With the ongoing pandemic caused by COVID-19 many of you are working from home rather than going to the office. Some of you might have an existing work-space at home, that you can use, while others had to create a work space.
This week's post will help you to set up or adjust your work-space to be more functional and comfortable to work in.
1. Work-surface
It is best to have your work-surface set up on a table or desk. Preferably you'd like to choose a surface that is not used for other purposes so you can leave your laptop and other necessary materials set up. For example, a guest bedroom would work great for a home office. If you do not have an extra room for your work-space a dining room table that isn't used for daily meals will work well. If you do not have a desk or table that isn't used for other purposes, consider purchasing a folding table to serve as your temporary work surface.
Remove all unnecessary clutter from your work-surface and ensure that all necessary supplies are close at hand.
2. Light
If possible choose a location in your home that receives daylight and possibly has access to views of the outdoors. Having daylight is crucial to our circadian rhythm. Daylight is also crucial to reduce stress and depression, which is essential in these difficult times. If your window is facing South, East, or West glare can be an issue which needs to be addressed by turning your screen, moving your table/desk, or reduced with window coverings.
And if there is no daylight, ensure that your space has adequate artificial lighting. You may need to consider purchasing a lamp or relocating a lamp to ensure you have sufficient light in your work area.
3. Indoor Air
Working from home brings many challenges as you might not go outside to go to work. Especially at this time of year when it is still cold out having a window close to your work-space allows you to open the window for some fresh air for a couple times a day or longer periods if the weather is nice. Opening a window increases the oxygen level of the interior air which helps you stay focused and alert.
4. Sound
If you don't have the luxury of having a separate room as a home office, noise from other people in the household, children, TV, or radios might be a distraction that is difficult to ignore. You might consider headphones with music that doesn't distract you (music without lyrics) or noise cancelling headphones that simply block noise. Regular headphones with soft music playing works well to drown out other noises.
5. Ergonomics
If you do not have a permanent office at home you likely do not have an appropriate office chair to sit in all day. Try to improve the chair you're using with pillows to be more comfortable and supportive. Set a timer to get up every hour and move around a bit; consider going outside for a minute or doing some stretches.
6. Electricity
If possible plug in your laptop close to your work-space and avoid having cords where you or other persons might be walking through. If you do need an extension cord or need to have the cord where you or other persons might walk tape the cord to the floor with masking tape.
I hope the above pointers help you to adjust your home office to be more functional and comfortable. If you have any questions particular to your space, please feel free to contact me for a free online consultation from April 03, 2020 to April 17, 2020.
Stay tuned for a post on how to create the work-space for children for at home learning.
Stay safe!