If you’re lucky enough to have a job that allows you to work from home, then you know that it presents its own challenges to productivity. Your house can be a source of never-ending distractions, so much so that you’ll probably find yourself longing for the Framery pod in your office just so you can enjoy some much-needed quiet during busy working hours. Simply setting up your laptop and sitting down at any random table at home isn’t going to be a great long-term solution for either your productivity or your well-being. You need to set up a home office that’s dedicated to helping you maintain your focus, separate your work life from your personal life, and maximize your efficiency while you’re on the clock.
Choose the Right Working Space
Whether it’s a corner of your living room or a garden shed, you may set up an office anyplace in your house as long as it meets these fundamental requirements:
- Your work space needs to be both private and quiet. Choose one that provides you with a degree of separation from the rest of the house. Even a converted closet can do as long as it allows you to distance yourself from common household noises and activities.
- Find a space that lets in natural light as much as possible. Sunlight can help to keep you alert and energised throughout your workday, so pick a spot that has access to windows. If that’s not doable, make sure that the area has plenty of illumination.
- Make sure you have enough space to do your work comfortably. You will require a larger space than someone who usually uses a single laptop if your job demands you to utilise numerous monitors or if you need storage facilities for paper documents.
- The space should be easily accessible without having to disrupt the routines of family members or other people living in the house.
Consider the Ergonomics of Your Equipment
Purchasing ergonomically suitable equipment is crucial to avoiding any discomfort and any long-term health problems that may result from extended sitting. Make sure your home office has the following necessities:
- A good ergonomic chair can be pricey, but it’s an investment that’s well-worth the amount. Get a chair that lets you adjust its lumbar support, height, seat depth, and armrests. While sitting on it, your feet should lay flat on the floor and your knees should be at a 90-degree angle.
- An adjustable standing desk lets you sit and stand alternately throughout your workday, and this can promote better circulation and posture. If you can’t get a standing desk, then make sure that the desk height lets you rest your elbows comfortably while you’re typing.
- If you’re using a monitor, position it at arm’s length with the top of the screen just slightly below or at eye level. This will help to prevent any neck strain during long hours of working.
- Get a mouse and a keyboard that help encourage a neutral wrist posture. Vertical mice, for instance, can be helpful in reducing strain on your wrist.
Invest in Essential Technology
You want your workflow to be seamless, so it’s important to equip your home office with the tools and technology that will make it easier to do your job. Check with your employer if they provide an equipment allowance, and these are the essentials that you need to spend good money on:
- Whether it’s a desktop or a laptop, pick a computer that can handle the demands of your workload. It needs to have sufficient memory, processing power, and storage. You may also want to purchase peripherals like a printer or external hard drive.
- A stable, high-speed internet connection is absolutely crucial for any remote work. Upgrade your existing internet plan if you need to, and make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal in your home office.
- If you need to be on video calls a lot, then get a quality webcam, headset, and microphone. Make sure you have proper lighting in the space for your video conferences, too.
- Make sure you have enough outlets for all of your devices and use surge protectors to shield your electronic equipment from power surges.
Keep an Eye on Your Budget
Creating your home office can certainly take up your time, but it doesn’t have to cost you a lot. Prioritise your spending on the most important items that meet pressing needs such as ergonomic essentials like your chair and monitor. To save money, you may always repurpose existing furniture, such as a dining table or bookcase. Additionally, you can shop around to find sales and discounts, or you can choose do-it-yourself options like creating your own shelves. Since some businesses do give their employees the option to purchase equipment or receive allowances for their home office needs, don’t be afraid to ask your company if they can assist.
Establish Clear and Firm Boundaries for a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges of working from home is simply knowing when to actually stop working. This is something that both employers and employees struggle with, so you need to set firm boundaries between your job and your personal time. Keep regular work hours and stick to them as much as you can, and don’t forget to take breaks, too. You need to give your mind a rest from time to time while your body needs to stretch and move around. Finally, once the workday is over, disconnect from your devices and go do something that will signal to your brain that it’s time to relax. You can go for a short walk, enjoy a drink, watch a show, or prep a meal.
A well-designed home office is a great investment that can boost your productivity and work experience, along with your overall well-being. So, remember to prioritise essential technology, ergonomics, organisation, and personalisation to create a home office space that fully meets your needs and lets you thrive in your work.
