To make remote working work for you, there are a number of things you can do to achieve a great home office set up.
It’s not just about your physical presence in the space which you call home. It’s also about mind set and mental preparation – for you and for those around you.
But where to start? We’ve broken this down into 5 steps to help you adjust and adapt to your new way of working.
Of course, we all have different household situations and challenges. Some of the tips we’ve given will work for you. Others won’t.
But this is a great place to start, so let’s take a look at the first step and you can choose what to put into practice and how…
Step 1 – Prepare Yourself
Working from home can save you heaps of time and money on travel. Plus you can do it in your PJs. (Note to self – brush hair and wear smart top for video calls.)
But there are also some down sides.
Your home will no longer be the place you look forward to getting back to – you’re still there. You have been all day…or maybe the last 7 days…without a break.
For some, working away from noisy colleagues can be a dream come true. For others, it can be a hellish, silent nightmare. It’s common to feel isolated whilst WFH.
You might find yourself getting distracted by that mark on the floor or a few specs of dust on the shelf. The temptation to clean the house instead of working may be strong.
But you must resist – it’s work time!
Working from home requires self-discipline and motivation.
TOP TIPS FOR SELF-PREPARATION….
- You can still dress smart and be presentable whilst WFH – it will probably make you feel more professional and work orientated. Treat yourself to a dress down Friday if you’ve been good.
- Draft up a timetable including breaks and stick to it. Use break times for outdoor walks and exercise to avoid cabin fever. Use work time for work.
- Set yourself daily and weekly targets – work a little harder to achieve them and reward yourself.
- Make sure you schedule in time to speak to your boss or co-workers about how you (or they) are finding things since you set up your home office. If you feel isolated or forgotten, speak up.
It’s really important to have a clear distinction between work and play. This will help you to remain focused and productive when you are working.
Step 2 – Prepare “The Others“
Once you have your mind set on making a success of WFH, it’s time to tackle those who you share your space with.
Explain that when you are working, you are working – not just sitting around, waiting for some company or a quick chat.
You will have break times, as you would if you were working at HQ.
They don’t need to offer you a cup of tea every 5 minutes. (Thanks mum, but I’m actually working. I won’t die of dehydration if I wait for my break time.)
Or to ask for food / drink / attention / money. (Listen kids, I’m actually working. You won’t die of starvation / thirst / neglect / poverty if you wait for my break time to ask me.)
It can be tough getting everyone on board, but it will become easier when they know you mean business.
TOP TIPS FOR PREPARING THE OTHERS…
- This should really go without saying, but make sure you have appropriate child care in place.
- Share your work goals and activities with your family so they have a better understanding of what challenges you’re facing. Share your successes with them as well.
- Make sure there’s a copy of your timetable for all to see. Have a quick cuppa and a chat in your break. Go for a walk together at lunchtime.
- Plan an after work activity or treat if your small people (or grown ups) allow you to get on with your work without distraction.
Spend time together during your breaks and plan after work activities to look forward to.
Step 3 – Prepare Your Workspace
Whether you have a corner of the kitchen to work from or a spare room to convert into an office, there are a number of ways you can make your space work better for you.
Where possible, clear any unneccessary clutter. Make use of whatever storage you have to help keep your work area clean, tidy and distraction free.
Use colour on the walls to create a work zone if you don’t have a room to yourself. Dividers can be a great way to separate your workspace from the rest of the household.
Give your office a freshen-up and a lick of paint. Or zone-off your work area if you’re sharing a space with the others.
TOP TIPS FOR PREPPING YOUR WORKSPACE
- Clear out the clutter and minimise.
- Choose your colour palette wisely – blue for a calm mind and concentration, purple for creativity, yellow for confidence.
- Make the most of your existing storage or invest in something new. It doesn’t have to cost the earth – boot fairs and second hand shops can be a great way to save some money. Update items with a lick of paint to complement your new space.
- Separate shared space with a divider, use tall shelving or make your own. (You could use curtains, doors, screens, wooden paletts, an old bed frame…or anything else in fact. Think outside the box to create a one-off sensation.)
The Spruce has some great articles on decor and storage. Take a look at these Paint Ideas to Set the Mood for Your Home Office.
Step 4 – Home Office Essentials
Whatever your budget, there are a couple of essentials which you really shouldn’t live without.
A good, sturdy desk is the first. Make sure it’s the correct height for you and can handle your equipment without wobbling.
Even better, opt for an adjustable desk so you can alternate between sitting and standing as you work.
Reducing your total sitting time lowers the risk of the many health conditions associated with excessive sedentary behaviour. It can also improve mood, productivity and even sleep patterns.
Secondly, spend some time to find the best chair for you. If you opt for a traditional office chair, choose one with adjustable height and lumbar support.
Or take a look at active office chairs and stools. This type of seating encourages you to make micro movements as you sit, helping to keep the core engaged, improve posture and eliminate aches and pains.
Choosing the right desk and seating can help to improve your comfort, productivity and general good health.
TOP TIPS FOR HOME OFFICE ESSENTIALS
- At the very least, make sure your desk is sturdy and is the correct height for you.
- Adjustable standing desks are a great way to reduce your sitting time – this is great for your circulation, can help to regulate blood sugar levels, reduce blood pressure, improve your posture and so much more.
- Alternatively, invest in a standing desk converter. These sit on top of your existing desk and elevate / lower your equipment once placed on top. Make sure your supporting desk is strong and stable.
- Choose a good chair with the correct support if you opt for traditional office seating.
- Or opt for active office seating to keep the core engaged, take the strain off the back and improve your posture.
Check out our comparison review on the Best Electric Desks Under £300.
Step 5 – Finishing Touches
You’ve done most of the hard work, so now it’s time for some finishing touches. Attention to detail at this stage can make all the difference.
Put some officey things on the walls or shelves….a clock if it helps to keep you on task, certificates, yearly planner, motivational quotes – whatever floats your boat.
Have a “Do Not Disturb” sign at the ready for zoom calls and online meetings.
Your workspace should be comfortable so get the temperature right. There’s a huge amount of debate about what the ideal office temperature should be. There’s no straight answer to that one. Just choose the right temperature that works for you.
Lighting is important too. Nothing too harsh but not too cosy either. Adjustable lighting is great for making chages throughout the day. And of course, it’s good to have some natural light in your work area as well.
If you don’t already use a headset, invest in a decent pair of headphones. This way, if you’re getting distracted by noise around you, tune out with some gentle background music.
“It’s attention to detail that makes the difference between average and stunning.” (Francis Atterbury)
TOP TIPS FOR FINISHING TOUCHES…
- Get the kids to help with your Do Not Disturb sign. They’re more likely to take notice if they’ve made it.
- Put your certificates on the walls….be proud of your achievements. Get that timetable up as well. A motivational quote here and there can add to the feel.
- Get the temperature and lighting right for a comfortable – but not too cosy – workspace.
- Search on YouTube for music for focus, music for concentration, music for creativity and so on. You can also tune in for a quick grounding meditation if you’re feeling anxious or stressed.
- Wear your headphones without listening to anything. This helps to deter the others from disturbing you. (Such a simple strategy but this usually works like a dream!)
Finishing touches can make the difference between a nice office and a great place to work.
Final Thoughts on Your Great Home Office Set Up
Setting up office at home can be a little difficult to adjust to – for you and for the people you share your home with. But by preparing yourself, those around you and your workspace, you really can achieve a great home office set up.
Let’s have a re-cap on the main points to consider…
Prepare Yourself…
Get organised, be presentable, draft a timetable, keep work and play time separate. Get out at break times to avoid cabin fever and be sure to maintain regular communication with your colleagues.
Prepare the Others…
Inform the people you live with that work time is work time. Show them your timetable and explain you need their support and understanding in order to get the job done. Spend some time together during breaks and plan out of hours activities.
Prepare Your Workspace…
Clear the clutter, use colour or room dividers to create a separate work zone if you share a space. Choose colours for a productive office vibe and maximise your storage.
Home Office Essentials…
At the very least, make sure your desk is the correct height and select your best seating options – whether that’s traditional or modern. Consider a standing desk or desk converter so you can alternate between sitting and standing whilst you work.
Finishing Touches…
Make your work area comfortable with the correct lighting and temperature. Get those certificates and motivational quotes up on the walls or shelves. Use headphones for background music, meditation or as a prop to deter unwanted attention. (And don’t forget that Do Not Disturb sign!)
Of course, not all of our tips will work for you, but choose the ones that will so you can start enjoying your great home office set up.
Let us know which of our top tips work for you. Have you found ways to make that kitchen corner into a perfect mini office? What ideas have you come up with to deal with distractions? Email jane@standingdeskuk.com or leave a comment in the box below. We’d love to hear from you. Send your photos too!
