Whether you’re working remotely as a freelancer, small business owner, or WFH employee, creating a home office conducive to working is key for comfort and work efficiency.
But how do you create a proper home office? Let’s discuss.
Why are more people building home offices?
With remote work now being the norm, people have grown tired of simply working with their laptop at the dining table or at a cheap desk. And people are actually 13% more productive when working from home compared to working on-site.
However, in order to truly reap the benefits of remote work, people need a proper workspace at home. Else, they risk blurring the line between their job and their home life, leading to burnout and stress.
Here are tips on how to build a home office that supports focus, comfort, and peace of mind.
Ergonomics
A proper workspace is an ergonomic one, minimizing strain on your body and boosting your ability to work for long hours without discomfort.
Proper posture is paramount. Begin by investing in a proper ergonomic chair. Instead of cheaping out, invest in a high-quality one with:
- Lumbar support;
- Adjustable height;
- Seat cushioning.
Adjust the seat height so that your legs are resting comfortably on the floor. Your back and neck will thank you once you’ve retired from work.
Next, pair this with a desk of proper height as well. Your arms should also be resting comfortably when you type in a 90-degree L-shape from your torso.
For your monitor placement, position it around arm’s length away, with the top of the screen at or just below eye level.
Lastly, don’t forget to stand and stretch every once in a while! Even with a perfectly ergonomic chair and desk set-up, our natural tendencies still cause us to slouch eventually.
Aesthetics
Looks matter—even for work. A visually pleasing workspace can energize you, reduce stress, and even make you excited to work there.
Though aesthetic sensibilities are subjective, here are rules of thumb you can start with:
- Color coordinate
Having a chaotic mish-mash of colors might look good to some people (and if that’s you, more power to you!), but it can cause eye strain for most. Use the color wheel or look for inspiration online to get some ideas of what colors work well together.
- Have greenery
No matter what color scheme you go for, however, having plants (even fake ones) is always a good idea. Greenery goes well with virtually every color scheme imaginable. Looking at greenery has been proven to reduce stress and eye strain, critical for those long hours staring at a screen.
- Have good lighting
Having proper lighting doesn’t just allow you to see your monitor well (reducing eyestrain in the process). Warm, natural light in particular is known to improve mood and reduce stress. Position your desk near a window if possible.
Don’t forget to add a few personal touches: photos, artwork, figurines—whatever makes you smile when catching a glimpse of them during long working hours!
See Also: The Future of Wearable Tech: Beyond Smartwatches
Security
It’s not discussed enough, but security is crucial. Having peace of mind allows you to work worry-free and perform your best.
First, have a strong password on your computer. You never know when someone breaks into your house or if your kid sneaks in and presses random buttons.
Next, keep all software (browsers, editing software, video conferencing programs, etc.) you use for work updated. Updates typically contain security patches.
Consider also using a virtual private network to encrypt your connection. Many reputable providers let you try VPN for free, allowing you to explore before committing.
Lastly, have a backup drive of all your critical files. You never know when your computer might get hacked or break without warning!
Bringing It All Together
The good news is that creating a comfy, productive home office doesn’t require a total remodel.
Start with essentials: a proper desk and chair, add some fitting decorations and greenery, then set up your devices to be safe and secure. Then, finish with whatever final touches you wish.
And that’s it! Working from home just got a little brighter.
