June 2, 2020 | Homeownership

Telecommuting has become more common over the years. Now, a vast majority of the world’s population is working from home more than ever in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and likely will remain working remotely for the foreseeable future. There is a sense of independence and relaxation that comes with working from the comfort of your own home, and some studies show that employees who work from home tend to be more productive than those who battle the daily commute, sit in a cubicle, or only see the light of day at 9 am and 5 pm. However, working from your couch can only last so long before you become uncomfortable and side-tracked. We have put together a few tips and tricks in order to help you designate your own home office space or improve your current one in order to help you stay motivated, productive and inspired while working from home.

1. Start with a clean slate
Most of us have a home office in our house or at least the potential of having a space available. Although, these spaces, more often than not, become pile-up-points for our clutter, old office supplies and clunky tower hard drives and monitors (who even uses a computer with a tower hard drive anymore?!) that we just can’t bring ourselves to get rid of. Step 1, clean this space out; begin the creation of your home office space as a clean slate. Remind yourself what the space’s purpose is- having a dedicated home office space is ideal for separating personal life and work-life while also making it easier to stay focused and productive during work hours.

2. Incorporate Feng Shui
Now, this could mean something as simple as placing your desk in a “commanding position”- but who really knows what that means? Basically, the position of your desk is important because it allows you to be in charge of your workspace. Try having a view of the door from your desk rather than having your back to it and try to situate yourself as far away from the door as possible. Choose colours that stimulate positive energy- green is an important colour to consider incorporating, with either plants or décor as it represents new beginnings and growth, or white as it represents clarity and creativity.

3. Let there be light
Try and set up your office where there is as much natural light as possible. Natural light has proven to help keep you energized and boost productivity, it’s also been shown to help reduce the frequency of headaches and drowsiness through eye strain. Try to make sure you don’t sit with your back to a window as the glare can interfere with your computer screen.

4. Choose functional over fancy
Spending an average of 40 hours a week at a desk can prove to be an uncomfortable feat for most- especially if your chair is stiff or your desk is too high or low. You want to ensure you have sufficient ergonomics to avoid physical issues such as muscle strain, headaches, or the frequent onset of fatigue. It’s always important to break up your day by getting up and moving around, but while you are at your desk it’s vital you ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Try choosing a desk chair that supports your back for good posture and ensure your desk is at the proper height. Typically, your desk should be at a height where your feet are flat on the floor and your shoulders are relaxed when sitting up straight with your arms resting on the surface. So, instead of going for the stylish option, pretty might not always be practical.

5. Bring your office to life
Incorporate as many plants in your office space as you can, they can dramatically improve your workplace atmosphere. Plants can help you feel more focused and productive while also providing health benefits as most are air purifiers. Big or small, you can’t go wrong with adding a few leafy elements to your space.

Has COVID-19 has instigated the realization that you’re in need of more space, and more specifically a home office? Contact us today and we can help you find the perfect house that best suits your needs while safely guiding you through the Toronto Real Estate Market during this time.