Insights & advice

• Nearly 5 million Canadians across the country found themselves working from home in response to the COVID-19 outbreak
• With many companies not welcoming staff back until 2021, working from home could be here to stay
• Now is a great time to upgrade or refresh your working space to stay comfortable and productive this winter 

When companies around the world closed doors in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19, millions of people found themselves on the hunt for a workspace at home. 

Many of us scrambled to create makeshift offices out of spare rooms or rogue desk space, while others were more than happy in sweats and a seat on the sofa. However, with winter upon us and no end in sight for the work-from-home era, the time has come for many to look at turning a short-term solution into a long-term set-up.  

Maybe you’re suffering with a little work-from-home fatigue and want to give your space a new lease of life, or perhaps you want to upgrade or improve your current arrangement. There are lots of benefits to creating a workspace that’s inviting, comfortable and ergonomically sound, and there’s no time like the present to give your workspace a winter makeover. 

How can I improve my home office?

Create a dedicated space. If you don’t have a spare room that can become a home office, try to create a dedicated work area. Carving out space that’s all yours, away from distractions, can help minimize interruptions and help you feel your most comfortable. If you cannot close a door, at the end of the day consider packing up your work equipment and materials to keep them out of sight when you transition to personal time.

Organize. Once you have a dedicated workspace, keeping it clear of clutter can improve focus and productivity. Storage solutions and desk organizers can help with keeping the top clean. Whiteboards, shelving and other wall-mount products can help you maximize the surrounding space.

Let there be light. Making sure your workspace is lit properly can help it feel cozier and reduce excessive glare that can lead to eyestrain and headaches. Natural light has many benefits, from reducing energy bills to boosting both your mood and productivity levels. If that’s not possible, try looking for warm bulbs over florescent and aim to avoid direct glare. An adjustable desk lamp is a great choice if you have multiple screens or desk areas to work from.

Check your ergonomic set up. Many of us reached for the nearest kitchen table when the pandemic first started. Now’s a great time to take stock of your workstation to make sure you’re set up correctly. If you’re able to get your hands on an ergonomic chair, you might feel it makes a big difference – studies have shown that individuals working in an ergonomic chair reported a 17.7% increase in productivity. Make sure your computer and monitors are at the right height to help prevent short-term discomfort and long-term injury.

Invest in some speakers. If you enjoy listening to music while working, and have been making do with laptop or phone speakers, now might be the time to pick up a Bluetooth speaker. Investing in a sound system won’t just improve the quality of your music – it might improve your productivity. A study has shown that individuals who listened to music while working completed their tasks did so quicker and to a higher level of quality than those who didn’t.

Add some personal touches. Now that the space looks, sounds and feels right, add those finishing touches to really make this a workspace you want to spend time in. It could be as little as adding a few photos, cushions or plants. You might even feel inspired to fully redecorate your chosen room or area. Whatever you choose, making your desk space a welcoming area can help you feel more comfortable working from home – for however long it lasts!