BY: Asia Shamir Ferguson
In a world of the gig economy, remote, and hybrid workplaces, home offices have become a new norm. Despite some corporations enforcing stricter policies to get employees back in the office post covid, millennials and Gen-Z workers are challenging traditional work structures to benefit employees’ work- life balance beyond the paycheck, making hybrid work here to stay.
Since remote work is the new frontier, here’s how you can achieve the perfect home-office look so you will feel more confident and que your brain to be more productive from the comfort of your home.
“If we had to define a
“perfect home-office” it
would have a combination
of style and productivity.”
For some, a perfect home office is colorful and whimsical, speaking to our inner child. For others, it’s a minimalist setup designed solely to enhance productivity. Our brain is wired to perceive home as a place of rest and relaxation, and while there’s leisure that comes along with a home office, in order to make it an enjoyable yet productive experience, there are some strategic ways to ensure work is getting done.
If we had to define a “perfect home-office” it would have a combination of style and productivity. To begin, we recommend every woman’s best friend: Pinterest –a space to seek inspiration and discover aesthetics you never knew existed. If you prefer an eclectic, colorful, and artistic space, there’s room to play with elements like scented candles, vibrant art, and lush plants to inspire creativity.
On the other hand, if your dream home-office is more functional, warm, and cozy, think about incorporating pieces like a sleek filing cabinet, a well-organized bookshelf, comfortable office chair, and soft room lighting to balance efficiency with comfort.
Pro-tips:
• If possible, to prevent distractions and the urge to get in bed, try to create a workspace outside of your bedroom.
• Invest in a walking pad, standing desk, or take walk breaks to increase movement throughout the day.
Prioritize looking (and feeling) your best
The psychology of your workspace plays a major role in setting the tone for a productive workday. Equally important (though often overlooked) is the psychology of fashion — even when no one is watching.
When there’s no dress code to adhere to, there’s no one stopping you from strolling to the desk in your PJs. However, your wardrobe can impact cognitive responses, mood, and emotions. Even if you never leave the house, getting dressed in the simplest terms sends signals to your brain that you are, in fact, going to work.
Pro-tips:
• Get “ready for work’ for the day every morning as if you were heading out. You will feel better about yourself when your skin is clean, moisturized, your outfit is on purpose and your hair is presentable.
• Getting ready and looking more put together can be as simple as throwing on a dainty necklace or earring set. Also, bonus points if you wear light makeup. That way you can stay ready so you don’t have to get ready for a last-minute on-camera virtual call. The perfect home office is more than just a workspace — it’s an experience that inspires you to look good, feel good, and do good, all from the comfort of your own home.
Asia Shamir Ferguson is a multi-media fashion, culture, and entertainment journalist based in Atlanta, GA. Proudly a part of Generation Z of storytellers and creatives, she’s passionate about creating diverse, relevant, and high-quality content to shift the culture forward through authentic storytelling and quality journalism.
