Vivo’s home office tips

We recently added an outside office to our home to allow us to separate our work space from our family living areas and we have found it has helped us to have a better home/work balance. Although we wanted to get our files and laptops out of the living room, we still wanted the new office to be a wonderful environment to work in and have succeeded by following these helpful tips!

Tech it out

By far the most important thing is making sure you have the technology to be able to do your work efficiently and with ease. Gone are the days of dealing with hundreds of wires and clunky computers; a laptop connected to a monitor, accompanied by all of the wireless hardware you can think of (keyboard, mouse, charging station) will make for a clutter-free desk with the ability to work in a more agile fashion. Alternatively, if the budget for fancy new equipment is low, make the most of what you have with a cable tidy.

Invest in a good, no GREAT, chair

Whilst they aren’t cheap, a well-supported desk chair it is a great investment. You will be spending a lot of your day in this chair and it is important that it’s not only comfy but supportive to avoid you developing any back aches or issues. For this reason, you’re best off opting for an ergonomic chair to ensure you have the support you need.

Lighting is key

All too often good lighting is neglected in a home office. Make sure you have sufficient lamps around your desk to avoid you from straining and damaging your eyes, whilst also trying to get as much natural light flowing into your workspace as possible.

A room with a view

Staring at the same four walls for eight hours a day can have a negative effect on your mood, which is the last thing you want when working. Having a window not only allows natural light to flow in (essential for those all-important endorphins) but it gives you something to inspire and energise you. Whether it is looking out onto your garden or over city buildings from your flat, this view into the world will keep you happy and staring out can often give you fantastic ideas!

Clear desk = clear mind

Everyone knows that clutter is the enemy when it comes to productivity and creativity. Leave your desk clear of mess so you can be as efficient as possible and avoid distractions. To help with this problem, invest in some shelving or storage – you can pick up floor to ceiling storage from IKEA which are cheap, whilst also looking modern.

Make it personal

Nobody wants to be spending all of their working days in a dull, lifeless room staring at blank walls. Adding personal touches like family photos, colourful prints of your favourite artwork and other trinkets adds character to your workspace and make you feel more comfortable and relaxed, whilst also boosting your creative brain cells.

Develop your green fingers

Plants aren’t just a nice addition to a room, we see them as a necessity! Not only have they been proven to reduce stress which is great for when you’re working, but they also increase productivity. So get an orchid or a cactus and watch your pile of work disappear…!

Comfort working

Whilst a home office is meant to be a place to work, this doesn’t mean you have to spend your whole day at a desk, in fact it definitely doesn’t mean that! Make sure you have a comfy sofa or a bean bag to kick back and relax on for 10 minutes or for a change of scenery if you are in need of some creative thinking.

Plus, if you’re always on the hunt for innovative additions to your home, why not check out 6 amazing kitchen gadgets you may never have heard of!