The rise of remote work has significantly impacted how people live and work. As more companies adopt flexible work policies, many renters seek properties accommodating a comfortable home office space. As more companies adopt flexible work policies, many renters seek properties accommodating a comfortable home office space. A Stanford study that observed Chinese companies found that remote workers are 13% more productive than their in-office counterparts. There are benefits to working at home for both companies and employees, and the need for home offices arises as career options continue to expand in 2023 and beyond.

The rise of remote work has significantly impacted how people live and work. As a property owner or manager, offering a functional and attractive workspace within your rental property can make it more appealing to potential tenants. Here are 9 other home improvement trends to level up your property.

Professor Alex Haslam, who conducts research on office design at the University of Exeter says: “Not only does office design determine whether people’s backs ache, it [can] affect how much they accomplish, how much initiative they take, and their overall professional satisfaction.”

In this article, we'll explore some data-backed areas of opportunity for creating a phenomenal home office. We’ll offer simple tips and ideas for creating a home office space in your rental property that will set it apart in today's competitive market.

Choose the right space

When selecting a space within your rental property for a home office, consider factors such as natural light, noise levels, and proximity to common living areas. A room with a window is ideal, as natural light can boost productivity and overall well-being. Research by the World Green Building Council found that access to natural light can improve productivity by up to 18%. Also, try to choose a space separated from high-traffic areas to minimize noise and distractions for the tenant.

Optimize for functionality and comfort

A home office should be functional and comfortable, as tenants will likely spend significant time working there. Include a spacious desk, a comfortable ergonomic chair, and ample storage solutions like shelves or cabinets. According to a Steelcase study, office workers with ergonomic chairs are 17.7% more productive than non-ergonomic chairs. Include a spacious desk, a comfortable ergonomic chair, and ample storage solutions like shelves or cabinets. Ensure enough power outlets and a power strip for easy access to charge devices.

Maximize the use of vertical space

Making the most of the available space is essential in smaller rental properties. Maximize the use of vertical space by installing wall-mounted shelves or modular storage systems. This will provide storage for office supplies and create a visually appealing and organized workspace. A Small Business Pulse Survey by the Alternative Board in 2017 found that 25% of business owners said organizing their workspace leads to better productivity.

Encourage personalization

While you want the home office space to be functional and appealing, it's also essential to allow tenants to personalize the area to their liking. Encourage personalization by providing neutral-colored furniture and walls, which can be a blank canvas for renters to add personal touches. Research by the University of Exeter found that people who work in spaces they have personalized are up to 32% more productive and also happier, and healthier. This research involved more than 2,000 office workers, and results consistently showed that the more control workers have over their space, the happier and more motivated they are at their jobs.

Enhance lighting

Proper lighting is crucial for a productive and comfortable home office.

A study by the American Society of Interior Designers found that 68% of employees have formally complained about the lighting situation in their offices, with many preferring more natural light. Poor office lighting can create eye strain, depressive effects, and lowered productivity.

In addition to natural light, include multiple light sources like a desk lamp for task lighting and an overhead or floor lamp for ambient lighting. This will create a well-lit workspace that's easy on the eyes during long work hours.

Prioritize high-speed internet connectivity

Fast and reliable internet connectivity is a must for remote workers. Ensure your rental property is equipped with high-speed internet access, and consider upgrading your Wi-Fi router to ensure a strong and consistent signal throughout the property. According to a study by Sandvine, almost half of internet users cite slow connectivity as their top frustration while working from home. It becomes increasingly important to prioritize high-speed connectivity in the era of video-held meetings and internet-based collaboration and productivity tools.

Promote a clutter-free environment

A clutter-free workspace can significantly impact productivity and focus. Provide tenants with storage solutions such as filing cabinets, desk organizers, and storage boxes to help them keep their work areas clean and organized. A study by the Princeton Neuroscience Institute found that cluttered environments can negatively impact focus and cognitive function, making it harder to process information and complete tasks efficiently.

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Professor Sabine Kastner at Princeton Neuroscience Institute notes that the more objects in the visual field, the harder the brain has to filter them out, causing it to tire over time and reducing its ability to function. Lowering the shades while working or taking a few minutes to tidy one’s workspace can lead to more productivity.

By creating a functional and comfortable home office space in your rental property, you can cater to the growing number of remote workers looking for an important area of their house that meets their professional and personal needs. Implementing these data-backed tips will make your property more appealing to potential tenants and set it apart in today's competitive rental market.

At Doorstead, we understand the importance of staying ahead of market trends and offering full-service, tech-enabled property management solutions to support your rental property needs.

Check out our recommendations for 9 other home improvement trends to uplevel your property.

If you have a bigger budget, consider these top ROI-generating remodels for your home.

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