You might be new to working remotely, or your employer might have encouraged working from home to reduce the time spent commuting to and from the workstation.
There are various reasons you might opt to operate from the comfort of your home; however, you should create an efficient and comfortable workstation that enhances workflow. The workstation should optimize your eyesight and you should set it up in such a way that you have the right posture. This guide will help you set up a comfortable workstation at home; thus, you get to perform at your best.
1. Office Gear & Technology
There are a few essential office equipment pieces that you should consider purchasing to ensure that you work efficiently. For example, a landline or an office mobile phone can really come in handy, as well as stationery items such as calculators, notepads, pens and highlighters, a printer, a constant internet supply, and an efficient PowerPoint projector.
Aside from these essential gadgets, it would be best if you had some decorative elements to make your office more personalized, along with making your job easier. Take playmats and mousepads, for example. There are numerous websites where you can get Your Play Mats from and custom design them to your preferences. All you have to do is pick a design and select the right dimensions. If you don’t want a plain, boring office, consider pumping it up a bit with similar elements that fit your style.
2. The Working Area
Find a working area where you can place a desk and chair then clean up the region. It would be best if you had a clean place to set your computer and then position all the IT appliances directly in front of you. Don’t incline the IT equipment at an angle since it will increase your chances of having back pain.
3. Furniture
For the highest productivity, you would want the office desk to be spacious so you can place the phone, writing tools, and laptop. The desk should have the right height and enough space for your legs below. It would help if you had an ergonomic chair that gives your feet freedom of movement.
4. Have Proper Lighting
It’s essential to have ample light in your home office to reduce the straining of the eyes. Have the best bulbs installed on the computer and the reading desk? Place the equipment at the right distance from the chair to prevent the use of glasses whenever you read content from the screen. You will get to work for longer hours since your eyes will be less strained. Alongside this, make good use of natural light since it’s known to improve the general working atmosphere. Ensure that the office is adequately ventilated since a stuffy office will leave you with headaches, and you will feel drained. Regulate the office temperature using fans and ensure that the temperature is maintained at 21 degrees Celsius.
5. Painting the Office
Make the office more inviting by incorporating a personal touch and having the right blend of colors. Find the best decorating style then blend it with the correct patterns that reflect your style. Incorporate some cover boxes or decorative baskets where you can place office supplies. For the wall, place some works of art or photos that inspire you to achieve more.
6. Seats
Try and be creative when picking the office seats. You can use the ironing table and convert it to a sitting spot, but basically, ensure that your feet are supported and that your hips are higher than your feet. Also, you can purchase a chair that allows you to sit comfortably and supports your back. Avoid seating on an armchair or a sofa as you work since this increases your chances of having a back injury.
7. Personal Items and Storage Space
The office should be free of clutter, and you can use some storage solutions to prevent clogging the office. Ensure that you have a litter bin within your arms reach, a board fitted with pins, a document tray, files and folders where you keep papers, and some cabinet shelves you can organize all the office documents. Clear the litter bin every day and refrain from placing unnecessary equipment in the office.
Your office should also have some added amenities such as reading glasses, a radio or speaker, a water container filled with water, essential oils, or a burning candle that maintains fresh air and some plants that will get rid of toxins air.
Working from home can be effective, provided that you effectively organize your workstation. Ensure that you pick a room that’s visited less frequently and follow the above tips as you assemble the space. Studies have revealed that people who work from home are the most productive; if setting up a home office proves difficult, then you should consider seeking professional assistance.
