Working from home is becoming more common each year, whether through remote or hybrid roles. Now these flexible arrangements are staying put, it’s important that we design a home office environment that ensures we remain as comfortable and as productive as possible.
If you’re considering creating your own home workstation, here are some of our top tips to make sure the result is a dedicated space free from distractions.
Choosing the location
If you own a large home with a spare room, then you likely already know exactly where you’ll be working from. However, if you don’t have this luxury or are short on space, you can instead utilise another quiet area of the home, such as under the stairs or a corner in the living room.
Are there ways you could rearrange your living space to accommodate this? So long as you can fit your desk, equipment, and chair and move freely, then you should be ready to start designing your workspace.
Invest in ergonomic accessories and furniture
While you may think your current setup is comfortable enough, problems with your neck and back could soon appear if it is not designed with support in mind. Instead, make sure that you invest in an ergonomic chair with lumbar support as well as accessories like a keyboard and mouse wrist rest.
Go a step further and swap out your desk for one with adjustable height settings. This will allow you to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, which has been found to improve posture, encourage circulation, and increase energy levels.
Keep clutter to a minimum
A disorganised working space can make you lose focus easily. From old Post-it notes on your desk to clothes on the floor and dirty cups on the windowsill, mess can quickly pile up and affect your overall productivity.
Before starting work for the day, take the time to declutter your environment while still ensuring the items you need are within easy reach. Opt for fitted furniture in the awkward areas of your room to maximise space and store your belongings. You could also consider vertical solutions such as wall organisers or bookshelves.
Ensure the lighting is right
Good lighting is important when working for long hours to avoid straining your eyes. Aim to maximise the amount of natural light that enters your office space to prevent headaches and improve productivity.
You can easily do this by hanging mirrors around the room or incorporating bright and cheery colours in your décor. As an alternative, simply place an LED lamp close to your desk and provide targeted light where needed.
