Although lockdown restrictions have eased in England, the way we work has changed fundamentally over the past 18 months and businesses have had to adapt to the change in circumstances which has taken some time for people and businesses to adapt.
As life returns to something like normal, many people will still be working from home.
Setting up a home office is essential for home workers, but what should you consider before working at home full-time?
Is working from home right for you?
While home working was a novel thrill for many in the early days of the pandemic, some employees have found that it simply doesn’t suit them.
Before you decide to work from home, it is important to consider if it is a realistic long-term option for you.
Some people love working from home whereas others would much rather go into the office. It’s all about finding what is right for you and if working from home is what you prefer, then you will want to ensure that your setup is ideal. That not only means having a desk, keyboard, and monitors but also ensuring that your working environment is something that is comfortable for you to work in.
What does your ideal setup look like?
When deciding on your home office, you should have a vision for how you want it to look.
Below, we cover some things to think about before starting on your home office.
The right location
It can often be tempting to set up a home office in a spare bedroom or the corner of the living or dining room. However, these are not always the best places to work from.
Find a location that is free from distraction, has optimal lighting and supports a healthy working environment for you.
Financing a renovation
Garden offices and garage renovations have become popular options for home workers. Creating a dedicated, separate workspace can be of great benefit too.
Financing a renovation requires careful assessment of your finances and accurate budgeting. Try not to be too grandiose with your ideas and stick to your plan.
Investing in the right equipment
Each job will require different equipment depending on your role and industry.
When working from home, it is important that you, or your company, invest in the right equipment for you to do your job.
Thinking about health
Health, both physical and mental, should be a priority for any home workers. Regular exercise is essential for sedentary workers.
The isolation of working by yourself for days on end can become damaging to your mental wellbeing, especially for people living alone.
Sticking to a strict schedule
When we work from home, it can be easy to slip into bad habits and work overtime without realising it.
Create a strict daily schedule, factoring in lots of short breaks to get up and move around, and stick to it.
Ultimately, how much you enjoy working from home will impact how your home office is set up. Getting it right is essential for your health and happiness at work and home.
