Introduction
There are many challenges and discomforts that come with working from home, including back pain, distractions and simply feeling uninspired. Since Covid-19 there has been a significant rise in remote work, so it is extremely important that individuals take the time to create a designated and functional home office space.
Upgrading your office space doesn’t have to be expensive or require major renovations, simply, making small smart changes can make a huge difference. By upgrading to ergonomic furniture, optimising your desk space, improving lighting and so on, you can create a more productive and comfortable home office environment.
Embrace Ergonomic Furniture
Poorly designed and unsupportive office furniture, especially office chairs, can have a huge impact on productivity by causing discomfort and injuries. Over time a bad chair can result in musculoskeletal issues, including chronic back pain and poor posture.
Investing in an ergonomic office chair is key for recreating the support you would receive in a traditional office environment. Ergonomic chairs are specifically designed to increase comfort and provide support, by using features like lumbar supports, armrests, adjustable height and headrests. Over time using an ergonomic chair will correct your posture and prevent injuries, leading to improved focus and productivity when working.
When investing in an ergonomic chair it is important to purchase from a reputable company and research reviews beforehand to ensure that the chair is high-quality, durable and meets your needs.
Optimise Your Desk Space
A cluttered desk, insufficient space or an awkward workspace set up, can lead to frustration and significantly impact work efficiency. An office desk is the base of your office, so it is vital that it works well for you without compromising on efficiency and comfort.
Consider the current location of your desk to identify if it fits the space well or if you could benefit by moving it to an alternative location. For instance, it is helpful to move your desk if it is in a position with multiple visual distractions, as this can significantly impact concentration. Furthermore, ensure your desk is positioned in a space that allows for freedom of movement. If it is located in a tight space it could impact your ability to comfortably move your chair.
In addition, it is important for your desk to have an ergonomic set up, by considering monitor height and positioning, as well as keyboard and mouse placement. Ensure that the top of your monitor is placed at eye-level to reduce neck strain and it is positioned so that you can view the screen straight on. In addition, your keyboard and mouse should be positioned close to your body and on a flat surface to allow for a neutral wrist position.
Master Your Lighting
Poor lighting can have an adverse effect on well-being when working from home by causing eye strains, headaches and fatigue that can significantly impact the quality of your work. To avoid discomfort in your home office then it is a good idea to maximise natural light where possible. To achieve this, position your desk opposite a window to directly illuminate your workspace.
However, if your office space receives limited natural light then it is a good idea to invest in commercial LED lighting. LED lighting is an artificial lighting source that effectively imitates natural daylight, by providing significantly lower glare and flicker than traditional incandescent bulbs. This prevents eyestrains and headaches to ensure increased concentration when working.
Streamline Your Storage & Waste Management
Poor storage and waste management can lead to a cluttered and unorganised home office space, including overflowing bins, misplacement of important documents and general disarray. Over time this lack of organisation can result in increased stress and poor efficiency.
Efficient storage facilities are key for creating an organised and tidy work environment. In particular a compact filing cabinet is essential in preventing the misplacement of important documents, without taking up too much space in your office. In addition, floating shelves are another storage option that saves floorspace, whilst providing an easily accessible and convenient location for storing files, stationary and other equipment.
To effectively manage waste and reduce clutter in your home office it is important to incorporate separate waste and recycling bins. This will prevent a build-up of rubbish in your home office by providing a suitable disposal point for different types of waste, as well as significantly reducing your environmental impact. To maintain the appearance of your office, invest in compact and aesthetically pleasing recycling and waste bins.
Incorporate Personal Touches
A sterile office environment can make you feel disconnected and uninspired in your surroundings. It is important to make your office space feel like your own by incorporating personal decorative items throughout the space.
Plants are the perfect addition to an office as they provide much needed colour, whilst also improving air quality and reducing stress. Plants have been found to absorb pollutants in the air and release oxygen through photosynthesis, to create a healthier environment.
Furthermore, add a touch of personality to your space by incorporating photos and artwork on walls, desktops and shelves. This can create a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere in your home office which is vital for improving your mental well-being and mood on a daily basis.
Finally, maintaining and tidying your office space on a regular basis will create a well-cared for environment that is more pleasant to work in. This doesn’t have to involve excessive cleaning but rather taking five minutes to organise your belongings and make the space look presentable to improve your mindset when working.
Conclusion
This blog post highlights 5 smart changes that can be used to completely transform your home office environment. A well designed and functional home office space is integral for improved work quality by increasing productivity and focus. If you want to transform your office space on a budget, start by making one smart change and instantly see the difference.
