Working from home has become commonplace over the past 12 months in a way that we’ve never seen before. Now, a home office is not just an additional luxury but an essential space where productivity and creativity can thrive. If you want to get the most from your working from home experience then you need to make sure that your space is set up for it. At MBM Omega, we’ve come up with some ideas to help you…

Create a dedicated area for work

You may not have a spare room that you can convert into a home office but it’s important to make sure that you are set up with a dedicated space. Productivity is likely to be much higher than if you’re simply working from your bed or sofa and ideally, you’ll have an area that you can ‘leave’ at the end of the day. Put your desk somewhere quiet and if you’re sharing your space with others make sure that they understand what this area is going to be for during working hours.

Fit your workspace to your needs

Creating a workspace designed for your needs is one of the definitions of ergonomics – even within the limitations of your home space it should still be possible to make a few simple changes to ensure you can work productively and in comfort. Your employer might be able to contribute towards the cost of ergonomic furniture, such as an adjustable desk and chair, which can help to protect your back and neck. Make sure that your computer monitor is at eye level around 20 inches away from your eyes – taking regular breaks from your screen will be essential too. If you’re feeling creative then a sit-stand workstation arrangement can ensure that you’re not spending your whole day in a chair.

Take care of the basics

Clear spaces and good light are the basics that we need to be able to function efficiently in a working environment. If your workspace has a good source of natural light, you’ll not only avoid eye strain but it’s likely to boost your mood too. If there is little or no natural light then it may be essential to invest in desk lamps or overhead lights to give you what you need to see to function. Keep the surfaces of your home office as clutter-free as possible. Research has found that the more clutter we see when we’re trying to work the less productive, we are likely to be so this is a simple way to improve how you work.

Set yourself up for success

What tech do you need to make your life easier? This could be something as simple as a robust headset for video conferencing or an ergonomic keyboard so that your wrists aren’t getting overly tired. You might also want to have a think about how to make the space more enjoyable to be in – plants can help concentration and bring life to any area while inspirational images or posters can be motivating.

Creating a home office space that works for you can have a huge impact on how well you perform in productivity terms. And as always, here at MBM Omega are here to support you with any office supplies you may require for your employees at home.