The last year or so has changed the way that we work. More and more offices are allowing their employees to work from home, whether it's full-time or a few days a week.
As a result, people have begun to create their own offices within their homes. It's either that or they're sitting in front of the television in their living room, and I think we can all agree that this isn't the best option. For one, productivity might drop considerably, especially if said TV is on or other members of the household are walking through the room.
A home office is essential if you want to work from home efficiently; but how do you set one up? And what else should you do when working from home?
Well, this article will help you answer both of these questions. Here's what you should do when you're working from home.
Research desk space
The first thing that you should do is decide where you want to work. You don't want to be sat on your bed (unless you're looking to do some serious back pain) when you're working. You need a desk for this. Buying a new desk is a good idea if you don't have a desk at home, but you can also just use a table.
If you don't have a table, you can find one anyway. For example, you can use one of your kitchen tables, but you'll have to find a way to keep your computer screen in front of you and your keyboard at a comfortable height. Or you could invest in a standing desk ergonomic set up if you have the space.
Standing desks, especially those that can be adjusted, can be used even when sat down. They promote good posture, which in turn can encourage a better work ethic. Because of this, a standing desk is a great investment for anyone with a home office.
See how much space you have
When setting up a home office, you need to see how much space you have.
If you have a spare room or a study, you can use that as your home office. On the other hand, if you don't have a spare room, you can look into getting a new filing cabinet or another large piece of furniture that you can use specifically for work.
It’s also important to think about how comfortable the space will be. As well as having the necessary furniture, you need room to walk around, so it's a good idea to clear out some space (or clear out the room entirely then begin from scratch).
Get your desks organized
If you're using a table or desk, you need to make sure that it's organized. It needs to be practical, so use the space wisely. You need to place your computer in the centre of the table, and then place your keyboard and mouse in front of it. The computer should be in front of you, and your hands should be able to reach the mouse.
There should also be room to put your desk accessories on the table. This includes your phone, and if you're a writer, your writing pad. If you need a lamp, you should also place it on the table.
You might need a desk lamp if you're working in a darker room. You don't want to be sat in a room that's too dark, as this will make it harder for you to concentrate and could result in eye strain. So, you might need a lamp to help you see your computer screen and any other items that are on your desk.
Get a chair
You can't work from home without a chair, even if you opt for a standing desk. It’s essential to have a chair where you can sit and be comfortable. Look for a chair that supports your back and allows you to sit in an upright position.
Also, you should check that the height of the chair is comfortable and that the chair is durable enough to hold your weight. This could be the most important part of your home office, and if your chair isn't right, you'll be in a lot of pain after a few hours.
Clean up your house
If you're working from home, it's a very good idea if you clean up your house. You don't want to be sat in a messy room, as this will make it difficult for you to concentrate. An untidy space can also make you feel tired, which could hinder your ability to work.
So, clean up your house before you start working. You can even get a cleaner in if you can afford it.
Set time to work
You should set time aside for working. Remember to set time aside for other things, like spending time with your family or relaxing, too. Don't work all day, because if you do, you'll just be wasting your time. Instead, you should work for a certain amount of time each day, and then you should set aside time to do other things.
It might be a good idea to create a schedule or routine of sorts. If you want to set up a schedule, you should set aside certain times for certain things. For example, you could set a time to begin working and to finish, as well as setting aside time for answering emails, writing, etc.
You should also set aside time for exercise, as this is very important. You don't have to exercise every day, but it's a good idea if you do. Even a walk around the house to loosen your posture will make you more comfortable.
There are a lot of things that you can do when working from home. The most important things are getting your own office space ready and setting up a schedule. Once you have done this, the rest is easy.
Overall, the most important things in a home office are a desk and a chair. Without these two things, it's pretty much impossible to work from home.
