Table of Contents
Private Workspace
It can be amazing to work from home. But unless you’re careful, you’re going to quickly lose focus.
Pets, neighbours, delivery drivers, children – all of these people and things can come crashing into your productivity. It can soon turn into a catastrophe. In fact…
Research from a Stanford study found that remote workers are 13% more productive when they work in quieter, more convenient environments.
But how do you set one up?
This is what this guide is going to help you with. Here, we’ll cover the steps and tips you need to build a quiet, private workspace that’s actually going to help you get some work done.
In This Guide:
- Why Remote Workers Need a Dedicated Workspace
- Where to Set Up Your Home Office
- How Insulated Garden Rooms Can Help
- Equipment You Need for a Distraction-Free Space
- Soundproofing Tips That Actually Work
Why Remote Workers Need a Dedicated Workspace
Remote working is not going anywhere.
However, working from your kitchen table or a corner in your living room just won’t do. Without a real workspace, distractions accumulate fast.
Imagine the following:
Children running around. The TV was blaring in the background. Your partner on the phone. All of these things kill focus and make it hard to keep on task.
In fact, research shows that 70% of employees feel distracted at work.
When working from home, the lack of boundaries magnifies these distractions. A dedicated workspace eliminates the problem by providing a clear delineation between work and home life. It signals to your brain that this space is for focusing.
It does so much more than eliminate noise as well. Having a proper workspace also helps with the following:
- Makes it easier to achieve a better work/life balance
- Helps you “switch off” at the end of the day
- Provides a professional backdrop for video calls
- Helps you build a routine
These are all important. In fact, very important.
Where to Set Up Your Home Office
The first step to creating a proper workspace is the actual location.
It’s not enough to just slap a desk in an empty room and call it a day. You need a place that’s quiet, away from the high-traffic areas of your home.
Spare bedrooms are ideal for some people. But when you don’t have these, insulated garden rooms with installation are a great alternative for those who want complete separation from noise at home.
Here are some important factors to consider when deciding where to place your home office:
- Natural light – It’s hard to stay motivated working in a dark space.
- Separation from living areas – Stay away from kitchens and living rooms.
- Minimal foot traffic – Avoid spaces where people pass through constantly.
- Temperature – Avoid areas that are excessively hot or extremely cold.
Insulated Garden Rooms Make the Perfect Workspace
This is where it gets really good…
Garden rooms are the best solution for remote workers who need peace and quiet. They physically separate your workspace from the household.
This means no more distractions from family members or outside noise intruding into your video calls.
Insulation is the key. Quality insulated garden rooms keep your workspace warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while also blocking out outside noise.
The insulation works both ways, keeping your work conversations private and outside sounds out.
Here’s why garden rooms are the best option for remote workers:
- Complete separation from the main house
- Soundproofing to significantly reduce distractions
- Temperature control during summer and winter
- Professional look and feel for video calls
- Increases property value as a bonus
Think of it as your own private office, but just steps from your back door. Many remote workers have reported that the move to a garden office completely transformed their productivity levels.
The best part? You can customise it exactly how you want.
Equipment You Need for a Distraction-Free Workspace
Space is only half of the battle.
You also need the right equipment to build a productive environment. This does not mean that you need to spend thousands on unnecessary gadgets and gizmos. Simple, practical choices make all the difference.
Here’s the essential equipment you need to build a distraction-free workspace:
Desk and Chair
Buy an ergonomic chair. Sitting down for 8 hours in a cheap chair will kill your back and make it difficult to focus. A standing desk converter allows for flexibility throughout the day.
Lighting
Natural light is best for daylight hours. A good desk lamp for the early morning and late evening is a must. Steer clear of harsh overhead lighting that causes eye strain.
Tech Setup
A second monitor will massively boost productivity. A good pair of headphones with noise cancellation is ideal for video calls. Make sure you have a reliable and fast internet connection.
Storage and Organisation
Keep your desk clutter-free. Messy workspaces create mental clutter. Cable management systems are ideal for hiding wires and maintaining a clean look.
Soundproofing Tips That Actually Work
Despite all of these changes, some noise will always find its way in.
Here are a few simple, yet effective soundproofing tips that actually work:
Seal the gaps around doors and windows. Sound easily travels through even the smallest gaps. Door sweeps and weatherstripping are cheap solutions that block surprisingly large amounts of noise.
Add soft furnishings. Rugs, curtains, and upholstery absorb sound waves. Hard surfaces cause rooms to echo, and sound to bounce around.
Use acoustic panels. These can be fixed to the walls to help reduce sound reflection. They’re particularly useful for video calls when the echo becomes more noticeable.
Position your desk carefully. If street noise is an issue, face your desk away from windows. Put your back to the quietest wall in the room.
Create buffer zones. Bookshelves filled with books can be a natural sound barrier. Plants and soft furnishings also help to absorb unwanted noise.
Combined with a well-insulated workspace, these changes add up to a real difference. They make it possible to work in a state of deep focus.
Wrapping Things Up
Setting up a quiet, private workspace can completely change how you work remotely.
It provides the separation you need to stay focused and productive all day long. You will no longer have to deal with distractions or apologise for background noise on calls.
Let’s recap:
- Find a dedicated space away from the high-traffic areas of your home
- Consider an insulated garden room if you want complete separation
- Invest in the right equipment
- Apply basic soundproofing techniques
- Keep your workspace organised and free of clutter
Remote work is an amazing thing. It offers a level of flexibility that you can never get from a traditional office job.
However, without the right environment, this flexibility can quickly turn into a form of constant distraction.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive to build the ideal workspace.
Start with what you have, and improve over time. Small changes can make a noticeable difference to how you work.
Take control of your workspace, and see your productivity levels soar.