Design De-straction: How to improve your work-from-home experience
By Barry Nathan
Date
March 23, 2020
As companies around the world urge employees to work from home, millions of people are finding themselves in new territory. Our interior design team put together some easy work-from-home tips to help with focus, productivity and improving your overall experience, as the world reinvents the ways in which we live and work.
- Set up your virtual workspace in your favourite location at home. This can be a spot with a view, in a common area, or in a familiar private spot.
- Maximize access to natural light if possible.
- If you’re video-conferencing, look around you beforehand (just in case there is an open washroom door!)
- Make sure you set yourself up near reliable Wi-Fi and a power plug.
- Comfort and ergonomics are key to keeping your body healthy throughout the day. Pick a well-structured chair and high enough table that support the tasks required.
- Accessorize and try to personalize your work area to make the space inspiring and enjoyable, to help balance the challenges ahead.
- Pay close attention to how your space might impact your senses throughout the day:
- Sounds: Note your proximity to TV, kids area, or even a spouse.
- Light: Make sure you maximize ambient light while minimizing screen glare. On the other hand, contrast can also be tiring, so direct sunlight should be controlled.
- Smell: As comforting as the kitchen may feel, it can be distracting during meal prep and cooking. Mind you, access to comfort foods is a must!
COVID-19 has impacted the entire world, but through the uncertainty, it’s important for us to come together, to support one another and the communities that we love.
Barry Nathan has over 30 years of experience in both architectural and interior design, which has given him an enviable understanding of two areas of practice. His work is comprised of both large scale commercial clients and complex public spaces, including higher education and high-rise residential projects. Alternative design approaches have allowed Barry to provide very unique and creative solutions for progressive thinking clients. His adeptness at problem solving via innovative solutions has helped many clients succeed in their goals. He is always challenging the status quo with an alternative view. Some of Barry’s past awards include the Design Exchange and ARIDO Awards for Pearson Airport, Denton’s Toronto and the Bell Wireless Centre in Mississauga. He is in the process of finalizing his Architectural License with the OAA and has memberships with the TSA and ASID.
