Whether or not you are staying put in your home office or headed back to your brick and mortar office space, it’s important that you have a designated spot/office at home where you can get IT done. Whatever it is, completing tasks for your business remotely or running the business end of your household, you need a space that is conducive for work and productivity. Not only that, your home office needs to be comfortable, organized, and efficient. Here are a few home office essentials that will have you working remotely and loving it.
The right space
The space you choose for your home office is pretty critical. Some people are fortunate enough to have a separate room for a designated home office, while many others have to double up with another living space. Both can work equally well with some thoughtful consideration:
Is the space quiet and away from noise pollution and other household activity?
Does the space have good lighting?
Is there an electrical source right by the workspace?
And, how is the internet connection from the space?
Good lighting for your workspace
Natural light is the best type of lighting for your home office space. It doesn’t cause damage to the eyes like fluorescent lighting and has natural mood enhancing properties, so if you can, set up your workstation in the most naturally well-lit area in your home. If the natural light in your office space isn’t enough, a task light (a.k.a. desk lamp) where the aim of light can be adjusted, is an ideal solution. LED lights and lightbulbs are the second best alternative to natural light.
Finding the right furniture
Sitting at your sofa may be great for 30 minutes of work, but it certainly isn’t good for the longer days spent working at home. Having a chair that is mobile, swivels, and can adjust to your height is essential. A properly cushioned bottom and a lumbar support are also musts. Next, you need to find a desk that ticks all your boxes. It’s ideal if you can find a desktop or work surface that can be solely designated for your work so that it doesn’t have to be completely cleared each evening. There are a number of space-saving options (like a hanging and enclosed desk) that can work really well if your office shares space with another living area—some even have cubbies to store those office supplies. If you have the space, consider a larger work area like a U-shaped or L-Shaped desk where you have multiple work areas. The most important considerations are whether the chair and desk are ergonomically correct for your physical health. Consider getting a chair and desk that:
are at the right height so that your arms aren’t raised at your keyboard
allow your feet to sit flat on the floor
supports your back
gives you enough work space without over-crowding (including room for a monitor and keyboard so you don’t have to always use a laptop and enough room to take notes and lay important paperwork).
allows you to move around easily
has a surface that is easy to clean
can ideally be raised and lowered (standing is a good thing)
As I am writing this, I realize I am in serious need of an upgrade in my workspace furniture as are many others according to the New York Times, “When you’re typing on a keyboard at your desk, your arms and wrists should be in a neutral position: parallel to the floor or angled down toward your lap to reduce strain. Typical desks are between 28 and 30 inches high — a good fit for people who are about 5 feet 10 inches or taller, but not ideal for anyone else.” Consider only ordering from furniture stores where you can try the product and send it back if it doesn’t work for you!
Enough space
If your work space is shared with another living area, “enough space” is very different. But whether or not you have a designated room to set up your office, you need to find space for all the extras that come from working at home. A closet or part of a storage room can work great for storing all the office supplies and equipment you need to be efficient from home, even if they aren’t right next to your desk! You may want to consider the following:
an organization system (a filing cabinet perhaps) for paperwork
an electric pencil sharpener
a place for basic office supplies – sticky notes, extra pens, paper clips, folders, envelopes, notepads, hole punch, etc…
a printer or multi-functional copier and extra paper
a shredder
an external hard drive
Make it a space you enjoy and that improves your productivity
Since most people spend more than a third of their day in their home office, it makes sense to make it a space that is pleasant to be in, encourages productivity, and inspires you. Consider:
A mini-fridge and coffee maker
A diffuser for aromatherapy
Plants that help purify the air and add nature to your indoor space
Painting it a pleasant color that makes you feel good
Add simple mementos and décor that make you feel happy
Consider noise-cancelling headphones or a speaker for light music
An enlarged photo of your favorite vacation spot which is why you work so hard in the first place
Making your home office as efficient and productive as possible while including things that make you feel good and happy is the name of the game. Give yourself permission to take the time and maybe even spend a little money, to make sure that you have what you need to work well from home!