Adjusting back into a working routine after the Christmas break has been a marmite experience – you’ve either found it really difficult, or leapt into the routine and structure with joy!

But whether you’ve found the adjustment a struggle or not, it’s undeniable that working from home in some form is here to stay, and if your desk or home-office is anything like ours, it could do with a new year refresh to get us back into the groove. Here’s our top tips on banishing the working from home blues…

A DEDICATED SPACE

Ideally, a workspace should be away from the places in your home that you associate with certain behaviours or routines… no one has ever produced their best work from bed, trust us! A separate room from where you spend time cooking, socialising or resting is preferable, but not essential.

If you do find yourself temporarily perched on the dining table not all is lost, just make sure you spend time away from the space during breaks and outside of work, else routines can begin to merge. As much as there’s the danger of being unmotivated at home, it’s also possible to find it difficult to switch off at home time if you’re not running for a train or don't have set evening plans to pull you away from your desk.

Get Organised

A desk is naturally a place where items get stacked or accumulated. Papers, pens, and books can often find themselves thrown across your workspace and after a long day, cleaning up is the last thing on your mind. However, the easiest way to start any refresh is with two simple steps: declutter and clean.

Declutter. File away any paperwork you will need, making sure to recycle any unnecessary paper. Collect all stray stationery and office essentials and find a convenient home for them. A cluttered workspace won’t inspire you, so making sure everything is where it should be will help keep you focused.

Clean up. Once your clutter has transitioned from chaos to calm, an early spring clean of your space is a great way to start your working week. Give your keyboard, screen, and desk a good dust and clean with anti-bacterial wipes.

Light it up

If you can, position your desk facing a window to increase your exposure to natural day light for as long as possible and absorb some vitamin D. Allowing yourself to be surrounded with warm, natural light for as long as possible helps reduce SAD symptoms often associated with northern hemisphere winters.

Inevitably, we will find ourselves working through dark early mornings and evenings - so treating yourself to a new desk light will help lift your mood (and be a great topic of conversation on your next Zoom call).

Straining your eyes will hinder your work performance, so ensure your immediate workspace is well lit with a directional light source. If only specific areas or corners of your area are lacking in light, opt for a table light with a shade for beautiful directional light. However, if your entire space is calling out for enhanced illumination, an exposed bulb will suit.

Finishing Touches

You’re likely spending about 40 hours a week at your desk (if you work full time) and consequently should be aiming to make the space as comfortable as possible, whilst supporting your posture. Homely touches will make your office space cosy and keep you motivated.

Adding homely touches to your home office space will help create a place you feel content and happy to be working in, as well as making your new routine feel less alien. Try positioning some photographs, art prints or candles to help you feel relaxed.

Posted: 22.01.25
Updated: 22.01.25