Top Tips for Setting Up the Perfect Home Office
AD| Working from home isn’t necessarily a new phenomenon but has certainly risen in popularity over the past eighteen months. The global pandemic forced many of us to transform our parts of our homes into makeshift home offices, from dining room tables to small corners of our bedrooms.
Many companies have realised that their staff work well from home and have decided to permanently close their offices, or turn to hybrid working, meaning our improvised workspaces will have to be adjusted. With that said, here are some tips for setting up a more ideal home office.
A Dedicated Space
If working from home is going to be permanent for you, then your home office should be a permanent space too. This might mean you have to get creative, as we are not all lucky enough to have a study. You could convert your guest bedroom if you have one, but utility rooms, landings, garden sheds, an enclosed porch or even the space beneath your stairs are other options.
Lighting
Humans are hardwired to work during the daytime when it is light so, if possible, it would be wise to set up your space where there is plenty of natural light i.e., near a window. This should help you with your productivity and prevent problems such as eyestrain. If natural light isn’t possible, make sure you have a decent desk lamp so that you can clearly see what you’re doing.
Furniture
Your office furniture needs to be comfortable and a suitable height so that you are neither slouching, nor stretching. If your desk and chair are not the right height you will end up with backache, repetitive strain injury or other issues. Ergonomic furniture is the best choice because it follows a set of scientific principles to support function and comfort reducing the risk of joint paint, poor blood pressure, musculoskeletal problems, and arthritis.
Equipment
You will obviously need a computer/laptop, a mouse, and a keyboard. Your computer screen should be at eye level, so make sure it is on a raised platform if you are quite tall. You should also chat to your employer about providing you with other equipment should you need it, like an office printer or a phone. You will also need to ensure you have a decent internet connection, especially if you make lots of video calls throughout the day. A power surge protector is also a great idea because it will protect your computer and information in instances of a power outage.
Storage
Clutter is very distracting, so make sure you have shelving or storage cupboards so that you can keep everything neat and organised. Many desks come with built-in drawers, so this might be a quick fix for you.
Décor
To help make the space feel more inviting, it would be a good idea to add some décor and colour. Photo frames, artwork and plants are great options for personalising the space and making it feel more welcoming.
With some planning and organisation, you are sure to create a space that works for yourself and your family and ensures you are reaching your full potential at work. Just be sure to keep an eye on the clock, because it can be easy to get carried away when working from home and it’s absolutely crucial to maintain a work-life balance so that you don’t burn out.
What other tips do you have for setting up your home office?
0 comments