WHETHER YOU WORK from home full-time, on a hybrid basis, or simply use your home workspace to work on other things, everyone can benefit from a ‘home office’ 

Of course, not everybody has a spare room to use as a dedicated office. Many of us have to work with what we’ve got.

This week, we’re taking a look at some tips for how you can put together a home workspace that is comfortable while also inspiring you to do what you need to do. 

Location, location, location

When deciding where in your home is most ideally suited to converting into a workspace, you want to make sure that it’s a room where you can control how much light is coming in. If you’re in a room that is too exposed to the light, you’ll end up with a glare on your screen that will make it harder to work. 

You do need some light, and if you’re someone who takes a lot of video calls you want to make sure that you are facing the light, rather than having the light come into the room behind you. This avoids a shadowy appearance on work calls, and instead will make you look prepared and professional. Installing a blind so that you can control the light coming into the room is a smart move. 

Ideally, you would also set up in one of your home’s quieter rooms, away from any noise that might be coming in. 

Seating

The most important thing about having a home office is making sure that you’ll use it, and you’re not going to use it unless you have the right seating. That’s not to say that you need to spend thousands on an ergonomic, reclining chair, but anything that makes you uncomfortable is certainly not going to work.

Make sure to choose a chair that’s an appropriate height for your desk, with plenty of support for your lower back. A footrest under the desk can also be a nice addition for you when you need to relax a bit more, or simply stretch out your legs. 

Deskorating

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You want to create a workspace that will draw you in rather than push you away, and you can achieve this by making sure your desk is decorated with things that you like. An aroma diffuser is one way to go — particularly if you’re doing some tough work and need a relaxing scent like lavender to keep you grounded. 

Other nice touches you can include your favourite ornaments and trinkets, framed photos of family, or even a puzzle book for when you need a timely, healthy distraction. Some plant life is always good for wellbeing, too, even if it’s just a small succulent. Surrounding yourself with some greenery will make sure you don’t feel too ‘locked away’ while you’re doing your work. 

The nice thing about setting up your own workspace at home is that you can constantly be customising it to get the best out of yourself. If it’s warm, you can have a little desk fan. If you’re doing some old-school, analogue work in a notebook — you can get yourself a nice lamp. The options are endless.