Working from home is a real art. With the passage of time everything is changing. People are more into working from home, instead of going into an office, and studies show that at least 3.7 million Americans now work from home at least half of the time. If you are hiding from a pandemic as now from the infamous coronavirus, or work remotely full-time, there are some must haves which are going to help you make it easier. Working from home is not just curling up on the sofa with your laptop, yes it’s much harder than working from an office. It’s hard to stay focused most of the time, you need discipline and motivation!
Here are some of the most important items to have in your office so that you can thrive and succeed, at your own pace and in your space:
1. Comfortable Chair
A good chair is important for an ergonomic home office, it’s important to be comfortable. Take time to select and invest in a comfortable chair.
When shopping for an ergonomic office chair, keep these things in mind:
- The chair seat should be 16 to 21 inches (40.64 to 53.34 centimeters) high and preferably adjustable.
- When your back is touching the backrest, there should be a two to four inch (5.08 to 10.16 centimeter) gap between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees.
- The chair should have lumbar support that molds to the curve of your lower back.
- The armrest height should allow your shoulders to relax without tension.
2. Uplift Desk
It is essential to have a desk, it’s your primary work area. You can make a table, counter or other flat surface work. But if you have a desk that adjusts to different heights, you can switch from sitting to standing whenever you’d like throughout the day. Adjustable desks are available at home and office supply stores, or you can even make your own.
3. Computer
The computer you choose for your home office has the potential to make a huge impact on your productivity and success. Do your research so you can select a computer that meets your specific needs. Make sure the model, hardware and software are the best suited to your individual working habits. There’s no doubt that having access to a computer is one of the key reasons that people are doing more work remotely.
4. High-speed Internet
The most important of all is having a high speed internet connection. A good Internet connection helps you stay just a click away from your online accounts. Make sure that your Internet provider is fast and reliable to keep you on top of things.
5. Filing System
You’ll also need a place to store your important documents and files. Even if you aim to be paperless, there are always some hard copy documents. The best place to store these documents is in a file cabinet.
6. Good Lighting
The light in your office is essential, a dim light may not only affect your ability to clearly see , but also affect your entire mood. Set up your office in a room that has a lot of windows to ensure natural light. Otherwise, make sure that your artificial lighting is sufficient. Consider investing in full-spectrum bulbs. You don’t want to deal with headaches and eye strain from squinting or using bad lightning.
7. Healthy Snacks
You’ll need energy to power through any productive work day. Keep some healthy snacks in or near your office. It’s easy to snack badly when you’re working remotely. Avoid fast food and junk. Better to invest in healthy fruit and vegetables, they will help you improve your productivity and concentration.
8. Coffee, Tea
Caffeine is a must have, as one cant think of work without it. Caffeine can also be a powerful productivity booster. Keep a coffee pot or some tea in or around your office so you always have quick access whenever you need a coffee break.
9. Keep work and home separate
You will need a separate room for work. This is necessary because you can’t just throw your work papers all around the place. It’s also good to shut the door on work at the end of the day and it shuts out distractions.
10. A Dog or Cat
Working from home can be a lonely business. Nobody to grab lunch with, no real reason to get up and walk around. Aw, it sounds like you need a work buddy. So go adopt one. They can be your mood changer.
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