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Did you know that nearly 21 million adults in the US work from an office in their home all the time?
That’s a lot of people who, rather than working at business location all the time or spending some time at work and some time at home, work completely from the comfort of their residences.
Whether you’re working from home part of the time or all of the time, a dedicated workspace makes sense. But not everyone has space for a dedicated home office. For example, you might have to work at the kitchen table, a small desk in your bedroom, or somewhere in the living room. Regardless, you will most likely work with what you have to set up a space for workplace responsibilities.
Here are five things to remember when setting up a home office where you can be productive.
1. A Desk for Your Home Office
Do you do a lot of writing, typing, or other things that require you to remain stationary for long periods? If so, a desk is a piece of equipment you need. While you might not need a large desk, you should get something that can support your laptop or other things you need for work.
Again, it doesn’t have to be a massive desk. Even a small one the size of a foldable dinner tray might be enough for your laptop. That’s a great option if you have a small living space.
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2. The Right Chair for Your Home Office
Get an office chair with ergonomic features. It should have adjustable lumbar support, a well-cushioned seat, a comfortable material, and adjustable armrests. Depending on the nature of your work, you may spend hours every day in a chair. Obviously, sitting in a kitchen chair all day won’t cut it. So invest in a good office chair that helps you perform your duties with minimum wear and tear.
3. Tools of the Trade
What do you need to do your job? For instance, you might require a laptop, printer, scanner, modem, and various software applications. Ensure you have everything you need so your productivity is on par with what it would be in the company office.
4. Light for Productivity
Depending on where your home office space is, you may or may not get enough natural light from windows. If the natural light factor is low, you might need a lamp or another artificial light source. Poor lighting can negatively affect work quality and productivity, and that’s especially the case when your job requires precision. If you lack sufficient lighting, you might have to strain your eyes to see properly, which could lead to eye discomfort and cause headaches.
Don’t underestimate the importance of having sufficient lighting where you do your work.
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5. HVAC for Comfort
Did you know workplace performance rises when the temperatures are between 69.8 degrees and 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit? Accordingly, if the temperature in your home office is too cold or too hot, your on-the-job work might suffer. And that might jeopardize your work-from-home arrangement.
That’s why you should ensure your home’s HVAC unit is working. That’s especially true in environments where there are extremes in temperatures. A home office in California needs an HVAC to keep the residence cool enough for everyone in your home. Get your HVAC unit serviced regularly to ensure optimal performance. If you need AC repair in Calabasas or anywhere else, find a reputable HVAC technician.
Regular maintenance will lessen the odds of equipment failure. In the event of catastrophic failure, the interior temperature in your home might make it hard to focus on work.
Warm Wishes for Success in Your Home Office
You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to set up a home office. Whether you have a dedicated space or need to work from another area of your home, get what you need to be successful.
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