Remote working is certainly here to stay and more and more of us are working from home. It's worth considering teleworking when planning your home. An inspiring workspace is at its best an ergonomic workstation that matches the rest of your home's interior design style: a well-designed workstation will give you energy and efficiency for your working day. When designing your workstation, it's important to take into account your working style, the nature of your work and the needs of other people in the same household. Well thought-out space planning is key here too: even in a small space, it is possible to create a comfortable, ergonomic and functional workstation!
Hima Furniture's ergonomics expert has 5 tips for the home office
1. Workstation location and design
Get creative when designing the best place for your home office. If the nature of your work requires constant concentration and privacy, and you have space in your home, a separate workroom is probably the most sensible solution. Even if you don't have an extra room, creative use of space can create a cosy and peaceful workspace. The best place may be in a wasted space: make the most of an empty corner, alcove or space under the stairs. Maybe you don't want a fixed workstation in your home, or one that simply won't fit? In that case, an easy-to-move standing work surface is a handy solution. With this platform, you can convert almost any fixed surface into a standing workstation. You can even change the location of your workstation every day! The foldable platform can be easily hidden away in a cupboard at the end of the day. Choose the storage system to suit your space and your needs. The most important thing about storage is functionality and how you can keep the essentials of your working day easily accessible. If storage systems are part of your home's living space, choose them to match the rest of your interior. Storage solutions should also take into account if you want to be able to hide your tools away and out of sight at the end of the day.
2. Paying attention to ergonomics
Good work ergonomics is as important in the home office as it is in the workplace. While a corner sofa may sometimes be tempting as a workstation, or it's easy to stay working around the kitchen table, these are poor ergonomic options. Poor working posture causes back and upper limb pain, neck pain and headaches, among other things. Good ergonomics is first and foremost an investment in your own well-being.The desk is usually the heart of the workplace and is also the single most important piece of furniture in terms of ergonomics. The best option for ergonomics and well-being is a height-adjustable desk. An adjustable desk allows you to change your posture during the working day, so you can easily switch between standing and sitting work. The best working position is always the next position!An adjustable desk is also handy if it is used by several people in the same household. Complete your ergonomic workstation with a high-quality active chair, an ergonomic vertical mouse, a standing mat and an efficient task light, for example.
3. Make the most of natural light
Natural light has been proven to improve work efficiency and comfort. When we get enough natural light, we can concentrate better, and our mood and sleep quality improves. Natural light also makes a room feel airy and spacious. If possible, place your workstation in front of a window to maximise the amount of natural light you can get to your workstation and take advantage of the view outside.If a fixed workstation near a window is not possible, a standing workstation that can be assembled in less than a minute will give you a workstation on your balcony, backyard or cottage terrace!
4. Don't forget your own style
Your home office can (and should!) reflect your own style. It's important to decorate your workplace so that you can get work done in an environment that is pleasing to the eye. For example, bring in your favourite objects, art or greenery (greenery has been shown to increase happiness and productivity). Try to create a space you want to be in, rather than just a workspace you have to be in.The use of colour in the workspace is very much allowed and painting a wall, for example, can add a spice to your everyday life and leisure time and, if designed correctly, a mural is a great way to create the illusion of a more spacious space. Remember to also take into account the visible background when meeting remotely.
5. Remember breaks and leisure
How we take breaks is crucial to our wellbeing and performance. For example, regular micro-breaks (breaks of less than 10 minutes from work) improve job satisfaction, increase positive emotions and reduce fatigue. When working remotely, you can be more creative in taking breaks and managing fatigue than when you are in the office. If you have a pet, even a small interaction can take your mind off work for a while and reduce stress. In the home office, you can also take a break or call a friend to check in, for example, and you'll feel lighter for the rest of the day. Well-designed storage solutions ensure that you can get your work tools (and things) out of your mind after a day's work and fully concentrate on your free time. You deserve it!
Bonus tip: Find out if your employer contributes to supporting remote working, for example by financing a desk in your home office. Also remember to take advantage of the tax deduction for office space, which covers the rent, furniture, lighting, electricity, heat and cleaning.