As 2020 draws to a close, it appears working from home is here to stay… at the very least, it’s bound to become a more common occurrence for many of us. Yes, remote work began quite chaotically for a lot of people back in March; but with a bit of planning and preparation, it could end up being the best thing to happen to you (by 2020 standards, anyway). If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to embrace the home office lifestyle so you can work smarter and feel better.

As experts in remote working, we’re sharing here some of our favourite pro tips to turn your improvised home office into your dream office. Did we mention there’s a giveaway?

1. Designate your office space
Whether that means a small area in your converted attic, or an entire room dedicated to you, you need to have an office space exclusively to work in. Be sure to define it as a workspace by removing non-work-related items from the area. Don’t be afraid to go a little Marie Kondo here: think about what you’d normally have on your desk back in the office – if you wouldn’t keep it at work, don’t keep it in your home office. If you’re unsure where to begin, check out how how to feng shui your desk to improve the energy in your work for some inspiration. Pro tip: tidy your desk at the end of each day so that it’s a pleasure to sit at the next morning.

2. Make the office space work for your body
Now that you have an office area exclusively for work, it’s crucial for that space to be ergonomically functional. Nobody wants to work with back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome – no matter how inviting the space is! Revert to this simple workspace health setup infographic from the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (check out the clever ironing board hack!). Remember, oftentimes small adjustments (such as height or angle) or small investments make a world of a difference to ergonomics: we love this Anker wireless vertical ergonomic mouse that reduces wrist and arm strain.

3. IT is Key
You can’t work well without the right tools for your job. That could mean multiple monitors if you’re constantly juggling windows. Maybe you need an actual printer and scanner. Assess what will help you get your work done. Your line manager may not realise you’re lacking specific IT equipment, so if you need something, just ask.

4. Software
Find software that makes your life easier, not more complicated: if you work with PDFs a lot, invest in a PDF editing tool. You will certainly need some sort of instant messaging program, such as Slack, to chat to your colleagues. If you’re constantly being pulled in various directions (both work-related and otherwise), try organising yourself with an app like Todoist, which takes your to-do lists to the next level and keeps your priorities on track.

5. The new norm: calls, calls, calls
As most meetings are now carried out over voice or video calls, a high-quality set of headphones and/or microphone can be a real game-changer. At Canopy Group, listening to our clients is integral to our job: that’s why we’re giving away a pair of Bowers & Wilkins PX7 over-ear noise cancelling wireless headphones worth £350 (see rules below). With these headphones, you will no longer be that person on the team call saying, “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that last bit… could you please repeat what you said?”. These noise-cancelling headphones are also particularly good at drowning out those “less desirable” sounds around your home (screaming kids, washing machines, doorbells… just to name a few) so that you can truly focus on your work.

6. Supplies
Stock up on (do not stockpile) the supplies you need: sharpened pencils; notepads; printer toner/ink. Don’t forget things like a phone charging cable, or envelopes and stamps for posting documents. Your dream office should have everything you need.

7. Office Pet
Pre-Covid, how often did you dream about having your cat or dog at work with you? In 2020, that dream is now a reality for many of us: long are the days of missing your pet while you’re in the office! Another benefit of having an office pet is that petting your furry friends releases oxytocin, which can lower both your blood pressure and your heart rate. And on days when you need to rant to someone, remember that your pet is an excellent listener (and secret-keeper).

8. Decorate, decorate, decorate!
Arguably, one of the best aspects of having a home office is being able to decorate it to your liking. Think not only about what you see beyond your screen (your mouse pad, your desk lamp, etc.), but what’s behind you as well. After all, that’s what others will see when you’re on camera. It’s the perfect excuse to display those vintage vinyl records you love, showcase your book collection or new houseplants; or even frame some of your children’s colourful artwork. Make the space yours. If you want to elevate the space, why not add fresh flowers, scented candles, or aromatherapy room spray to make your office truly special? Check out these 6 productivity-boosting, anxiety-reducing scents that Entrepreneur magazine reveals will transform your mood.

9. Down time from screen time
Find apps that remind you to get up from your desk and stretch your legs. Or put a recurring reminder in your calendar. If you have an “office dog” (see no. 7 above), dedicate some screen-free time to walk them. Because movement increases brain oxygenation, you actually improve your attention and energy levels, making you ultimately more productive and healthier – all the while giving your eyes a break from your screen.

10. Keep your biscuits close, keep your fruit closer
Even though we advise you to get up from your desk at regular intervals, keeping snacks and drinks at/by your desk is a fundamental home-office hack for two reasons: Firstly, if you’re in back-to-back meetings, you may not always have time to refuel (which leads to lower performance and increased fatigue). Secondly, if you live with other people, they might pull you into doing something unrelated to work as you emerge from your office. The caveat: while it’s fine to have a few Celebrations or the occasional bag of crisps in your desk drawer, try to focus on healthy snacks such as baby carrots and hummus, and drinks such as ready-made smoothies. Think about getting a Graze subscription for convenience and portion control. If you plan to take your office to the next level, and you can afford to spend a little extra, consider buying a mini fridge where you can keep your healthy drinks and snacks (…and that after-work beer for your virtual company drinks) so you don’t have to keep going to the kitchen. Unfortunately, this is one purchase you won’t be able to expense.

We hope that with these tips for a making your home office into a dream office, you can be at your most productive, most comfortable, and happiest working from home. To find out more about how Canopy Group can help you grow your business through our remote personal and executive assistant service, please visit our website.

*Giveaway rules: To enter the giveaway, simply re-post this Canopy Group article on your public LinkedIn profile with the hashtag #CanopyGroupDreamOffice. Winner will be selected at random and will be contacted on the 4th of December 2020. Winner must be a UK resident, and 18 years old or over.