With more and more people working from home in recent years (especially in recent months due to the coronavirus pandemic), the need for a home office has increased. It can be very difficult to work efficiently in areas of the house where there may be distractions from other people and tasks. Having a separate room for working is not just great for your productivity but can also provide benefits for your mental health and sense of wellbeing. Working from home can lead to a disrupted work-life balance, where it is difficult to get into “work mode” in the mornings and equally difficult to get into “rest mode” at the end of the day. Having a separate home office room can help you to divide work life and home life, especially if you only use that room for working and nothing else!
Choosing a Desk
One thing that is essential for a home office is a suitable desk. Even if you only use a small laptop rather than a full desktop PC with separate monitor and keyboard, sitting at a desk is preferable. A desk can also be useful for storage, for making notes on paper, and as a place to put your cup of coffee!
There are many desks specifically designed for offices. Although many of the desks used in office blocks around the world are only available from office furniture suppliers aimed at businesses, you can still find suitable desks as a home consumer. Desks with grommet holes (circular holes for cable management) can keep your workspace tidy and avoid electrical cables trailing.
Electrics
If you are setting up a computer in your home office, you will need to consider if there are enough electrical sockets for everything that you need (e.g. a PC, a monitor, speakers, a separate laptop if needed, etc). Extension cables are useful, and sites like powerpointelectrics.co.uk can help you to install or modify electrical sockets if needed.
Choosing a Chair
Choosing the right type of office chair is more important than you might think. After all, you will most likely be spending several hours each day sitting on it. Sitting on an unsuitable chair can not only be uncomfortable but can also lead to bad posture and long-term back and neck issues. Adjustable back rests and arm rests are highly recommended. An office chair is one area where going for the cheapest option can cost you more (in terms of health) in the long run.
Choosing Décor
Office décor is actually surprisingly important. Studies have shown that the décor of a room is linked to productivity, efficiency, and job satisfaction. This is not surprising considering the fact that you will be spending many hours on end in the office. In terms of what specific décor works best for you in your home office, your personal preferences will be most important. However, there are some design tips that will work for most people. For example, calming colours on the walls, natural lighting, and lack of clutter are highly recommended for a working space.
