Your Home Office

Your home office…not just a temporary solution anymore

It’s been several weeks (or months now) that you’ve been working from home.  Maybe you’ve found that there are some definite advantages to this WFH environment.  There is all the time you’ve gained by not commuting to an office every day, less interruptions from other team members (although family interruptions may negate this!), the ability to find quiet time/space to do focus work, and meetings can be done virtually thus making them more focused and efficient.  Additionally, there are the personal advantages of spending more time with your family, the ability to throw a load of laundry in the washer or dryer, and having meals together as a family just to name a few.

While working from home may have started as a short term temporary necessity due to the pandemic, it’s now becoming a long term and/or permanent scenario for many.  Knowing this isn’t a temporary solution anymore, it’s time to give serious thought to your home office furniture.  Does it allow you to be productive and efficient in your work flows?  Does it support your health with home office space that is designed to fit your needs?

As you refine your home office furniture for a long term or permanent home office, there are a few things you should consider.

• Chair: Is it adjustable?  Can you adjust the height to fit your needs?  Can you adjust the back to support your back?  Do the arms adjust?
• Desk: Is the height appropriate to allow for using your keyboard? Can the height be adjusted from sitting to standing allowing you to change positions throughout the day?
• Storage: Are files and shelves within easy reach so that you are not straining to reach them throughout the day?
• Lighting: Do you have adequate lighting on your work surface so that you are not straining your eyes?
• Computer monitors: Can your monitor be adjusted independently from your work surface so that your keyboard and monitor can each be adjusted to the appropriate height?

Ergonomics, the science of designing the workplace to fit the capabilities and limitations of the user, is just as important for your home office as it was at the corporate office.