If you’ve recently moved to a remote setup and are having trouble adjusting. In reality, many of the things that you get in a proper office can be recreated at home — all you need are a few necessary items to get you started. The key to a good work-from-home setup is a well-designed space with the appropriate appliances in mind. Then, you’ll soon find yourself to be a lean, mean, work-from-home machine.
Working from home used to be one of the most sought-after job perks before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. And according to a recent Flexjobs survey, 96% of respondents indicated their desire to continue working from home, either full-time or part-time, once pandemic conditions cease.
Those that were already exercising flexible working may not have been caught off guard without a home office by COVID. However, many people found themselves suddenly working at home with a setup that didn’t support our work or their health.
There is a need for you to make the absolute best decision when shopping for your work-from-home essentials. Here are some of them:
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Standing Desks
Something that is vital when you work from home full time is having a dedicated workspace — one where you can set goals and feel productive in accomplishing them. A surefire way to start off your work zone is, you guessed it, a desk. It seems like a no-brainer, we know, but still.
Before you go and order any old plank of wood on the internet, pause and consider getting an adjustable desk. Adjustable desks allow you to maneuver their surface up and down at a moment’s notice. This lets you switch from sitting to standing, and back again whenever you want to. Most people have a natural aversion to the concept of having to stand while working, but it’s actually more ergonomic. This also keeps you from cramping up in your chair and does wonders for your productivity.
Adequate Storage Space
Efficient storage should be next on your list of small office space ideas. Try to keep everything off the floor with a five-shelf bookcase and a home filing cabinet. You can use drawers with dividers to hide away rarely used items and reduce clutter.
The best small office furniture for storing files may have no drawers at all: A printer/scanner takes up little space and can digitize your documents for storage on your computer and in the cloud. Don’t forget a shredder to get rid of the documents safely afterward.
Good Speakers
Music can help you relax and get energized. It can also improve your productivity. According to a study by the University of Miami’s music therapy department, test subjects who listened to music while working were able to complete their tasks with superior quality. Their speed than the study group without the sweet tunes is also better.
Having a nice Bluetooth speaker in your work environment allows you to fill your space with your favorite mood music. This also washes out any ambient distractions to improve your focus. So cue up a playlist of your ideal mood music (simple chord progressions, instrumentals, and catchy rhythms often work best) and check out some of these office-ready speakers.
Cable Management Accessories
So, you’ve found the best home office desk. Now, consider what’s under it. Management of cables is vital when considering furniture for small spaces. It reduces the clutter from computers, lights, and other equipment.
Some desks come with built-in cable management, but many need extra accessories to manage cable chaos. Cable ties, mini-clips, and cord covers will be your least expensive small office furniture add-ons but possibly your most satisfying.
Ergonomic Chair
When it comes to your health, your desk chair is arguably even more important than your desk. Many office chairs do not offer the necessary support to keep you comfortable and in the correct position for hours at a time. Ergonomic chairs are designed with these pain points in mind. While they may be larger and their designs a little more elaborate than a simple office chair, it’s for a good reason.
Ergonomic chairs specifically address known areas of weakness and pain in the human body by providing more support and comfort. Before buying an office chair, you should definitely do your own research first. Everyone has different areas of weakness; hence all chairs work differently for different people.
Key Takeaway
Working from home is a dream to most, but it comes with its own challenges. Mentally leaving “home mode” and entering “work mode” can be difficult if you never physically leave your house and your bed only steps away. How can you actually become inspired to get work done in such cozy conditions?
As much as working from home is ideal, their different health and productivity issues associated with it. Finding ways to work around these issues will give you the best work condition and environment you can create for yourself.
