WFH: Maximizing Your Space

At NJI, we’ve all made the adjustment to remote work, whether that means working at a computer desk, a dining room table, a living room couch, or even a bed. 

No matter what your work-from-home space looks like, however, it is important to maximize that space to make it as comfortable and user-friendly as possible. 

Reduce desk clutter by keeping out only the most important items that you use every day, such as a laptop and a notebook. Finding the right organizational system and investing in a few tools can be a major plus for consolidating your office supplies and increasing your usable work surface while continuing to have space to work. 

Lighting is important, especially when working remotely. You don’t want to look like a shadow every time you log into a Zoom meeting, so keep strong lighting at your desk. With ring lights or even a desk lamp, you’ll always be ready to hop on a virtual call.

Don’t neglect the space under your desk, either. Declutter, if necessary, to ensure you have enough leg room to stretch your legs and sit comfortably. 

Desk orientation is also important. A desk that’s too low can affect your posture, whereas a desk that’s too high can strain your eyes and neck. You want a desk that’s at the perfect height for you and a desk chair that will make sitting comfortable.

Everyone’s workspace is different. A video editor might have various lighting setups available, whereas a marketing pro mers share tips on how they maximize their remote workspaces.

Glen Swart | Senior Graphic Designer

Why do you have your work/desk space set up like this?

Two screens, all the better to see my work with.

What strategies do you use to reduce clutter?

I have pegboards and storage above my desk for tidying away bits and my many art and craft supplies.

Why is your desk space effective?

I can easily turn it from a workplace to a space for making—usually, lino or woodcut, to produce relief prints.

What are the top 3 must haves for your workspace?

Good lighting, a notepad for jotting down my mind’s ramblings, and photos of friends and my dogs.

If you could change one thing about your workspace what would it be and why?

Having enough light for plants would be great.

What’s your favorite thing about your workspace?

It’s super easy to tidy.

Where in your home is your WFH space set up?

My bedroom.

Sarah Fritz | SVP, Finance & Operations

Why do you have your work/desk space set up like this?

It was a logical place to set up shop and turn our outside storage “studio” into a more formal office. With our childcare being in the house, it’s a nice spot external from our house, but close enough to run inside if needed.

What strategies do you use to reduce clutter?

I take cups, plates, and snacks inside every night and I sort paperwork weekly to ensure anything that’s no longer needed moves to the trash.

Why is your desk space effective?

I have a place for everything: monitor, pens, notebook, laptop, water, water pitcher, candle, etc. It’s also easy to remove my laptop if I want a change of scenery and decide to move around the yard or inside the house.

What are the top 3 must haves for your workspace?

Quiet, a window to see outside, and a comfortable seat, desk, and monitor. Bonus: a candle, Alexa, and a visit from our cat.

If you could change one thing about your workspace what would it be and why?

Its own bathroom so I didn’t have to go inside. But it’s actually a good excuse to get up and walk through the garden to the house.

What’s your favorite thing about your workspace?

The trees and garden surrounding the space make it feel like a woodland oasis outside the city.

Where in your home is your WFH space set up?

We are lucky to have an external she-shed/office behind our house!

Nate Politi | SVP, Strategy & Client Services

Why do you have your work/desk space set up like this?

Simplicity (more space = more clutter) and access to the technology I need.

What strategies do you use to reduce clutter?

More space = more clutter. I keep a smaller desk area, keep all of my notes online, etc. Really, it’s about decluttering the desktop of my computer and the tabs of my browser.

Why is your desk space effective?

I can sit, I can stand, and I have quick access to anything I need throughout the day.

What are the top 3 must haves for your workspace?

Second screen, comfortable keyboard and mouse, and coffee

If you could change one thing about your workspace what would it be and why?

I like my workspace! I wish the background was better on Zoom.

What’s your favorite thing about your workspace?

It’s right next to a big set of windows, so I can pause and look outside and reset.

Where in your home is your WFH space set up?

I keep my workspace on the second floor, far away from most living spaces. This gives me the feeling of going to and leaving the office.