CIO opinion
CIO OPINION
“
DESIGNING YOUR
HOME OFFICE
WILL MAKE YOU
A HEALTHIER,
HAPPIER
AND MORE
PRODUCTIVE
WORKER.
materials that you have to organise. For many
home offices, a file cabinet lined with hanging
folders will do. When you remove the papers
and random objects from your desk, don’t just
banish them to another corner of your office,
organise them so that you can easily find
them when you need them.
You will also likely need storage for all of your
office supplies, such as writing utensils, sticky
notes, business cards and so on. A simple
storage cart should suffice, allowing you to
tuck everything away until you need it.
makes people feel more engaged with
their work. When it comes time to choose a
standing desk, your options range from the
more basic (and less expensive) to the more
complex (and costly). system, mood and sleep. Getting enough
exposure to natural light could improve
your mental clarity and vision and reduce
headaches and migraines.
Natural light If your
home
office
doesn’t
Tip TIP:
- If your
home
office
doesn’t
have access
have
access
to
natural
lighting,
your is
to natural lighting, your next best option
next best option is to replace your
to replace your current light bulbs with full-
current light bulbs with full-spectrum
spectrum light bulbs. While not a substitute
light bulbs. While not a substitute
for for
natural
light,
full-spectrum
lights feature
natural
light,
full-spectrum
the lights
same feature
balanced
temperature,
and so
the
same balanced
provide
you with and
some so of provide
the same
benefits.
temperature,
you
The
crisp some
white of light
they
give off The
is
with
the that
same
benefits.
crisp for
white
light that
they give
off
perfect
activities
that require
visual
is perfect
for reading.
activities that require
acuity,
such as
visual acuity, such as reading.
Standing desk
To really boost efficiency, a standing desk
is the way to go. Standing desks have long
been promoted as a healthy alternative to
sitting all day, but relief from a sedentary
lifestyle isn’t the only benefit they offer.
Some people go as far as walking on a
treadmill while on calls.
Standing triggers your blood to circulate,
sending more nutrients and oxygen to your
brain, and promotes neurogenesis (the
formation of new brain cells). Studies have
shown that standing as opposed to sitting
increases focus, improves productivity and
46
INTELLIGENTCIO
Choose an area for your home office that is
exposed to natural light. Placing your desk in
front of a window will both give you a nice
view and increase your productivity.
Studies have revealed the many health
benefits of exposure to natural light.
For example, the blue light present in natural
light contributes to pupil constriction,
increasing the visual acuity of your eyes.
In other words, natural light boosts your
reading ability and productivity. Natural light
also prompts endocrine system responses
that are necessary to manage your immune
Designing your home office keeping
in mind the above elements will make
you a healthier, happier and more
productive worker. n
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