How to Create a Home Working Environment that Boosts Productivity and Reduces Stress

With many of us spending more time working from home, it's essential to create a workspace or home office that promotes productivity while supporting wellbeing.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Natural Light is Key: Position your workspace near a window to take advantage of natural light. Exposure to daylight boosts mood, energy levels, and helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. 

Add lighting that enhances your workspace: Good lighting within a home office is vital, especially during the dark winter months. Add a desk lamp to help minimise eye strain and fatigue, which are common when working in poorly lit environments. A task light positioned on a desk is especially important when reading, writing, or staring at a computer screen for long periods. Conversely, poor lighting can lead to headaches, stress, and a general sense of discomfort. Good lighting helps create a comfortable, inviting workspace that supports your overall wellbeing, making it easier to work longer and more effectively.

Invest in ergonomic furniture: a comfortable chair that supports your back to reduce strain and prevent injuries. Your computer screen should be at eye level which can be achieved with an adjustable desk and chair. For example, our office chairs by Stressless have been specifically designed to provide support just how you need it, allowing you to effortlessly change position. The backrest reclines to follow your movement. If you’re looking for a statement chair then a chic round chair will deliver an on-trend look – it also works well to juxtaposition the edges of a rectangular office desk. 

Control daylight and provide privacy: An important consideration will be window blinds to provide shade from the sun’s glare, particularly if your room is south facing.

Declutter to declutter your mind: A tidy space can lead to a tidy mind. Keep your desk organised and free of unnecessary items to help reduce stress and increase focus. While many of us attempt to operate paperless offices it’s not always possible to just have a few office items on show, so storage is important. Under desk drawers can look neat and are a great way to hide paperwork and files or a wall of shelving with stylish storage boxes can be used to display more interesting items and accessories.  

Soften the area with a rug: Adding a shaggy or faux fur rug to a workspace creates added warmth and texture during the winter months. During the summer, why not consider an indoor / outdoor rug. Rugs also help to ‘zone’ an area within your home, such as a seating space or workspace.

Personalise your workspace: Have a speaker on hand for listening to the radio or music while working. Artwork and photo galleries provide an ideal finishing touch to a home office. And introduce a colour theme using colours for concentration. Gentle shades of green and blue both help concentration, memory and emotional tranquillity. Strong blues help to stimulate clear thought and light soft blues will calm the mind. Blue is motivational which boosts creativity. Green is the colour of balance and harmony and can, therefore, be helpful in times of stress.

Incorporate greenery: Adding some leafy friends to your workspace can improve air quality and provide a calming influence. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or ferns to keep things simple. If you’re not green fingered – then even a faux plant will help to visually create a sense of calm and wellbeing within a home office.

And don’t forget your other senses – including sense of smell. Add a diffuser featuring scents such as lavender, chamomile and rose, which are known for their calming properties. These scents can help reduce stress, anxiety, and tension, creating a more relaxed work environment conducive to better focus and creativity.

As well as creating an environment that will support your physical and mental health, we also advise that a good routine when working from home can support your wellbeing. Our team here at Arighi Bianchi suggest the following:

• Start your day with a routine that sets a positive tone, such as taking a walk, enjoying a healthy breakfast, or spending five minutes journaling. These simple activities can boost your mood, focus, and productivity throughout the day.
• To achieve a healthy work-life balance, stick to regular working hours. Setting clear boundaries helps you stay focused during work and fully relax during your personal time.
• Take regular breaks away from your screen. Step away from your computer periodically to recharge. Go for a short walk to stretch your muscles, boost circulation, and clear your mind. Regular movement helps prevent burnout and keeps you feeling refreshed.
• Make time for regular check-ins with colleagues, friends and family, whether in person or virtually. Social interaction is essential for emotional well-being, reducing feelings of isolation, and fostering a sense of community and support.
• Set aside time for a proper lunch break and step away from your workspace. Prepare a nutritious meal in advance to avoid unhealthy snacking, giving your brain and body the fuel they need to stay energised.
• Keep a water bottle or glass at your desk to remind yourself to drink water regularly. Staying hydrated improves focus, energy levels, and overall well-being, helping you perform at your best.

These tips aim to enhance daily habits, promote wellbeing, and help maintain a healthy work-life balance!

For more help and advice on how to create a home working environment that will enhance your wellbeing, visit us in store or browse our website. Or read our inspirational guides here to provide you with more know-how on creating environments that not only look beautiful but nurture emotional wellbeing and physical health.