and overstayed its welcome. Do yourself a favor and make cleaning up the clutter priority number one. Get rid of anything you don’t need immediately (like outdated paperwork, kids’ toys and dirty coffee mugs) and analyze your daily workflow so you can put critical items within easy reach.

2. Claim more space. If you’ve been squeezing yourself into a closet (or a corner of the kitchen table) in order to preserve the guest bedroom, it’s time to give yourself more space. Relocate to that spare room and rearrange it to complement your workflow. A door creates a barrier for dogs and kids (add a “Do Not Disturb” or green/red sign to signal “Stop” or “Come in”). If you don’t have many space options, at least change where you sit to give yourself a different view.

Workplace stat about remote work

Global Workplace Analytics

3. Upgrade your furniture. Raise your hand if you’ve been lounging on your couch or sitting at your kitchen table all these months. It may be time to invest in a standing desk and supportive chair (or ask your employer to buy them for you, especially if you won’t be back in the office for a long time … or ever again). Find an adjustable chair with back support, arm rests and even a footrest. The more ergonomically correct, the more productive you’ll be (and you’ll sleep better at night). They come in great colors and prints nowadays too, and many desks (including standing ones) are designed to fit in small spaces.

4. Add a splash of color. Has the old wallpaper been driving you crazy, or boring white giving you the blahs? Go ahead and paint those walls with a bright color like red, yellow or orange, or a tranquil color like aqua or green. It will give you added energy or mellow you out, whichever you need more. And move near a window to take advantage of the light and views of nature. Have lamps on hand that provide gentle light for when you’re working in the early morning or late at night.

5. Revive with personality. Give your surroundings a little sprucing up with new art and prints, and consider small decorative items or memorabilia to give the place a touch of whimsy. Plants (real or fake) add freshness and life to a space. Shop at discount chains or thrift stores for fun finds at affordable prices, from bright flowers and vases, to rugs, pillows and posters with encouraging sayings. If you’ve been looking for a little boost during the day, keep a favorite inspirational quote within easy view. You could even simply change up the placement of what you already have for a little refresh.