5 Ways to Customize Your Home Office | FlexJobs

Whether you work 100% remotely or enjoy a hybrid work arrangement, having a dedicated home office is key to your success and productivity. The good news is that you don’t need to renovate to create and decorate a workstation.

Whether you live in a tiny studio or recently turned the guest room into a home office, it’s essential to personalize your space. Decorating an office isn’t just a frivolous endeavor. Customizing your office space to your needs can boost your productivity, lower stress, and increase your energy levels.

5 Ways to Customize Your Office

Working from home allows you to create a space that’s truly your own. Here are a few tips to craft a home office that lets you be productive, creates a positive work environment, and shows off your personality.

1. Pick One Location

Working from your bed or sofa might seem tempting, but it can affect your work-life balance. If you work from your bed, it’ll be increasingly difficult to wind down when it’s time to sleep. And the line between work and relaxation can become increasingly blurred if anywhere becomes a workspace.

Instead, choose one space where you will work in your house. It can be a corner office, a loft, or the far end of your kitchen table. Doing so will help you get into “work mode” when you need to work and create healthier work-life boundaries.

Plus, if you have kids or pets, it can be beneficial for them to learn that when Mom or Dad is sitting at their workstation, they need to let you focus.

2. Make Use of Vertical Space

Just because you have a studio or a small two-bedroom house doesn’t mean you can’t create your own office space. When floor space is premium, get creative and use vertical space.

For example, if you don’t have room for a large desk, consider using floating shelves to create one. Use cabinets or shelves to store office supplies and decrease clutter. You can even use a walk-in closet as a small office.

3. Keep Your Office Well Lit

Light (or the lack thereof) can make or break your home office. You don’t want to strain your eyes while reading a memo or be completely dark on Zoom.

While it’s ideal to have a home office with a window (so you can score some vitamin D from the sun’s rays!), you can compensate for a windowless room with lamps and other light sources. Make sure the light is bright enough so you can see.

If you work in a small space, consider a desk lamp. Wherever you work, ensure that you have enough electrical outlets and strips to support your home office’s needs.

4. Invest in Ergonomic Equipment

Sure, it’s tempting just to use a spare folding chair when you start as a remote worker. But over time, neck and back pain will take their toll.

It’s essential to choose an ergonomically-designed desk and chair. After all, you may find yourself sitting for long periods (but make sure to take stretch breaks to avoid shoulder and neck pain!), so you’ll want to make sure your home office is kind to your body.

5. Decorate Your Office

Your home office should be a place to get work done, but that doesn’t mean you have to stare at a blank wall all day. Your office should reflect your personality and personal tastes. Decorating your home office can help you be more productive! Whether your office is your loft or a corner of your bedroom, it’s essential to take the time to make your workspace truly your own.

You don’t have to be an HGTV rock star to make over your office either. You can start by adding some peel-and-stick wallpaper, which will allow you to decorate your workstation without damaging your walls. Plus, with peel-and-stick wallpaper, you can change it up periodically.

Create a Workspace That’s Uniquely Yours

Working from home means you can bid farewell to stuffy cubicles with little personality. As a remote employee, you can customize your office to be whatever color or include whatever comforts you need to get your best work done.