How much damage can a poorly equipped home office set-up really do? Quite a lot, actually. From physical issues like eye strain and back problems, to mental health issues and a lack of motivation, your working environment can have a huge influence on your wellbeing.
But here’s the good news. A few small changes to your lighting, furniture, and décor could be all it takes to make WFH work for you.
The world of work has transformed. While hybrid working has made life easier in a lot of ways (who doesn’t love having a virtual business meeting with their tracksuit bottoms on?) when it comes to our home offices, there’s some catching up to do.
Whether you’re still using your dining table as a desk, are feeling uninspired by your workspace, or struggling to switch off at the end of the day, with a little consideration, upgrading your home office could help you achieve that coveted work-life balance. And we don’t just mean installing the latest Microsoft Office updates on your computer – creating a workspace that works for you is about so much more.
It’s all about ergonomics
Ergonomics is more than just a game-winning Scrabble word – it should be a core consideration when putting your home office together. Furniture that’s designed to support your body while you work will not only make your 9-5 more comfortable but can also help to prevent aches and pains in the future.
You probably don’t give your back all that much thought. But, as anyone who’s ever hunched over a dining table for seven and a half hours a day will know, back ache is one to avoid. By sourcing an adjustable office chair and desk you can work in comfort <em>and</em> avoid scary-sounding health issues like cervical spondylosis.
Or, for a total rehaul of your working habits, opt for a sit-stand desk. These allow you to adjust the desk height up to a standing position, making your desk-job just a little less sedentary and improving your health in the process.
And ergonomic design doesn’t stop there. Your mouse and keyboard might be 'accessories', but they’re probably two of your most used pieces of kit. So, spare yourself the aches and pains of tech that tethers you to your chair, and consider investing in a wireless mouse and keyboard.
Trust us, your body will thank you.
Let there be light!
It’s time to fling those curtains open and let daylight stream into your office. Good lighting is just as important for your health and happiness at work as having a comfy chair.
Whether you’re an early bird or night owl, daylight has a powerful influence on your circadian rhythm, which controls the release of hormones that affect your mood, sleep, and alertness. So, where you decide to work impacts more than just your décor.
True, we don’t all have the option of parking our desk up next to a south-facing bay window or moving to sunlight-soaked California. But by making sure you’re opening the blinds in the morning, or even reconfiguring your set-up so you can see a little natural light, you’ll make a huge difference.
And paying attention to your artificial lighting is just as important. If you’re working in a room with aggressive overhead lighting, it can make switching off tough when the workday ends. You might be surprised at the improvement using softer light, like a lamp, could make. Not only will it make your working space feel less like an aircraft hanger, you may find yourself sleeping better, too.
A place to call your own
Separating your work life and your home life can be tricky when your coffee table is moonlighting as your work desk. Carving out a separate workplace to call your own can make you a happier worker-bee and improve your work/life balance in the long run.
When the world was office bound, working from the comfort of your bed might have seemed like a dream. But the reality of having no distinction between your workspace and your relaxing space has been a wake up call for many of us.
Work-related stress can have a serious impact on your mental health and quality of life, and if you can’t escape the office, you’re going to struggle to switch off.
If you’re not lucky enough to have a home office or spare room to work from, find a place in your home you can dedicate to work. Designate an area, and make sure everything work-related is contained there. If distractions are a problem, noise cancelling headphones could help. And if space is the issue, consider things like a fold-down desk. What’s important is that your environment can help you switch easily from ‘work mode’ to ‘relax mode’.
A happy atmosphere creates a happy worker
Artwork. Check. Pictures of loved ones. Check. An uncluttered desk. Check. A happy workplace? Double check. Jazzing up your work environment by making it a place you actually want to spend time in can do wonders for your morale and productivity.
Good ergonomics, natural lighting and a dedicated workspace will boost your comfort, productivity, and mental health. But to really make your working-from-home-life one you love, you need to make your home office space a little more you.
Keeping your space clean and clutter-free is a good first step – tidy space, tidy mind. But adding a little personality can also go miles to improving your mood and creativity. Studies have shown that colours can have a real impact - so why not consider painting, or adding some colourful artwork to your walls? Calming white spaces might create the headspace you need, or you could find yourself more productive with a pop of bright colour.
And good news for house plant lovers: studies suggest that plants in the workplace can boost your productivity by 15%. So, the only question is, are you going to opt for a Peace Lily or a Monstera deliciosa?
Need some inspiration?
Do you have something specific in mind to take your workspace from drab to glam? We have tech experts that can recommend the best home office necessities, like a handy Windows laptop, that will help make your 9-5 life a little easier. Pop down to your nearest store to check out the latest models, or have a chat with one of our tech experts on ShopLive.
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