In the modern world, technology has made many aspects of our lives easier than ever. Many jobs across a wide range of industries can now be completed without going into the office, which can save time on commuting and result in an overall improvement to work life balance. The concept of working from home has picked up a lot of momentum over the past few years, and while many businesses still prefer their staff to come into the office regularly, most allow some level of flexibility.
If you’re interested in working from home, you’ll need a space that’s setup for your work. Even if you don’t have a spare room you can fully convert, setting aside some space within a room where you can work without interruptions is important. Working from home can bring benefits to productivity and overall happiness, but only if you have a suitable place to work. In this guide, we’ll share some tips to create a home office that’s tailored towards success.
The Right Equipment
Before you can start planning what to include in your home office, you need to consider the role you work in and your specific needs. When you go into work, what kind of tools and equipment do you use to get the job done? Jobs most suitable for working from home are those done in an office where the majority of your tools are software based. However, you’ll still need a device capable of running this software.
The best device for working from home is some kind of desktop computer. Whether this is a Mac or PC, you’ll need the right kind of hardware that can handle the processes you need to run. In addition, you should have at least one monitor which is a suitable size and specifications to avoid eye strain. Check that the display port is compatible with your machine.
Aside from the computer itself, the right peripherals will make a big difference to your experience. While some people prefer to work from home on a laptop, a desktop with a keyboard and mouse is often more powerful and effective. Ergonomic keyboards make typing for long periods much easier. For some roles, you might benefit from a stylus and multiple monitors for multi-tasking.
Your Desk and Office Chair
While the device you work on is important, so too is the furniture you’ll use. Modern offices feature ergonomic furniture designed to support us while sitting and working for long periods of time. Ideally, you should be getting up and stretching your legs often, but sitting for many hours at a desk that’s the wrong height or using a chair that’s not sufficiently shaped may cause injury.
Work related injuries are more common than you might think for office workers, and slouching over while you work can lead to long term health risks. Make sure you have a desk that is the right height for your sitting position, ensuring you don’t have to strain your neck while looking at your screen. It also needs to be the right size to comfortably fit your screens, keyboard, mouse and anything else you need to work.
When working from home, a lot of people simply use a standard chair. However, you need something with proper lumbar support if you’re going to be using your home office regularly. This will help you stay comfortable and means you’re far less likely to suffer from issues. Being comfortable is the key to being productive, provided you’re still focused on your work. Make sure you minimise potential distractions and ensure that anyone else in the house knows not to disturb you.
