With the Covid-19 pandemic only allowing businesses to continue operations from home, the world has had to shift rapidly. It is nothing short of impressive how business owners and employees around the world have adjusted their lives and schedules to working from home.
The explosion of software programmes – like Slack, Zoom, Asana – has shown us the immense utility of digital design to promote office productivity and efficiency. But, it has been strenuous… Among others, one important aspect of remaining productive during this uncertain period has been the effectiveness of one’s home working environment.
Finding a space that has minimal disturbances (if possible), individuals have created little office nests in their homes. But, more than a year since lockdowns around the world began, many businesses are continuing to work from home. If you feel your space is missing something, take a look at some essential items for a home office you might be missing. You never know what could be the secret ingredient to feeling fruitful in your working endeavours.
How is your chair set up?
Though remaining in a seated position for the entire day isn’t 100% ideal, if this is what is required from our work, we need to maximise good posture and take advantage of products that help us do so! If you don’t have one already, investing in an ergonomic office chair is an easy way to protect yourself from neck stress, back pain, and even repetitive strain injury (RSI).
It’s important when selecting a suitable chair that you look out for the following criteria:
- Can you adjust the height settings?
- How are the neck and lower back support?
- Are you able to shift the positioning of your elbow or armrest to an appropriate working level?
- Is there support for recline positions?
Asking yourself some simple questions about the comfort and ergonomic efficiency of your chair will help you decide whether it’s a good decision for your office. What else do you need in your working space? Definitely a laptop stand!
Get yourself a laptop stand
Though having a personal laptop stand may seem extravagant to those who are yet to use one, they are absolutely perfect for reducing wrist strain and helping you work at your desk in comfort. With the ability to adjust the height of the stand and manoeuvre it into various positions to suit your desk spacing, this office item really is incredible.
Some of the benefits, in addition to lowering the impact of extended periods of time working at your desk, are as follows:
- Improve posture by raising the resting level of the laptop (without having to use stacked books!)
- Always at the correct viewing height
- Reduced shoulder and upper back strain
- Prevents your laptop from overheating
- Multi-purpose options for standing desks or side holder for mouse
- Reduction of screen glare and subsequent eye strain and headaches
Ensure sufficient lighting
One very often neglected item in our office is the lightbulbs used and the dramatic impact that different types can have on our ability to focus, and ultimately, our productivity.
During daylight hours, it is recommended to work in natural light as much as you can. Most people do not consider how significantly lighting affects their mood, sleepiness, energy levels, and productivity. Not only does natural light help regulate our circadian rhythms and subsequently improve our sleep, but the impact on our mood is undeniable. Studies have also found that insufficient lighting is linked not only to vitamin D deficiencies, but also depression and decreased appetite.
If having better lighting in your office makes you happier, healthier and work better, it is hard to imagine why there isn’t greater focus on its importance. Firstly, it is essential that you consider utilising as much natural light as possible, obviously depending on where in your home you’re able to work.
Additionally, avoid fluorescent lights and try to opt for warmer lights that are more ambient, easier on the eyes, and which uplift your mood. You can also select a variety of lights – shapes, styles and heights – which will decrease the overall glare in the room and improve your creativity through the enhanced work atmosphere. Be creative with this item and see how it affects your productivity!
Ensuring home office comfort
Make sure that in addition to the physical items that you have in your office, that you remember to stay hydrated during the day, that you take care of your nutrition and that your software programmes and apps are serving your productivity in the best way possible. Once you feel organised and comfortable in your home office environment, there is no reason that you cannot work as well – or even better – than in your office.