With the global and national impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to grow ever larger, there has been a seismic shift in the way that many companies now operate. Where work-from-home roles were once reserved for the privileged few, it has now become commonplace for many white-collar employees. This has led many people to convert their spare bedrooms and dens into a new office space, even if the layout of the room no longer makes sense. Here are a few home office design mistakes to avoid that will help workers stay focused throughout the day.

Not Planning the Room

Perhaps the biggest mistake that somebody creating a home office can make is not planning the room in advance. This includes not putting thought into how the room is laid out or what else is stored in the room. A true home office should be thought of as an extension of your setup at work. This is important because of the amount of time you will likely spend in the room.

No Distinction From Home Life

For those who work from home, one of the most challenging things to do each day is to tune out their office life at the end of the day. One of the easiest ways to do this if you are working from home is to completely separate your work sphere from your home. Make it a point for yourself and anybody else who lives in the home to remember that you are in work-mode while in your office. When you’re in your workspace, everything else needs to come second.

Not Limiting Distractions

Similar to not separating work from home, another mistake involves learning to limit distractions. Distractions can include pets, children, television, or any of the other events that happen within your home daily. Taking steps to limit distractions by closing your office door, wearing headphones, and alerting others to your schedule will make completing your tasks for the day much easier.

Ignoring Comfort

The last of the home office design mistakes to avoid is ignoring your comfort when picking out furniture and supplies. Though you will be in your office, you are technically still spending time in your home. Additionally, making sure you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible makes it much easier to adjust to the transition and improve your productivity accordingly. Tools such as an ergonomic keyboard, an office chair that provides proper lumbar support, and a desk with adjustable heights will make working from home a much easier and more enjoyable experience.