The Ultimate Guide to Improve your Home Office Setup and Boost your Productivity

Recently, the concept of working from home has become more prevalent, and it’s no longer just a temporary situation for many people and has become a permanent arrangement for workers around the globe. It doesn’t appear this trend will change, either. In fact, a recent survey from Promoleaf found that 18% of Gen Z workers believe a flexible schedule consisting of remote and in-person work increases productivity. 

Having a separately designated, functional office space is vital to your success if you are working from home. The right home office will help you stay focused and create a healthy work-life balance. Before you design your work from home space, there are lots of things to consider, including choosing the right furniture and technology as well as staying organized to maximize productivity. Thankfully, you don’t need to break the bank to update or set up your home office. With the right tips and tools, anyone can enjoy a beautiful, functional home office space. Once you’ve created your new home office, be sure to include a few tweaks that will increase your productivity levels and give it a fresh, new look.

Ergonomic office setup tips

You’re likely working at a computer or sitting at a desk all day, so it’s crucial to ensure that you’re getting the support you need to prevent pain and injury. Here are some ergonomic-related tips to help you keep good posture while you work.

• A proper desk: Make sure that your desk is at the right height for your chair and your position while seated. It should offer the appropriate height where your arms can rest directly in front of you and where your hands and wrists will be supported, making looking for the best home office desk a priority. This can also be accomplished with an ergonomic home office desk setup. A particular ergonomic mouse and keyboard are recommended to help with this and prevent things like carpal tunnel syndrome. Look for a mousepad that includes wrist support too.
• The right chair: Your desk chair is one of the most essential items in the office. Be sure to choose a chair that will support your posture and keep your neck, back, and shoulders aligned. If you need one, add a back or lumbar pillow for even more support. Your feet should be at a 90-degree angle directly under your desk. A sturdy footrest can help keep your legs and feet in the proper position while seated. Chairs with features like an adjustable headrest, height, tilt back, and arms will allow you to find your perfect position.
• Raise your monitor or laptop: Looking down for hours at a time can cause severe strain on your neck and shoulders. Ideally, your computer monitor or your laptop should always be at eye level or higher. You can use a laptop or monitor stand to raise it to the appropriate level or simply stack some sturdy hardback books under it until you find the right height. You can also invest in a table desk stand, it will help with your range of vision while working.
• A stand-up desk: Too much sitting can cause issues with circulation and may cause excess strain on your body. Consider getting a stand-up desk, so you can work while standing up. Most stand-up desks are adjustable, so you can raise or lower them whenever you prefer to sit down.
• Invest in some office exercise equipment: If you’re able, consider purchasing a stationary bike or a treadmill that can securely hold your laptop. When you exercise while you work, you’ll not only feel better and get fit, but you’ll also improve blood flow which also enhances your ability to focus.
• Take breaks: Always remember to take frequent breaks while you’re working from home. Whether you get up for a cup of coffee or just walk around the house, it’s crucial to keep moving during the day to prevent fatigue and muscle strain. If you enjoy a bit of yoga, keep a yoga mat handy in your office so you can take short breaks for a bit of stretching or meditation.

Upgrade your technology

Making sure that you have the right technology will set you up for success. Here are some suggestions to ensure you have everything you need for the home office.

• A bigger or external monitor: A large computer monitor makes it easier to see as you type or do your daily tasks. If you have a laptop, consider adding a bigger external monitor, or even a projector, that’s meant just for working, so you’re able to see things more clearly, and will help you increase productivity.
• Speakers and headphones: Listening to music during the day can boost your productivity and cancel outside noise while you’re in meetings. Invest in a quality set of speakers and a pair of headphones to help you focus.
• Smart home system: A smart home system is like a “personal assistant” while you’re at work. These devices are voice-activated and can turn the lights on and off, give you the weather, activate security cameras, and more.
• Chargers: Make sure that you have the correct chargers for your laptop, smartphone, PC, and all of your other work-related devices so you can stay connected all day.
• Computer or laptop maintenance: A virus can wreak havoc on your computer and can cause serious problems, so be sure that you have a quality antivirus program installed. The program should also check and clean the hard drive and all software regularly. Make sure that your computer has enough memory, too. The more RAM and ROM memory you have, the faster your computer will run and the more data it can store.
• Gadgets to boost your productivity: get more value of your working day by adding a helpful gadget (or even more) to help to stay on track by juggling different products and assignments, and boost your productivity.

Organize and declutter

A cluttered, disorganized office can cause stress and reduce focus. Keep these tips in mind to help you stay organized and productive.

• Go minimalist: Consider adopting a minimalist style in your office. This will prevent clutter from building up in the first place, and you’ll only have the things you really need around you.
• Tidy up your cables: Corral unruly cables using cable ties or special devices that keep them contained. This is particularly important if you have pets or younger children as it can be a trip hazard and cause a risk of electrical shock.
• Add a book nook or shelves: Keep your books and work-related paperwork organized with a cute book nook in one corner. Add a bookcase or some shelving to keep everything orderly and in its place.
• Custom cabinets: If you deal with many office accessories, add some custom cabinets for a perfect fit. They can hold your items neatly while keeping everything hidden and looking attractive.
• Create a file system: Important work documents should be filed away in the proper order. If you deal with confidential information, make sure you purchase a locking file cabinet to keep everything secure.
• Make space: Declutter your office and be sure you have plenty of space to move around. The right flow will make the office feel cleaner, and it will help your mind stay open and relaxed as you work.