The Importance of Creating a Productive Workspace

And that’s a wrap! Today, I worked remotely for the first time to kick off an agreement with my full-time employer. Every Friday, I’ll be working from home or another location of my choosing as a nod to my request for creative workplace flexibility. During the day, I work as an IT Specialist for a university which has an awesome Work-Life Office that helped me formalize this agreement. It’s definitely uncomfortable to approach your supervisor and request something that can often be misconceived as an opportunity to ditch responsibilities. Thankfully, I received support in my petition for a telework option that allows me to manage some of the more technical and creative projects I take on away from my office. Here’s how my day went:

• I got up around 7 AM – with no alarm. This was a HUGE win for me. Waking up to an alarm daily is always a stressor and anxiety trigger for me since the day starts in such a rush. I also live nearly an hour away from where I work which sometimes makes it difficult to accomplish more than a shower before work.
• I checked our departmental social media accounts that I manage and my email while sitting in the recliner with my laptop.
• I made cinnamon rolls. While I’m not much for a sweet tooth, I’ll jump at the change to eat a real breakfast that isn’t rushed. I even had time to pack a to-go box for my boyfriend’s team members.
• Next, I made my way upstairs to clear up the rest of my email inbox for about two hours.
• Instead of a long lunch as I would have to take if I left campus and gave up a rare parking spot, I took a short mid-morning break to jump in the shower and stretch a bit.
• I got back to work for about two hours handling some outstanding graphic design projects for upcoming departmental events.
• I took another short break around 1 to head out and grab a quick lunch – less than 10 minutes until I was home again and back at it.
• I called into work twice to check up on collaborative projects with other coworkers.
• In the afternoon, I worked to a playlist I built last night that got me feeling good and motivated to round out the day. There may or may not have been a sweet pup snuggled in my lap.
• I spent the last hour scheduling social media posts and looking over the projects I wrapped up for the day, and then funneled energy into next week’s prioritized to-do list that will help me seamlessly pick up where I left off when I’m back in the office.

As mundane as this day may seem, it was so refreshing to me to go about my day in a way that exactly met my needs and didn’t feel rushed or overly structured. I had high expectations for the change to my daily work routine, but I definitely underestimated how my whole attitude toward the work day changed when I didn’t feel restricted or micromanaged. I don’t have a dedicated home office at the moment, but I worked hard last weekend before my remote work agreement went into effect to carve out a small space in our guest bedroom. I couldn’t be more pleased with how the space turned out considering how little effort and money I put into the project. In creating my workspace, I considered the following items that best meet my productivity needs:

1. I bought a desk that was perfect for the tiny corner I had available, but that also maximized storage and desktop space. I love that my monitor can sit elevated leaving me plenty of room for peripherals and supplies. The cubby holes are also perfect for tucking away business cards and other desktop items.
2. I went wireless. I’m working on an all-in-one 23in iMac and using a wireless mouse, keyboard, and speakers. This decision effectively reduces clutter and cords.
3. I only chose the bare essentials to keep on my desk including pens, scissors, paper clips, post-it notes, and a few thank you cards. Any other supply is out of sight, but nearby, to keep the space tidy.
4. I put my desk near the best natural light in our house. Bright spaces are great for my mental clarity and production. I’m definitely my most creative mid-day (unusual, I know!) so I made sure I had the perfect stream of light.
5. I bought a chair that was soft, but firm and the right height for me to sit and type at a natural angle. I also got a snugly pillow that I can sit on or rest my back against.
6. I brought my dog’s bed by my chair and a small pile of his toys. My sweet babe is in the phase where he needs my undivided attention every moment I’m home and awake. Keeping him within arm’s reach throughout the day helped to ease his anxiety and gave me great playful breaks.
7. Although there is a TV in the room, I kept it off all day. Despite the SEC tournament happening late this afternoon, TV is a distraction I know I can’t invite into my work day.

Thanks to everyone who shared their advice on creating their best workspace on my Instagram post. I received some great advice about light and tidiness, in addition to incorporating plant life! The little pots seen here are fake, but still give me the same bright and fresh feel nonetheless. Tell me about your current and ideal workspaces. What have you created for your most productive home work day and what do you still hope to attain?