To put you in context, this article was written during the COVID pandemic in 2019. Back then, it was almost impossible not to think about working from home.
However, working from home was already on the rise long before that. And I'm not just referring to freelancers or self-employed people, but to the fact that more and more countries are demonstrating that giving their employees the flexibility to work from home or to do a hybrid of working some days in the office and others at home leads to an improvement in employee performance.
It may seem like working from home is a futuristic vision, but in fact, it goes back hundreds of years, long before the Industrial Revolution when our ancestors did various jobs from their homes. Initially, families worked at home preparing animals for consumption, sorting cereals, and making textiles; later, homes combined home and workshop where they cooked, made clothes, created products such as skins, cheeses or meats, etc. Until professions such as bakers, seamstresses, shoemakers, weavers, and blacksmiths were created...
Today people who work from home can work in different fields: artists, photographers, writers, fashion specialists, designers, computer scientists, and there are more and more skilled jobs that allow you to work at least partially from home (managers, scientific work, psychologists or therapists, etc...).
Working from home has always meant being able to multitask and manage your resources. In this post, I will explain EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO CREATE A HOME WORKPLACE, from maintaining a 'work vs personal life' balance to the ergonomic, functional and aesthetic aspects of it.
Create and designate a dedicated workspace
We as humans have a psychological need to separate our work from our private lives. In fact, there are numerous famous writers who, despite having space in their homes, looked for an isolated environments in their gardens or garages to disconnect from their daily surroundings and find the inspiration they needed.
That's why my advice is: find a space free from distractions, a space isolated from noise and without a TV.
The most important thing is to treat your day as if you had left your house.
If you have enough room, you can turn that guest room into your office. Otherwise, you can choose a corner in the rest of the house where you feel comfortable and create your workstation. Maybe you have space in your garage or a little house in your garden – it all depends on the space you have available.
Ergonomy: TOP PRIORITY.
If you ask me, the most important aspect of creating your office is ergonomics. If you focus on this, you will be reducing the chances of injury and increasing your comfort, which will help you stay focused and productive.
Here are my practical tips:
✓ If you're going to invest in something, make it your chair.
An adjustable-height chair that provides good lumbar support is essential. Personally, it has changed my life, eliminating my numerous lower back pains.
The chair should allow you to have good posture, a 90° posture. Your lower back should be supported and your back straight. Your head should be upright in line with your neck.
If you don't have an ergonomic chair, you can use cushions to support your lower back.
✓ The size of your desk matters
Often, the best solution is a custom-made piece of furniture that fits perfectly into your space. If you have limited space, you can design a floating desk that folds up when you're done working for the day.
The keyboard should be aligned with your elbows. Your arms and wrists should be in a neutral position, without uncomfortable postures that can lead to pain and injuries in the long run.
To achieve this, you can adjust the height of your chair or make sure that the table you choose is the right height for you. The standard height is around 75 cm, and you need approximately 60 cm of free height to have unrestricted movement. Make sure that if there are drawers underneath, they don't prevent you from sitting comfortably and crossing or uncrossing your legs or changing your position when you need to.
As for the length and width, the minimum acceptable dimensions would be a length of 80 cm and a width of 60 cm. This will depend on the tasks you will be doing, the size of your computer, the number of screens, and other items such as books, etc., that you may need at the same time. Obviously, the larger it is, the more comfortably you will be able to work.
✓ Laptop height: If your eyes are going up and down, something is wrong.
When you're working, you shouldn't have to look up and down. There are laptop risers that can help you keep the screen at eye level, which will correct your posture and prevent neck strain.
One way to check if your position is correct is to stretch your arms out horizontally. They should touch the middle of the screen.
✓ Desks adapted to human measures
There are desks that allow you to place the keyboard and mouse at a height that is adapted to the human body, and even trays that can be adapted to your existing desk as an accessory.
✓ Keep your feet fully supported
If you are not very tall, you will find it very comfortable to be able to rest your feet on a small platform.
✓ Common sense
Depending on the type of activity you do, if you spend hours typing on a laptop or if you are a graphic designer, you will need an ergonomic mouse. You will notice what things you feel uncomfortable with and you will be able to improve your workspace.
Lighting affects our health and productivity
Choose a place with good natural light. Natural light promotes our good mood and boosts our productivity, so if you can, choose a place near a window.
Make sure you have elements such as blinds or curtains to avoid the glare effect during sunrise or sunset hours, which could cause eye fatigue.
If your workplace does not have enough natural light, there are lamps that simulate the effect of natural light, called "anti-depression lamps" that act as an ideal therapy to mitigate the changes of seasons.
Both too much light and very little or glare are a problem for working. It is important to adapt the lighting to each activity. If you work with a computer, you will find that a warmer light is more pleasant. If you carry out concentration activities such as reading, crafts, etc., you will need white light. The ideal is to have both at different levels. Ceiling and wall lamps will minimize the use of space on floors and desks.
In general, avoid lights below 3500 K, it will be too warm and above 5500 K, too cold. The optimum temperature is 4500 K.
Colors and their intensity affect our well-being and mood
There are colors like white that give us the sensation of a 'clinical appearance', blue that promotes calm when carrying out a very repetitive task, green that stimulates balance and concentration, while others like yellow promote excitement which makes it the ideal color for creative work, or the red that generates anxiety and gives the feeling that everything is urgent...
I suggest that you create an environment suitable for your activity.
If your workplace receives little natural light, using light colors on the walls and furniture will help retain the light that enters. Dark colors are not favorable, in addition to darkening the rooms they can cause visual fatigue. You can play with different shades of neutrals such as off-white, gray or pastel colors depending on the task at hand.
Storage: more important than you think
The organization of your workspace goes far beyond what you might initially perceive. A lack of order can cause stress and a sense of losing control over your life. This is especially true in today's society, where we are constantly striving to optimize our living spaces.
The key to successful storage lies in variety. From drawers and filing cabinets to floating shelves and a dedicated printer space, there are countless options to suit your needs. Whatever your storage solution, creating an organized workspace will bring you a sense of balance and enhance your productivity.
Here are some tips for organizing your workspace:
Keep your desk clean and clutter-free. A cluttered desk can be a major source of distraction and frustration. Make it a habit to tidy up your desk at the end of each workday.
Organize your belongings by category. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it. You can also use decorative boxes or vintage filing cabinets to add a touch of style to your workspace.
Implement different storage systems for various items. For example, you might have a separate system for business cards, letters, brochures, and other work-related materials. This will help you stay organized and efficient.
Consider custom-made storage solutions. This is a great way to maximize the use of your workspace, especially if you have an unusual or awkward layout.
Don't focus solely on functionality. Incorporate some personal touches into your workspace, such as a floating shelf with an inspirational quote, a family photo, or a creativity board. This will make your workspace feel more inviting and inspiring.
Remember: A well-organized workspace can have a significant impact on your productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. By following these tips, you can create a space that supports your goals and promotes a sense of calm and focus.
Introduce plants in your work space
Plants are not just decorative elements; they can significantly enhance your well-being and productivity. They possess abilities to reduce stress, boost creativity and productivity, purify the air by absorbing toxics (volatile organic compounds) which are presents on walls, ceilings and even furniture and they naturally reduce noise levels.
Here are a few suggestions: aloe vera, cacti, money plant. By incorporating plants into your workspace, you can create a more natural, healthy, and productive environment. The benefits of plants extend beyond aesthetics, positively impacting your well-being and performance.
Choose well your work free zones
Just as having a well-designed workspace is crucial, so is the ability to disconnect from work once the workday is over. Everyone has passions beyond their jobs, whether it's cooking, gardening, crafting, reading a book, or playing an instrument. I recommend creating "work-free zones" in your home to give your mind a break from the demands of your professional life.
You can explore activities like meditation, enjoying a cup of tea while watching the sunset and breathing in fresh air, or engaging in sports. The choice is yours, but learning to create a balance between work and personal life will significantly enhance your overall well-being.
Remember, It's Not About Perfection : Don't stress too much about achieving the perfect work-life balance; it's an ongoing process that requires effort and dedication. Don't be discouraged if you don't achieve it immediately. With time and practice, you'll find a balance that allows you to enjoy a fulfilling and satisfying life.
Hope this article helps! If you are looking for an Interior Designer in Sitges to help you create your dream home, visit us at LADY J.INTERIORS
