Disastrous Home Office Design Mistakes That Kill Your Productivity

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Since COVID-19, remote work has become increasingly common in many companies, allowing individuals to function from home. While working from a home office has massive benefits like location independence, it can also lead to challenges because of poor lighting, uncomfortable furniture or design malfunctions.

Creating an effective office does not just involve relying on desk and chair functionality but also thoughtfully creating a workspace that minimises distractions, enhances focus, and provides a comfortable working experience. At Horton Interiors, we specialise in designing workspaces that blend style with functionality; our team offers interior design services to transform your home office into a productivity hub. Let’s get into a detailed blog on the disastrous home office design mistakes and the practical solutions to fix them.

Why Does A Well-Designed Home Office Matter?

A study at the University of Exeter found that a well-designed office encourages employees to maintain their performance, well-being, and satisfaction. Employees with well-designed home offices were 15% more productive than those who worked in lean and cluttered spaces.

Here are the outcomes of working in a poorly designed home office. 

  • Home offices not meeting the quality standard tend to increase distractions and interruptions during work hours.
  • Sitting for long hours on uncomfortable furniture can deteriorate overall health and initiate back pain. 
  • Such spaces can decrease productivity and can ultimately waste precious time.

List Of Common Home Office Design Mistakes And Ways To Fix Them

Let’s examine some common mistakes that every home office owner repeats without consciously knowing and ways to fix them.

Relying On Harsh Overhead Lighting 

Good lighting is the most crucial element in consistent, productive work. Insufficient lighting can cause eye strain and make it hard to focus for an extended period. To avoid too much glare that can hurt your eyes, try placing the work desk near a window to let natural light enter the room. Lighting sets the overall tone of the workplace, so focus on adjustable warm light bulbs and soft and ambient lighting for an inviting atmosphere.

Horton Interiors knows how crucial it is to use dynamic lighting in office designs that improve the productivity of employees. Keeping this concept in mind, we designed the Orange Group Office in Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, Dubai, where we used bright orange colours that brought comfort and focus among team members.

Ignoring Ergonomic Furniture

From the work-from-home trend, a significant increase in freelancing was seen. Skillful individuals left their jobs and started working from home for better income and financial independence. According to a survey by Freelancermap, 31% of freelancers work 40-50 hours a week, which is enormous. This data highlights the importance of how much it is for a work-from-home individual to invest in comfortable ergonomic furniture to maintain productivity and health.

Invest in high-quality ergonomic furniture, whether a comfortable chair or a high-quality desk. Buy a chair with adjustable height and lumbar support, and make sure that the desk height allows arms to rest comfortably at 90-degree angles.

A Cluttered And Messy Workspace

The most common issue that arises after starting to work from home is a cluttered workspace. That’s because there is a proper cleaning system when one works from the office. However, no one pays attention to the importance of a clean and organised workspace when the job is done from home. 

Remember that dirt continues to overwhelm workers, making it harder to focus. Try to invest in cable organisers to tidy up the loose wires and add organised shelves to keep the items in place. Make a habit of cleaning and decluttering the workspace daily for better productivity.

Neglecting Acoustics

Noise can be the biggest distraction; use soundproofing panels or noise-cancellation headphones to work in peace. Work done in a silent, peaceful space results in enhanced productivity.

Conclusion

Pay attention to the importance of a well-organised and well-designed workspace, which can effectively uplift work proficiency. Avoid all the mistakes we have discussed above to make your workspace a hub of focus and creativity. Book an Interior Design Company that can add a personal touch, improve aesthetics, and make the right design choices.

FAQ’s

What is the ideal size of a work desk that one should invest in?

The size of the desk should be ideal for your computer and essential items to fit. Most people prefer a 48-inch work desk.

How do you design a small space for a work office?

To maximise a small space, try investing in vertical storage, wall-mounted shelves, and foldable desks. Also, opt for sustainable multifunctional furniture.