7 tips for setting up your home office

The impacts of COVID-19 have seen more and more people working from home. This is a new concept for a lot of people, and setting up your workspace in a way that works for you is more important than you might think. You’ll be spending a lot of time here, and having the right setup can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

While the impacts of COVID-19 will be temporary, we are heading towards a more flexible working culture. Being able to successfully work from home is a great tool for any business, and won’t only benefit us now but well into the future as we become more agile in our working environments.

1. Choose the right space.

Choose the best space in your home for you. A good place to start is finding a place where you won’t easily be disturbed or distracted. Identify space that is infrequently used such as a guest room. It is better if your work space can be behind closed doors, so you can participate in meetings without distractions.

2. Find a comfortable chair.

Having a comfortable chair is probably one of the most important things to consider when setting up a home office. Select a chair that works best for you – is it the right height? Does it have arm-rests? Maintaining good posture while working is highly important, and finding the right chair will help you to do that.

3. Find a desk.

Whether or not you have sufficient desk space in your working area will make a huge difference to your work life. Your desk should be large enough for your computer/s and keyboard, as well as having some extra space for any writing tasks you need to complete. If your desk has limited space, install shelving above for extra items.

4. Find your ideal computer setup.

Do you work better with two monitors? Or do you prefer to just work on your laptop? If you normally work in an office, replicate your office setup at home. Different things work for different people, so find what works for you and make sure it is set up in a way that you like.

5. Minimise clutter.

Keep your desk tidy, and minimise clutter where possible. Clear your head with a clear workspace, you’ll get more work done if you are organised. Clutter can be distracting, so sort through your equipment and supplies and get rid of anything you won’t need.

6. Consider the lighting.

Set up your home office in a space with plenty of natural light if possible. Exposure to daylight has been seen to improve office workers’ overall well-being. Working without sufficient light can induce headaches and eye-strain. Make sure your work space has enough natural light to allow you to be productive and healthier in the long-term.

7. Make sure you’re connected to the internet.

There’s one thing worse than watching Netflix with slow internet, and that’s working with slow internet. Not having a speedy internet connection will significantly slow you down in your work, which can be frustrating. Make sure your internet connection is sufficient for the work you will be doing.

This blog post is the intellectual property of ABN Group and is being used on this site solely as a representation of my work.