It’s now approaching 6 months since many of us were advised to start working from home. With little warning, lots of us were ill-prepared to creative an instant designated work space with health and wellness in mind.
With a vast number of company employees continuing to work remotely, for some, it’s a convenient plan, but for others, it can cause additional stress because our home environments are designed for relaxation and recuperation, rather than for working.
If you are continuing to work from home for the foreseeable, there are numerous ways in which you can adapt your home working space to minimise stress and promote positive well being. We’ve put together a list of 5 ideas to help make the coming months a little easier…
A Dedicated Space
In order to maximise productivity whilst keeping stress levels to a minimum, a dedicated work space is ideal. If you don’t have a home office, consider adding a desk to one of your least used rooms where you’re least likely to be disturbed. By opting for bespoke fitted furniture, you can give your spare bedroom an additional purpose. Incorporate a work station in even the most unpromising of spaces, or install a fold-down bed so that your spare room functions predominantly as an office but can be adapted instantly for staying guests.
Comfort First
Spending long hours sitting at a desk can play havoc with your posture, so invest in an ergonomic chair. Not only do they look swanky, they’re designed to keep you in the correct position and support you in all the right places. Any tools you can find which will keep you comfortable as you work can only be a good idea. Wrist rests are particularly useful for those who do a lot of typing.
Re-evaluate Your Layout
The placement of your desk can make a considerable difference to how you work and how you feel whilst doing so. Try to ensure that your desk gets as much natural light as possible. Feng Shui experts claim that the most beneficial desk placement is called the commanding position – place your desk so that you can see the door but you are not in line with it and make sure you have a solid wall behind you. An inspiring view of your garden or outdoor space is highly recommended.
Make Space and Time for Recuperation
Wherever you choose to set up your work zone, it is vital that you make space for recuperation. Your daily work routine may be vastly different to what you’re used to but it’s imperative that you take regular breaks, particularly if you are spending lots of time in front of a computer. Try to incorporate a relaxing space within your working area so that you can take a break. A comfy corner for a change of view where you can enjoy a cup of tea will do it.
Add a Touch of the Outdoors
Houseplants are not only visually appealing, but they also help to purify and humidify the air. A space with clean air and good oxygen levels is as good for the mind as it is for the body. Spider Plants and Aloe Vera plants are thought to be particularly beneficial. There are other ways you can bring the outdoors in too. Organic patterns and natural materials will also help you to re-energise and will promote alertness.
At Hartleys, we are experts in creating ergonomically designed work spaces. Regardless of room size, we can design and install custom storage solutions so that your equipment is safely housed, wires are hidden away and you have a clean, clutter-free space in which you can work effectively. If you would like to visit our Skipton showroom, please call us on 01756 700471 to make an appointment.
