For many employees, working from home means a cosy working day at the kitchen table or even in the couch with the computer on your lap. Not surprisingly, every so often you have to shake loose or fold one or the other part of your body. Not only your concentration and productivity suffer but also your physical health, especially in the long run. You can avoid physical complaints to your neck, back, shoulders and wrists by adapting your workplace ergonomically. We see ergonomics as part of the total well-being package. With our 5 essential tips for the ideal home office, you can design your workplace for more productivity and creativity.
5 indispensable tips for the ideal home office
1. Increase your concentration in a quiet workspace
When choosing your home office, try to separate your living and working areas. Ideally, install yourself in a separate room where you have an outside view, preferably on greenery. The natural light and regular ventilation will lower your blood pressure, reduce your stress and boost your creativity. Besides personal items that inspire you, it is advisable to provide as much comfort as possible. If you place your desk in the centre of the room, you can move freely and use the walls for storage solutions. Bring the tranquillity of nature inside by choosing natural colours and install some plants for extra oxygen.
2. Boost your work rhythm with light
Sufficient natural daylight stimulates action. To avoid glare or backlighting, position your desk so that the light strikes sideways. If this is not possible, you can certainly find something to keep the sun out of your eyes among the wide range of blinds and shades. Your eyes will be less likely to get tired that way. Further stimulate your daily rhythm by installing a variation of desk lights, ceiling lamps and daylight lamp in your workspace. Light incites to action!
3. Make your personal throne your power tool
Your later self will thank you for investing in an office chair that can be fully tailored to your physique. Moreover, choose a chair that makes you feel confident and powerful when you sit in it. Here are the optimal ergonomic settings:
- Seat height: You can place your feet flat on the floor with a bend in the legs of slightly more than 90 degrees. Alternatively, you can use a footrest.
- Seat surface depth: Your knee joints and the seat surface are a small distance apart.
- Backrest: It is best to choose a high model that yields slightly when sitting upright and leaning backwards. Your lower back is well supported (possibly with an extra cushion). Your pelvis is tilted slightly forward.
- Armrest: Your arms rest at the same height as your desk so that the angle between your upper and lower arms is about 90 degrees, while your shoulders are relaxed.
You can also alternate with a knee chair or sitting ball, which encourage your body to move and automatically give you a good posture.
4. Let space and order on your desk bring you peace of mind
For your desk, too, it is best to choose one that suits your body and preferences. Working standing upright, sitting down or alternating, anything is possible. In any case, opt for a visually attractive desk that gives you enough space to place your work materials. If you use a monitor, place it at arm’s length from your face and with the top edge at eye level. Close your laptop and work with a separate keyboard and mouse. Place everything in 1 line in front of your arms. If you do work on a laptop, raise the screen with a laptop stand to avoid neck pain. Route cables safely and keep your desktop orderly. If you make a lot of phone calls with the handset between your shoulder and ear, a headset can help. Opt for a model with active noise cancelling so you can reduce ambient noise and work in peace.
5. Upgrade your breaks to energy boosters
The best breaks are exercise breaks. Try to stand up and stretch your legs at least every 2 hours. Walk around or, even better, get some fresh air in your garden or on a terrace. Short screen breaks are also highly recommended for your eyes. Therefore, regularly just look away from the screen. Would you like to go all-in? On YouTube, you will find numerous videos with stretching and yoga exercises sitting or standing specifically for an office setting. A healthy person in a healthy body… that’s what we are aiming for!
We hope our tips can inspire you to pay extra attention to an optimal home office in which your productivity, creativity and concentration are maximised.
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