Have you adapted to remote working this year? The Office for National Statistics reports that almost all of us worked from home in April 2020, the first full month of UK lockdown. While the trend has divided opinion among workers, business owners and economists, a full-time return to offices appears unlikely.
As this year has dragged on, many will have discovered just how crucial it is to create a comfortable home office setup. Makeshift desks and stiff chairs can lead to a variety of repetitive straining injuries, while insufficient tech can seriously hamper productivity.
So how do you create the ideal space for working from home? Below we discuss room choice, equipment and more.
Where to set yourself up
In an ideal world, you’d have a dedicated home office to lock yourself away in and get to work.
For most people however, a separate home office simply isn’t feasible. A study by instantprint, an online printing company offering posters, banners and other products, found that 84% of us have been forced to adapt other spaces in the home.
But whether it’s your living room, bedroom or the hallway, the location isn’t the be-all and end-all. Simply aim to carve out a space that is out of the rest of everyone’s way – and vice versa – as much as possible.
Key home office requirements
Whatever your line of work, you’re likely to need the same basic items and requirements.
A comfortable desk and chair should be at the top of your list. An ideal setup should be tailored to your height and ideal for the bulk of your work, whether that’s typing, taking calls or writing notes. An adjustable standing desk will give you options to switch things up throughout the working day.
If you’re used to using large or multiple screens in an office, a new monitor will prevent you peering at a tiny laptop screen all day at home. Good overhead lighting, without glare from your screen, is also important.
And of course, you’ll need an internet service you can rely on for video calls and other tasks. Wiring your laptop to your router is one simple way to improve the signal strength.
The nice-to-haves
Beyond the essentials, there are several extras you may want to consider depending on your profession and personality.
A good headset will free your hands up if you spend much of your time on calls, as well as blocking out noise disruption. Desk organisers and planners can also help you keep your workspace, mind and home tidy.
Beyond practicalities, are there any decorative items that could make you fonder of your makeshift environment? That could include personal photos, houseplants and candles. At the same time, removing general household clutter can help to reduce distractions.
Can you see yourself regularly working from home in the future? Follow the tips above to create a better-optimised space for your working day.