So, you’re working from your home or your office, depending on the day. It’s easier than ever to be a hybrid worker, but it still takes some planning. Here’s how to build the ideal home office setup.
A Dedicated Space
Put aside for the moment the fact that you need a place for your laptop, documents, and other work materials. Having a dedicated space is also good for mental separation and work-life balance. Yes, you can work on your laptop from bed. But that lets your work life bleed into your sleep place. So, find a dedicated place to work. It doesn’t hurt to work from the couch watching TV once in a while, but with a dedicated space you’ll be better able to divide your work life from your home life.
Good Lighting
Did you know there’s science to back up the idea that good light promotes good mental health and productivity? It’s true. Either get a space near a nice, big window or invest in a good lamp.
Comfortable & Ergonomic Desk & Chair Setup
Poor ergonomics can have poor long-term health consequences. That’s why it’s a good idea to spend a bit more to get the best possible chair. And maybe consider one of those desks that can be a sitting desk or a standing desk?
The Right Technology
It’s tempting to use a laptop and call it a day. But you might increase your productivity with a bigger monitor, better keyboard, computer mouse, and other life-improving technology.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Some people can work through the regular noise of life. We admire those people. For the rest of us, there’s noise cancelling headphones.
Good Internet Service
There’s no more frustrating thing in the modern workplace than not being able to connect. Whether it’s a slow internet connection, a spotty connection that drops when you’re right in the middle of something, or a connection with bizarre restrictions like limiting data, poor internet connectivity is the bane of modern working. So get the beefiest connection you can at home and get a good data plan for your phone so you can set up a hotspot anywhere you choose to work.
Keep a Tidy Background
When you’re on video, either angle your camera such that your fellow video callers see something tidy and organized or get a virtual image that conveys the same idea. Don’t overthink it—just set it up such that you project a professional image.
No Clutter
Clutter can affect your productivity and your mental health. Take a few minutes at the beginning or end of your workday to tidy things up. Not only will you have a cleaner workspace, the act of tidying will help transition you from a work mentality to a home mentality, or vice versa.
Plants, Art, & Other Calming Elements
Remember that classic Simpsons episode where Martin teaches Bart to be a good student, and the first thing he does is get a plant for Bart’s newly cleaned desk? Plants help us calm down and add an element of serenity to a workspace. Get something—it doesn’t necessarily have to be a plant—that makes your workspace more human.
A Pen & Pad
All this technology at our fingertips, but sometimes it’s easiest to just jot down a thought or message with old-fashioned pen and paper.
