Now that most of us have accepted that working from home is a likely arrangement for the near future, it might be time to make sure your home space has everything it needs to run your business successfully. In order to be as productive and content as possible, we all have a certain number of lifestyle needs to be met. It is worth taking some time to ensure that the office is just right to make working from home comfortable, healthy and enjoyable.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many business owners working from home have been struggling to make the switch to remote sales or keep pace with online demands. Many businesses would be lost without IT support to take off the pressure. For advice on this, How to Select the Best IT Support for Your Startup Company | Computers In The City is a useful guide for companies that need external assistance.

High-speed internet

This is probably the first necessity on the list, even for those that are not so dependent on the internet for cloud computing and other internet-based services. For just about everything we need in the twenty-first century, the internet is usually the starting point, and connections that are merely adequate in speed can lead to frustrating bottlenecks that harm productivity. Make things easier for yourself by switching to the fastest internet package available.

Comfortable seating

When you are spending long hours in the same or similar positions, it’s best to make sure your body does not have to suffer. Office chairs should offer a comfortable and healthy posture that doesn’t cause you to slouch. Another option is to go for is a medicine ball or ergonomic chair that is proven to improve posture.

Lighting

Another important factor, good lighting keeps us well-nourished and focussed on our work. Studies have shown natural light to reduce depression and increase productivity. It also makes us able to see what we are doing and creates a pleasant background mood and atmosphere. It is better to work in a room with lots of natural light, but if this is not possible then try to use a therapy lamp aimed at mimicking sunlight.

Plants

Plants add a natural touch to a room, they look appealing and they can bring an attractive fragrance to a room. They can also divide different parts of the room and have the benefit of purifying the air. They take some care, but this can be a welcome distraction to an otherwise busy and stressful day.

An adjustable desk

Just as your chair needs to be appropriate for the shape of your body, your desk should be at the right height to ensure you are not straining and causing yourself potential back pain. We also need enough space to spread out different devices, documents and notes, so make sure your desk is sufficient in size.

An all-in-one printer/scanner

Not everyone needs a printer and scanner on a regular basis, but they are very useful for those times that you do need one. They could be especially useful for business owners that regularly need to manage physical documents and signatures. Most modern printers are usually wireless, and they sometimes have fax and smart capabilities.

A safe

This may be required as part of a disaster recovery plan, so safes that are fire and waterproof can be useful for business owners that need to protect tax records, financial information and hard drive backups. For those storing sensitive documents or data at home, a safe will offer peace of mind for the possibility of fire, flooding or burglary.

Speakers

Music in the office can be a great way of helping us to focus, it can create a suitable environment for work, or it can remove any undesirable background noise. Speakers systems currently available are ever smaller and more capable, so you won’t need to worry about talking up space. Brands like JBL and Bose have a wide range of portable speakers suitable for the office.

Stationary

Unless you have already gone completely digital, some office supplies can always be useful. At home we don’t have the option of relying on company supplies, so it could be necessary to put in an order for printer paper, post it notes, pens, paper clips and binders. For some of us it helps to organise our ideas and plans by having them laid out on paper.

A laptop stand

If you are working at home from a laptop then it may be necessary to purchase a laptop stand, external keyboard and mouse so you can adjust your screen to the right position. Without this, working at a laptop for long hours can result in neck and shoulder pain from sitting in an uncomfortable position. It is also better to have your laptop raised to avoid airflow problems.

Exercise equipment

One way of alleviating the potential monotony of working from home is to engage yourself with regular physical exercises. There are many options for home workout products, from resistance bands and free weights to exercise bikes and treadmills. A yoga mat is useful for practising yoga or general fitness, and medicine balls also help in building core strength while you are working.

Working from home software

We all recognise that working from home is very different to working in the office. When we are not used to this mode of work the adjustment can be challenging. There are many tools that can help us out with things like time management, task and project management, focus and mental health. Rather than think we can deal with the extra independence and organisation, it might be a good idea to try out some useful software.

Creating the right work environment for yourself may not be a pressing issue, but the long-term effects of working in a comfortable home office will be considerable. As it looks as though social distancing measures will be in place for the foreseeable future, it is better that we prepare for the ongoing temporary circumstances. With a comfortable office set up at home, we can be ready for anything.

By Samantha Waites

Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

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