Home Office Setup: Remote Work Edition

Working from home can be a dream come true for many, but it can also be a challenge. The right setup can make all the difference, fostering mental health and productivity.

The first step is to find the right location for your home office. If possible, set up your workspace in a quiet room dedicated solely to work. If a separate room is not available, choose a quiet, out-of-the-way area and use room dividers to create a sense of separation.

The quality of ambient lighting is another key consideration. Natural lighting is ideal, as it can improve energy, alertness, mood, and productivity. If natural light is not an option, avoid fluorescent lighting, which can cause drowsiness, and opt for diffused lighting that is easy on the eyes.

The height of your desk and monitor is also important. The standard desk height is 28 inches, but this may vary depending on your height to allow for a neutral working position. An adjustable desk is a good option, as it can be moved throughout the day depending on your task and preference.

Investing in ergonomic furniture is crucial. A good ergonomic chair should be adjustable in terms of seat height, arm height, arm position, and seat tilt, and it should offer lumbar support for your lower back. An ergonomic keyboard and mouse can also help prevent muscle strain and repetitive motion injuries.

Other factors to consider include noise-cancelling headphones, a whiteboard and sticky notes for brainstorming, and plants to add a touch of nature and improve air quality.

Choose the right equipment for your workflow

Choosing the right equipment for your workflow is essential to creating an effective home office setup. Here are some tips to help you select the best equipment for your remote work needs:

Noise-Cancelling Headphones:

Invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions and improve your concentration. They will help you focus on your work and boost your efficiency, especially if you work in a noisy environment or share your space with others.

Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse:

Consider purchasing an ergonomic keyboard and mouse to maintain a natural and comfortable wrist, arm, and hand position while typing or using the mouse. This setup can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and other repetitive motion injuries caused by standard keyboards and mice.

Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) Hardware:

Get a standard desk phone that allows you to make calls via VoIP and supports features like caller ID and call transfer. This is especially useful if your work involves frequent calls and communication with clients or colleagues.

External Webcam:

An external webcam can provide smoother and higher-quality video output for your virtual meetings and conferences. Look for one with high frame rates, such as 120 frames per second, to ensure a crisp and clear video feed.

Monitor and Screen Setup:

Think about the type of work you do and your workflow requirements when deciding on a monitor or screen setup. If your work is highly technical and detailed, requiring multiple windows open simultaneously, consider investing in a larger monitor or even dual monitors for added convenience.

Additionally, if you prefer a portable setup, you can opt for a laptop and connect it to an external monitor when needed. This provides flexibility and allows you to work from different locations.

Reliable Internet Connection:

With most work being done online, a fast and reliable internet connection is crucial. Ensure your home office has high-speed internet to facilitate seamless collaboration, file uploads and downloads, and participation in virtual meetings.

If your job involves high bandwidth usage, consider upgrading your internet service or improving your router placement to ensure a strong and stable connection in your home office.

Get reliable internet service

When working remotely, a fast and reliable internet connection is essential. A slow internet connection can lead to decreased productivity, with time spent waiting for information to download or upload.

• Choose a high-speed internet plan: Opt for an internet service provider (ISP) that offers high-speed data plans. Compare download and upload speeds between different ISPs and choose a plan that suits your needs. The faster your internet connection, the better, especially if multiple people in your household will be using the internet simultaneously.
• Consider your location: The availability of ISPs and the quality of their service can vary depending on your location. Check which ISPs service your area and research their reliability and customer satisfaction ratings in your specific region.
• Compare contract terms and pricing: Different ISPs will have varying contract terms and pricing structures. Some companies require long-term contracts, while others offer month-to-month plans. Compare bundle pricing, business plans, and any additional features or add-ons included in the cost.
• Research customer service and reliability: In addition to speed and pricing, it's essential to consider the reliability and customer service of potential ISPs. Look for an ISP with good reviews regarding connection stability and responsive customer support.
• Ensure proper equipment: Make sure you have the necessary equipment for your internet connection, such as a wireless router. Some ISPs provide this equipment for free, while others require you to purchase it separately.
• Utilize mobile hotspots: If you don't have access to high-speed internet at home, you can use your mobile device's WiFi hotspot as a backup option. Contact your mobile service provider to understand any data limitations and potential upgrades.

A reliable internet connection is crucial for a productive home office setup. By following these tips and choosing an ISP that meets your speed, reliability, and cost requirements, you can ensure you have the internet service you need for efficient remote work.

Invest in ergonomic furniture

When setting up a home office for remote work, it is important to invest in ergonomic furniture to support your health and well-being. A badly planned work-from-home setup can negatively impact your ability to work effectively and peacefully.

The first step is to identify a well-lit and airy space, and then choose ergonomic furniture to set up your workspace. The height of your desk is critical. The standard desk height is 28 inches, but this may vary depending on your height. Ideally, your arms, wrists, and hands should remain in a neutral position while you work, with your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. Many people prefer standing desks, as they offer health benefits such as improved circulation and reduced back strain. An adjustable desk that can serve both functions may be the most viable option.

It is also important to consider the height of your monitor. If it is improperly positioned, it can cause discomfort, eye strain, and pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. The eyes naturally rest at a straightforward and slightly downward angle, so position your monitor accordingly, usually about an arm's length away.

When it comes to seating, invest in a good ergonomic chair that offers lumbar support for your lower back and allows you to adjust the arm height, chair height, and tilt to your preference. A good ergonomic chair will feature adjustable seat height, arm height, arm position, and seat tilt, and will be on casters to allow it to roll.

In addition to your chair and desk, consider an ergonomic setup for your peripheral devices, such as your mouse and keyboard. An ergonomic keyboard is divided into two halves or columns and provides support for the wrists, allowing you to type with your shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands in a natural position. An ergonomic mouse is designed to keep your arm and wrist in a more natural position, promoting an upright wrist and hand position and reducing strain on the forearms, wrists, and hands.

By investing in ergonomic furniture, you can create a healthy and efficient home office setup that supports your productivity and well-being.

Optimise lighting

Lighting is a major factor in the comfort of your home office. It can also have a significant effect on your productivity and energy levels. Here are some tips to optimise the lighting in your home workspace:

Natural Light

The best type of lighting for your home office is natural light. Sunlight can improve your energy, alertness, mood, and productivity. It can also lessen depression. If possible, set up your workspace near a window, skylight, or door with a glass panel to maximise natural light. Position your desk so that natural light hits it, and move other large furniture out of the way. You can also try installing additional windows or skylights, or adding mirrors and other reflective surfaces to your office decor to reflect the natural light.

Artificial Light

If you don't have access to natural light, artificial ambient lighting and task lighting can ensure even illumination with no glare or shadows. Avoid fluorescent lighting, as this can cause drowsiness. Overhead light is ideal, but you may need to add lamps for additional lighting. To avoid glare, do not place a lamp directly next to a computer monitor. You can also use lampshades to soften and scatter harsh light, or try an upward-shining floor lamp to bounce light off walls and ceilings.

Lighting Fixtures

When choosing lightbulbs, LED lights are ideal as you can choose the colour temperature, and they are energy-efficient. For task lighting, a bright white light between 4000K and 4500K is best, as it replicates natural daylight and provides crisp light. For ambient lighting, opt for a lower Kelvin rating (around 2200K to 2700K) to produce a warmer light.

Lighting Placement

Place overhead light fixtures near the centre of the room, with the light slightly in front of your desk to avoid glare on your computer screen and shadows from your head. For desk lamps, choose a spot where the light illuminates your work surface without shining directly on your screen. If you are right-handed, placing the lamp on your left will prevent your hand from casting a shadow.

Adjustability

Finally, it is beneficial to have adjustable lighting in your home office. Being able to adjust the brightness and positioning of your lighting allows you to change it for different tasks and situations. For example, you may want dimmer light when working on your computer to reduce glare, and brighter light when reading to see the print clearly.

Create a designated space

Creating a designated space for remote work is essential to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. A designated workspace can be a physical and mental boundary that signals to your brain when it's time to work and when it's time to relax.

Choose the Right Location

If possible, set up your workspace in a room dedicated solely to work. This could be a separate room with a door that can be closed to create a clear delineation between "work" and "home". If space is limited, choose a quiet and out-of-the-way area, such as a corner of your living room or bedroom.

Maximise Natural Lighting

Natural lighting is important for your productivity and well-being. Studies have shown that natural light can improve energy, alertness, mood, and productivity. It also enhances your appearance on video calls, especially when facing a window, as it fills in the sides and helps project accurate skin tones. If possible, position your desk near a window or in an area with plenty of natural light.

Consider Soundproofing

If you live near a busy street or have a noisy household, consider soundproofing your designated workspace. This can be done using materials such as wool or foam, which help absorb sound and create a quieter environment for online meetings and calls.

Invest in Quality Furniture

Your choice of furniture can greatly impact your comfort and productivity. An ergonomic setup, including an adjustable desk and chair, can help improve your posture and reduce muscle strain. Look for a chair with adjustable seat height, arm height, and lumbar support for your lower back.

Optimise the Colour Scheme

The colours you choose for your designated space can impact your productivity and mood. Colours like blue or green can increase focus and efficiency, while yellow can infuse optimism and energy. Avoid bright colours like red or orange, as they can be too intense and distracting.

Personalise Your Space

Add items that inspire and motivate you, such as family photos, mementos from trips, or inspirational quotes. Plants are also a great addition, as they can improve air quality, add colour, and relieve stress. Just be sure to keep your workspace clutter-free and well-organised to maintain a sense of calm and focus.

By following these tips, you can create a designated space for remote work that is comfortable, functional, and inspiring. This will help you stay focused, productive, and motivated throughout your workday.

Frequently asked questions