With remote and hybrid work being standard for millions of Brits, chances are you spend at least part of your week working from home. Your workspace can make a real difference to your productivity and comfort during the day.
By applying a few small changes, you can transform a spare bedroom or corner of the living room into a space that helps you feel focused.
Nail the Ergonomics
It’s easy to overlook the position of your monitor and chair after you’ve set up your laptop or PC monitor on the desk. However, poor posture can quickly lead to painful eye strain and back pain. To avoid working in discomfort, start with your chair. It should be adjustable so your feet rest flat on the floor, with your knees level with your hips.
Add lumbar support, or a cushion to protect your lower back. Set your keyboard and mouse at elbow height, with your wrists straight, while the monitor or laptop screen should be at eye level, about an arm’s length away. If you’re using a laptop full-time, consider a riser and separate keyboard/mouse setup. Don’t forget to take a quick stretch or walk every half hour to reduce muscle tension and keep your mind sharp.
Get Light, Air and Temperature Working for You
Your work environment can support or hinder your work efforts. Natural daylight is ideal, so position your desk near a window if you can. On your desk, add a soft, adjustable task light to reduce screen glare and prevent eye strain. It can be a convenient option on dull winter days and late afternoons.
Ventilation from fresh air can help prevent drowsiness and headaches. If your room doesn’t have a window that opens easily, a compact desk fan or air purifier can improve circulation. For the temperature, aim to keep your workspace between 18–21°C year-round.
Zone, Store and Hide the Clutter
One downside of working remotely is the potential for the line between your professional and home life to blur. Visually zoning your workspace can help separate your work and personal areas by positioning your desk in a corner that you use only between 9 and 5 PM.
Clutter is distracting and can become a trip hazard if it’s not taken care of. Conceal cables to get them off the floor and desk surface with a cable organiser to create space for your keyboard and mouse. If space in the room is tight, using fitted home furniture can help you take advantage of every square inch.
Make Connectivity Rock Solid
A strong internet connection is key to buffer-free Teams meetings and seamless uploading and downloading from cloud software. You may not need to splash out on a new router if you’re experiencing slower connection speeds.
Try placing it in a central elevated spot, and buy an inexpensive range extender if your office is on a different floor. You should also update your router’s firmware in its settings. Look for an update tool in the System section to benefit from performance improvements and security upgrades.
OTS News on Social Media