CEO Today - April 2023

93 Asmost of us knowall toowell, the pandemic had a huge impact on our way of life — and this was particularly apparent in the world of work. After navigating furlough and working from home during lockdown, it appears that remote and hybrid contracts are not only here to stay, but have revolutionised the way we approach work. In fact, a report by the Office of National Statistics found that in February 2022, 42% of workers said they were planning to follow a hybrid routine that included more days working from home than in their employer’s office space. The report also confirmed that higher earners were more likely to work from home, such as financial managers, directors, or CEOs. So, as more of us start to ditch the commute and work from the comfort of our own homes, it’s important to create a workspace that reflects our interests and work style. Read on to find out how injecting some personality and creativity into your home office could help you feel more productive, inspired, and motivated. Make colour work for you. Everyone has their own unique style of working and finds motivation in different ways. So, when creating your dream office, be sure to keep your job and work style in mind and don’t lose sight of what you’ll really need this space to do for you. For instance, if you work in a creative industry, using plenty of vibrant, mood-boosting colours on the warmer end of the spectrum (like shades of orange, red, and yellow) could help get your imagination flowing and make your office feel like a more inspiring, engaging space to work in. Within this, you can experiment with everything from paint and wallpaper to statement pieces like an eclectic desk and chair set, all in colours that help you feel motivated and ready to seize the day. Alternatively, if your job can be stressful at times or requires deep concentration, using colour palettes from the cooler end of the spectrum like green, blue, and violet can help your workspace exude a calmer atmosphere, perfect for focussing on important tasks. Decorating your home office with distinct colours is not only a sure-fire way to add some personality, but it can also help you keep a clearer distinction between your work and leisure spaces. For example, if you don’t have the luxury of a spare room to turn into a home office, you may need to work at a desk in your bedroom, dining room, or even a mini office space under the stairs. Using a contrasting colour scheme to decorate and furnish your workspace can help you differentiate these areas of your home, even if you don’t have dividing walls or a door to physically and symbolically close on your workday.

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