COVID-19 has engendered a new norm of working from home for a significant portion of the Canadian workforce. According to information released earlier this year by Statistics Canada, 32 percent of Canadian employees aged 15 to 69 worked the majority of their hours from home. That’s compared to just 4 percent in 2016. This massive shift towards remote work has changed what Canadians need and expect from their homes. Fortunately, setting up a functional at-home workspace is completely doable, even if you don’t have a lot of space to spare.
Whether you’re working from home temporarily for the foreseeable future, it’s important to have a work from home setup that’s conducive to productivity. Below, we share some tips for creating a designated workspace within your apartment.
Utilize an underperforming space
In an ideal world, a spare room or an existing den would make for the perfect, private location for a home office. But if you don’t have that kind of space at your disposal, survey your apartment’s floor plan. Identify some areas that are quiet, low-traffic, and with a good source of light. And make sure not to discount unconventional spaces, such as closets and hallways. In some cases, all it takes is a desk to turn an unoccupied stretch of wall or a quiet corner of your kitchen into a functional workspace. If you’re working with an open floor plan, consider using a foldable room divider screen to partition a semi-private space for yourself.
Opt for a mobile setup
If your apartment doesn’t accommodate a stationary WFH setup, consider setting up shop in a more impromptu manner. For example, your kitchen or dining table can double as a desk when it’s not being used for mealtimes. Meanwhile, adding a laptop stand or rising to the mix can help to nip neck strain in the bud. And if you like the idea of a standing desk, a wide wall shelf or window stool can double as a work surface, so long as it’s sturdy.
Consider your furniture needs
A work from home setup is only as good as its furniture. This includes a desk or table, a chair, a light source, and plenty of storage. If you’re pressed for space, opt for furniture that can be easily stowed away, serves more than one function, or can be used elsewhere in the home. Some examples include an office chair that doubles as a dining room table or a desk that doubles as a console or sofa table.
Cut the clutter…
As tough as it can be to stay organized when you’re working with a small workspace, making it a point to regularly reduce clutter on and around your workspace will help to improve your focus and productivity. To cut down on clutter, opt for wireless electronics wherever possible and make sure you have plenty of storage options at your disposal. Another tip is to aim to digitize as many paper files and documents as possible.
…but make it your own
At the same time, decorating your workspace in a way that’s personal and that resonates with you will make your workspace a more enjoyable place for you to be. This can also end up increasing your productivity. So, take the time to decorate with a few pictures, fresh flowers, and perhaps a plant or two, so that your workspace is a place you actually like to look at and look forward to spending time in.
Rental apartments in Sault Ste. Marie, Niagara, Sudbury, and Hamilton
If you’re interested in a redefined rental experience, we offer renovated rental apartments in sought-after neighbourhoods in Sault Ste. Marie, Niagara, Sudbury, and Hamilton. From top-of-the-line finishings to energy-efficient appliances to digital amenities, our units have been upgraded to reflect the unique values of today’s tenants. Get in touch today to find out more about condo-style apartment living with CPM Properties.
