CIO opinion
CIO OPINION
Organisation system
The type of organisation system you choose
should depend on your space and the
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.
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.
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INTELLIGENTCIO
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
makes people feel more engaged with
their work. When it comes to choosing a
standing desk, your options range from the
more basic (and less expensive) to the more
complex (and costly).
Natural light
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 system, mood and sleep.
Getting enough exposure to natural light
could improve your mental clarity and vision
and reduce headaches and migraines.
Tip – If your home office doesn’t have
access to natural lighting, your next best
option is to replace your current light
bulbs with full-spectrum light bulbs. While
not a substitute for natural light, full-
spectrum lights feature the same balanced
temperature, and so provide you with some
of the same benefits. The crisp white light
that they give off is perfect for activities that
require visual acuity, such as reading.
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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