In a recent FlexJobs survey, 65% of respondents said they were more productive working from home than in an office. This is because more teams are switching to remote or flexible work from home (WFH) to stop the spread of COVID-19. This is because WFH usually requires less attention, less stress while driving, less noise overall, a more private setting, and, most importantly, wearing comfortable clothes. You can wear your pajamas all day long.
There are many bad chairs on the market that can hurt you if you sit in front of a computer for a long time. For example, dining chairs and deck chairs are often too low and don’t always encourage the right posture.
But because of the pandemic, a lot of people have set up temporary home offices that won’t last for long. The ergonomics of a workspace are just as important as having the right tools, especially when it comes to preventing repetitive stress injuries caused by a bad layout. I had the same RSI problems 20 years ago and came dangerously close to having them again a year ago, so I know what it takes to get back to and stay in a position that works.
Put a lamp far away from a monitor to avoid having too much light or glare. You may need more light, but try to put it somewhere that it doesn’t shine on the screen and isn’t in your line of sight when you’re using the computer.
For video conferencing, sharing files, and many other office tasks, you need a reliable internet connection. Communication problems can make you unhappy and less productive, and they can also make you look unprofessional to your clients and coworkers. We can’t accept a connection to the internet that is shaky or changes all the time. You can use a WiFi extender to boost your signal, or you can talk to your service provider to see if you can get a better plan.
I run a company called SaneBox every day. It’s an AI assistant for your email that helps you get things done. Most of my time is spent at my desk, on conference calls, or on the road to events or trade shows.
With a separate office space in your home, you can focus on work and block out distractions from around the house. We’ve put together a list of 65 home office designs to help you set up a place to work from home. All of these home offices, which you can find from Beverly Hills to Brooklyn, have one thing in common: a clean, modern space without TVs or snacks to distract you. Steven Meisel, a photographer, even made a room in his house that is both an office and a master bathroom. He did this in case he got an idea while taking a bath, for example, and needed to write it down. From author Judy Blume’s hideaway in Key West to actress Julianna Margulies’ apartment in Manhattan, these home office design ideas can help you finish up any unfinished business while still enjoying your surroundings.