How to set up the perfect home office

One of the positive outcomes of the pandemic has been the realisation by many companies that working from home can be an appropriate and productive option for many office-based employees. For the business, this generally means a reduction in overheads. For employees, this can often reduce travel expenses and enable a better work/life balance. But if you are working from home, what steps do you need to take to set up the perfect home office and ensure your health and wellbeing is not compromised?

 1. The bigger picture

Before we even consider what your office should look like, there are other ‘bigger picture’ issues to consider.

If you are working from home in your own business, you make your own decisions. It is an ideal situation for people to develop the perfect work/life balance.

But if your employer has agreed on work-from-home options either on a full or part-time basis, you do need to get some clarity on certain issues. During the pandemic, the move to home working was effectively a temporary and necessary issue, but if the change becomes more permanent these are some of the questions you should ask to ensure that your physical and mental health is not compromised because of these changes:

• If you need new equipment or improved service infrastructure, will the company cover the costs?
• Is there flexibility in the hours you will be working to allow childcare etc to be managed more effectively?
• What support is available to ensure you do not suffer from stress and other mental health problems caused or exacerbated by a sense of isolation?
• How will your company put boundaries in place to ensure you are not expected to be available at unreasonable times?

 2. What are the basics for a home office?

The first consideration when working from home is excellent internet connectivity. You could have the most beautiful home office and the latest high-tech computer, but if your wi-fi is not up to scratch you are not going to be able to work effectively.

There may be options to improve connectivity, perhaps by changing to a different provider or even additional equipment. Perhaps your employee would cover the costs if that were the case? But if you live in a ‘dead spot’ there may not be much that can be done.

The basics then are, of course, a desk and a chair. Although design certainly plays an important role, the practicality of the furniture should come first, since you’re going to be using it a lot. Make sure to try before you buy or, if buying online, choose pieces that have an extended warranty or good return policies.

Ideally, choose an ergonomic chair which means it provides the best support for the human body for posture, comfort, and support. Elements that may be included are seat height adjustment, fully adjustable arms and adjustable or inflatable lumbar support.

Do remember that sitting for prolonged periods in a chair that does not provide good support is likely to result in long-term back, neck and shoulder complaints. Employers have a duty of care to ensure employees’ health is not compromised when they are working, and that is just as relevant if they are working from home!

The right desk should enable you to have everything close to hand, but many people are restricted by lack of space which may mean using the kitchen table, for example! But again, there are health issues to consider, and you should ensure that there is sufficient room for your legs without feeling constricted and that your arms should be able to rest on the desk without effort.

We spend most of the working day sitting at the desk – often in one place and in one position. Taking short breaks to change your position for a while can have many benefits.

If you are really concerned about the health problems that come with sitting at a desk all day – buy a stability ball or a standing desk to keep your core engaged whilst you work. Or go one step further and invest in a walking treadmill desk! You’ll be surprised how easily you will get the hang of typing and walking at the same time, and it’s great to keep active whilst working. Just remember to take breaks and build your pace and distance walked gradually to avoid injury.

Do also consider the sustainability of the office products you purchase, which could also include searching for refurbished items from specialist suppliers.

 3. Consider storage solutions

Your home office should have everything you need at your fingertips and be super organised to boot. There are loads of desk storage solutions to choose from out there: from drawer sets and cork notice boards to boxes and pen caddies. Make sure you get plenty to store away any loose items and keep yourself on top of everything.

There are even folding desk and table solutions available should you need to squeeze your office into a multi-functional room. And of course, whilst most businesses are almost paperless these days, you do need to ensure important hard copy documents are not left around for anyone to see. Similarly, that your computer is turned off and not easily accessible to others that should not have access!

We always recommend cable tidies, too, because there is nothing worse (and potentially dangerous) than a load of loose wires!

 4. The perfect home office

Last but not least, turn your office space from an area that is perfectly functional into something you love. Taking a Feng Shui approach to your designing your perfect home office, for example, can provide remarkable benefits!

Paintings, flowers, plants, pictures of your loved ones and even your favourite work-related books can help you find inspiration or motivation in times of stress.

Lighting is important too. Ideally, you should have as much natural light as possible. Rather than block out any glare from the sun, consider blinds that let in the light but filter glare. And on darker days, or if you do not have natural light, adjustable desk lamps are the way to go, preferably in a warm shade!

No one wants to sit and work at an ugly desk! Even if you think it is not a priority – trust us, you’ll be amazed at the difference adding some personal touches will make to your home office. It could even make you more productive – studies have shown we like to be in visually pleasing environments, and that this positive association can lead to increased motivation to work. In short, it’s important to make your time in the office as pleasant as possible!