We’re all in a unique situation with unprecedented number of people working from home instead of going to their office, coworking space, or even the nearby café. WFH (Work from Home) comes with its fair share of benefits and distractions. So, while you’re saving on commute time, you’re also struggling with following a routine. Fret not, because we’ve listed 7 simple hacks you can start doing right now to make WFH work for you.

1. Create a workspace: Maybe you have a study table or a makeshift arrangement on the bed. Either way, make the space your ‘workspace’ and as distraction-free as possible. Keep your desk essentials handy – pen, paper, water bottle. If possible, place a frame or mug of a motivational and inspiring quote in this workspace too.

2. Dress up: Home is already a comfort zone but there is something to be said for being a tad too comfortable. You need to give yourself mental cues that you’re in work mode so dress the part. And once you’re done for the day, you can, and must change into your wind-down PJs. Btw, dressing up doesn’t only mean wearing a shirt with shorts. It goes all the way. Yes, including shoes.

3. Make a to-do list: It’s easy to procrastinate especially when there are so many cat videos out there you could be watching without the boss walking in on you. However, a to-do list will help you structure your day and give you a sense of accomplishment at the end of it. And still leave you some time to watch those videos!

4. Check in daily: The reason coworking spaces are so much in demand is because they encourage collaboration and networking. There’s no reason why you can’t collaborate with your teams virtually. With multiple collaborative apps, and video conferencing facilities at your disposal, there could be a daily team huddle to brainstorm, follow-up and connect. Daily interactions also help in team bonding which we all know is crucial for delivering results.

5. Follow ‘SEE’ to a T: SEE is an acronym for Sleep, Eat, Exercise – the three things you need to ensure you’re getting enough of. Ideally, sleep and wake up at the same time every day and try to get 7-8 hours of quality rest. Schedule time to eat healthy nutritious food and make time to exercise even if it’s playing your favorite songs and dancing in the living room.

6. Take a break: The longer you work from home, the more important it is to take time out to connect with friends and family so that you’re not isolated. Even during work hours, take a break and call up an old friend, play with your dog or have an unofficial chat with a colleague. Think of it like the chai breaks in your office space. After all, all work and no chai makes Jack a dull guy.

7. Get a hobby: Make optimum use of the time you’re saving on commuting. This is the best time to learn new things, pick up hobbies you didn’t have time for or upskill for your current job profile by joining an online course. It’s rare to find extra time, so make the most of this unexpected opportunity.

From kids unexpectedly appearing when you’re on a video call to pets vying for attention; working from home has many interesting moments. Attuning the mind, being open to new methods and using some quality hacks are all it takes to bring together the best of both worlds.

As Monday knocks your door, you know it’s going to be another work-filled week, teeming with deadlines and KRAs. Although you might be a superhero in getting your tasks complete, all the while managing the day’s requirement efficiently, there’s always a scope to expand that competence. Yes, by streamlining work, you might think. Yet, that doesn’t come as easy as you think it might- you certainly need extra help! Have you paid attention to your desk? It can be a deal-maker for a lot of your daily work activities, with the right kind of accessories. In fact, it is these little “personal army of assistance” that can aid you in streamlining your work, greatly. Confused on what exactly do you need for your desk? Here is a checklist of things that would help you greatly:

1. Desk Organizer 

It’s essential to have a nifty desk organizer, because more often than not, your desk would be a labyrinth that needs to have some sort of semblance. Organizers come with neat compartments to arrange your stuff into order.

2. Monitor Stand 

A monitor stand, complete with various nooks and crannies, solve your elevation problem. Now, you can see your preferred level, as well as gain extra storage space, for all the little things that are still in disarray.

3. Dispensable/Silicone Cutlery

Eating is a very important part of your work, especially when it is a sharedesk, but cutlery issues may bog your productivity. Not anymore, with a set of dispensable or silicone cutlery to save your time and effort to go and run for them.

4. Beautiful Calendar 

While it is the generation of modern amenities, your desk will always require a beautiful calendar. This handy accessory doesn’t just beautify your table, it also acts as a reminder and helps you keep track of your important events/activities/tasks.

5. Cable Organizer

Most of your day-to-day tasks involve a lot of engagement with digital devices and naturally, separating the jumble of cords attached to them takes up a great chunk of your time. Not anymore- keep an attachable cord organizer on your workspace and maintain your cords in their designated spaces with ease.

6. Sticky-Notes

Work can come at any time and yet, you cannot be stuck to your desk 24×7. A set of sticky-notes can help you in this scenario, while also being a handy source of reminder for you and people visiting your co-working desk.

7. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

With all that yapping and cross-conversations, bringing concentration into your work becomes a really big task. Invest in a pair of great noise-cancelling headphones that have good overall sound, and can drown the constant chatter.

8. Pen and Notebook set

Be it any profession, having a notebook is of utmost importance. Invest in a luxurious yet functional pen-dairy set, so that jotting down notes doesn’t seem like a huge downer- plus you’d be setting off a stylish impression.

9. Computer Glasses

With growing hours spent in front of any digital device, your eyes are the ones to bear the brunt of deterioration. Invest in a great pair of blue light–blocking computer glasses for reducing digital eye strain.

10. A plant

It’s important to take an environmentally conscious step towards the future- especially keeping the current context of resources in mind. The best way would be to nurture a plant at your co-working desk, to convey a striking message as well as helping you gain a patient demeanour towards day-to-day activity.

Here you have it- a list of office essentials that would make your work more synchronised and hassle-free! Time to head for that office-essentials shopping today!

It is a proven fact that clutter in our surroundings often becomes a barrier to our productivity. The more organized our office space is, the happier and productive we become. One of the best techniques to do so is going the Feng Shui way. 

Literally translated, Feng means wind and Shui means water. Feng Shui aims to harmonize our built environment with our natural environment to lift up the space’s energy and allow for growth. The technique has been proven to work and create a positive and creative atmosphere, perfect for one’s work life. Let’s look at how they can be used in office spaces.

What should be the fixed desk made of as per Feng Shui?

Feng Shui has a lot to do with the texture of the table, and the recommended one is wooden. As opposed to a glass desk where the energy movement is too fast, a wooden desk helps bring in the calmness of nature to our desk. But if you already have a glass or metal desk, there are cures to it: incorporate a natural element on it, like a plant or some fresh flowers.

Should you go for a fixed desk or a flexible desk?

Both options have their own benefits under Feng Shui; it all depends on what your goal is. For instance, the flexible shape of the desk allows a free flow of creativity, while a rectangular one promotes growth.

Although the Feng Shui method is flexible and has a cure for everything, the least in their ladder of the shape of the desks are square and oval since they are believed to trap in energy and become obstacles to creativity.

Another essential aspect to consider apart from the shape is the position of the desk. Where you are placing yourself while working, affects your thoughts immensely. The ideal location as per Feng Shui is one facing the entrance or the door. You should be able to see who walks in and what is happening at the gate to feel aware. At the same time, within the room, place your desk farthest from the entrance in order to not feel distracted. Studies also reveal that the person sitting away from the entrance is also usually the most powerful one in the room.

What more can you do to make your space Feng Shui friendly?

1. Keep your space neat and organized: This includes keeping all your books, documents, stationery, wires, etc. in an organized fashion. This can be done by forming clear piles or having desk organizers.
2. Include colours: Nobody likes a dull working space. One of the biggest tips under the Feng Shui is to have colours around you that motivate you to work and de-stress. Green, blue, white and yellow are some of the most preferred colours for the same.
3. Pay emphasis on the air quality: There is extensive focus on the kind of air we breathe since it directly affects our vibes. Surround your desk with air-purifying plants.
4. Have productive walls: It is important not to let disorienting and confusing walls come in your way. Put up beautiful paintings or motivational posters.
5. Have windows in your space: Windows become our passage of interacting with the natural world. Since Feng Shui is all about creating the right energy, windows contribute extensively to build that vibe and consequently increase productivity.

Be it a flexible desk or a pre-set one, Feng Shui has techniques and cures for everything! These Feng Shui friendly desk tips will help you boost your performance and feel more comfortable and motivated while working.

Apart from these things, one of the biggest factors that can help you get closer to the ultimate Feng Shui desk is channelizing personal energy the correct way. Take a few minutes out every day to introspect and meditate, and you will realize how powerful and liberating this self-introspection will make you feel!

If you are looking for a co-working space with vibrant aesthetics, strategic design and well thought out space, then pay a visit to one of the Awfis centres. The juxtaposition of earthy hues with practical space utilization ensure that you have a productive time working here. Browse through the various centres here.