Choosing to start work remotely can be a smart career move, especially if you are craving increased schedule flexibility or reduced commuting times. However, working from your sofa or dinner table may not be the healthiest or most efficient approach.
Whether you have an unused space that you can convert into a home office or need to rethink your living space, investing in creating the right workstation at home can pay back in increased efficiency, professionalism, and better health. Let’s look at a few key strategies below.
Create A Comfortable And Professional Home Office
The first step is to create a functional and inspiring home office. You can do so by furnishing an underused area of your home, such as an attic, basement, or spare bedroom. Or, you could transform an area into a multifunctional space. However, when doing so, it is important to not cut corners and invest in all the right adjustments to develop an area where you can focus and be your most efficient self. Here are a few steps to start:
- Designate a distinct work area
- Choose furniture that suits your workflow
- Set up adequate task and ambient lighting
- Arrange power outlets and charging stations in a convenient way
- Keep necessary tools and supplies within arm’s reach
- Personalize decor for motivation and comfort
Invest In High-Speed Internet
Next up, it is critical for anyone working from home to have a high-speed, reliable internet connection. This is key, as it allows you to boost your efficiency while also creating a more professional image – especially if you often video call your clients. If you are unsure about the quality of your internet, a reliable internet speed test can help you understand how well your connection will work and even encourage you to switch to a better supplier.
Once you have a fast internet connection that works for you, be sure to secure it and learn about the best practices of cybersecurity.
Avoid Clutter
Clutter can have a negative impact on health, including:
- Increasing stress and anxiety levels
- Making it harder to concentrate and complete tasks
- Raising risk of allergies and respiratory issues
- Worsening feelings of overwhelm or fatigue
- Disrupting healthy sleep patterns
- Lowering overall productivity
To avoid these negative impacts, opt to create a minimalist home office using fewer, but higher-quality, decor, furniture, and tools.
Invest In Ergonomic Furniture
Ergonomic furniture is essential to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain, which are risks commonly associated with sedentary professions. So, if you are planning to work from home most days, you’ll want at least an ergonomic chair and desk. Ideally, consider implementing multiple or adjustable workstations, such as standing desks, that allow you to move around, shift position, and implement some movement in your work day.
Focus On Lighting
Last but not least, it is critical to focus on lighting. Whether you have converted a basement or you are working from a bright living room, be sure to invest in quality lighting solutions that will encourage focus and prevent unnecessary eye strain. Here, task lights can make all the difference!