A couple of months ago, only a small percentage of people had to deal with home offices and being productive. Now, it’s a global phenomenon that has taken the world by storm! But, if you thought that working remotely was walking in the park and impromptu picnics, you’re sadly mistaken.
As many of you are finding out, it’s harder than it appears, and the main problem is your desk. Whether it’s not comfortable enough or it’s poorly positioned for productivity purposes, your concentration is lacking and your work is being affected.
So, what can you do to rectify the situation and turn your circumstances into a silver lining?
Place Your Desk Parallel To The Window
Let’s start by making one thing clear – your workspace must have a window. Otherwise, it’s a glorified prison cell that makes you feel confined and suffocated. However, merely having natural light doesn’t guarantee a high level of output because the view or the glare can be off-putting. Therefore, whether you have PVC or sash windows, it’s essential to place your desk at an angle so that you’re parallel to the glass. That way, you get the benefit of the sunshine without any of the annoying side-effects, such as constantly staring at passers-by or squinting at your screen.
Turn Your Back On The Distractions
A home office might be small, yet it packs a powerful punch from a distraction perspective. Even facing the wall is problematic since it could contain everything from a TV to your favourite photos from family holidays. The good news is that you can turn your back on them by facing the other way. It’s straightforward, yet it’s effective as it removes the temptation to focus on stuff other than your work tasks. For those who feel penned in, you can move the desk into the centre of the room so that the layout is less claustrophobic.
Don’t Be Too High Up
You should consider the basic rules of ergonomy when positioning your desk. Regardless of where it feels the most comfortable, it’s vital that you don’t raise it too much. What this means is that the top of the computer or tablet shouldn’t be above your eye line. When it is, it stops you from looking down, which is crucial to a healthy shift. Your eyes close and retain moisture when they move in a downward direction, making stains less likely and less painful.
Put It Where It Fits
The above is based on the presumption that you have enough space to play around with your home office. Of course, not every homeowner is blessed with square footage, and you should consider this before setting up shop. As long as a desk and comfortable chair fit into a small area, it’s better than attempting to work from the kitchen table while your family are making lunch. At least when you’re tucked up out of the way, you have fewer distractions to worry about.
Do you have any home office tips you’ve learned during lockdown that you’d like to share?
Disclosure: This is a featured post.