How to setup your Home Office
Rapid technological advancements have transformed the way people live and work. Networks are strengthened as more processes are digitised, paving the way for remote working to succeed. Did you know that nearly 50% of Australian employees are already working remotely for at least half the week?
Working from home has many advantages - no daily commute and a flexible schedule as well as time and cost savings. If you’re self-employed, this these can help you save on overheads by eliminating the need to pay rental fees.
There are advantages to remote working if you create the proper setting - one where your professional life is separate from your personal life. The traditional office has always worked this way being physically set apart from your home. It’s where you go to work and is built for efficiency with all the tools and equipment you need. This is the environment you need to recreate at home. Except this time you’re fully in charge!
1. Pick your spot.
The ideal home office spot is peaceful, quiet, and private - especially if you’re in virtual meetings a lot. Sometimes it will be as easy as occupying a spare room or any unused space in your house. The case might be trickier for shared homes.
Remote workers have found unique and innovative ways to create their own home office. Some have created workspaces in nooks under the stairs, along the hallway, inside cupboards, or even in dining areas.
TIP: Position yourself near power points to avoid moving around to charge your devices
2. Identify your needs.
Workspace needs can vary according to your career. Writers might need a wide desk space with a computer and document area. Programmers would usually need more than one screen on their desks. Administrative roles might need more storage space for physical documents. No matter what your role is, there is a certain workspace need that has to be met to become truly productive at home.
IMAGE: Home office in the European
3. factor in home office ergonomics.
Ergonomics refers to how the body can efficiently interact with space and equipment to maximise efficiency. Being able to work comfortably reduces unnecessary stress, leading to increased productivity.
The best home office ergonomics investment you can make is in a suitable chair and desk/work surface. Getting an adjustable chair with armrests and wheels means high compatibility with most work desks. Should this not be the case, make sure you get a table and chair that ergonomically complement each other.
A Snapshot of Desk Ergonomics
The elbows should be at desk height when sitting down with your feet flat on the ground, your back straight, and knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Your screen should be at eye-level - at least 18 to 36 centimetres away.
INFOGRAPHIC: Setting up your desk (source: Zapier)
4. Get adequate lighting.
Lighting is important because it signals the body to wake up and ease itself into work mode. There are two types of lighting used in workspaces - ambient and task lighting.
Near the window is an ideal position for workspaces as they’re closer to natural light. Warmer and softer on the eyes, natural lighting often works well in reducing eye strain and headaches that can impede on efficiency. If there isn’t a nearby window, grab an artificial warm light such as a LED bulb or incandescent light. They’re not only good for your eyes but the environment as well!
Task lighting, on the other hand, is illuminating a specific area to aid in the completion of a specific task. The most common example is using a lamp to read better by having a light source near you. When engaging in work that requires task lighting, using lamps with LED bulbs to avoid strain on the retina.
5. Keep your home office neat and tidy.
Chances are you’ll find several cables tangled with each other a nuisance whilst working. Cleaner desks have been linked to an increase in productivity as clutter can make you feel overwhelmed and distracted. Keeping your cables managed is key - you can find inspiration for DIY cable management systems or use cable ties to keep them from getting tangled.
Ensure all the stuff on your desk is what you need and that anything you don’t need is kept in the drawers or nearby storage. The less clutter, the fewer distractions!
6. Style and decorate your setup!
This ultimately boils down to your style preferences but usually warm colours evoke a calming feeling that can help ease stress and increase focus. Colours such as warm white, off-white, blue, blue-green, and earthy colours are among the many to choose from.
Popping in some plants in your workspace are also known to have benefits. They purify the air by removing toxins and create a healthy and relaxed environment that can help increase productivity.
Your home office setup can make or break your productivity at home. Pay a good amount of attention to it to ensure that it serves your needs. Use your home office setup to your advantage - curate the workspace you’ve always wanted!
