Does the idea of having a home office excite you?  Unlike the typical office environment where everyone has identical workstations, designing your own home office is where you express creativity.  You are free to add whatever inspires – like family pictures, achievement awards, flowers, and toys.

However, it is essential to note that office furniture, including the office layout, is designed to improve employee productivity.  Companies are aware that ergonomics plays a significant role in creating a comfortable work environment. 

Therefore, in setting up your home office, try your best to apply the same ergonomic principles in your choice of office furniture.

 

Who needs a home office?

According to a survey done by the job-portal Indeed, companies are taking steps towards being remote-ready.  While companies are investing in tools like video conferencing and apps like Slack, employees also recognize the need to replicate their office environment at home.  

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the most common reason why employees work at home is to catch up on work but remote workers do need home office setup.

A third group is entrepreneurs who work from home for various reasons - to save on rent, spend more time with family, and to enjoy flexible work arrangements. 

With more people working from home, market forecasts indicate that the Australian furniture market will reach AUD 14 billion by 2022.  And it is interesting to note that home office furniture is one of its main categories. 

If you are keen on setting up your own, here are some guidelines.

 

How do you set up a home office?

Layout 

Before buying office furniture, find available space in any room of the house.  Be creative.  The living room can be your home office.  One way to add space is by placing the sofa against a long wall.  Your desk can be in front of the window.  You can rest your eyes by looking out of the window. 

If you have filing cabinets, make sure to station them in secluded areas.  Children and the elderly can accidentally stumble when the drawers are kept open.

 

Get adjustable desks

The desk is an integral part of your home office.  It will significantly impact your productivity.

Your choice will depend on how you will be using the desk.  If your work involves a lot of paperwork, you will need a large table with built-in drawers. 

If you work on a desktop, the desk with built-in keyboard drawers will keep the space clear when unused. 

If you work for long hours, consider replicating the sit-stand tables in your office.  You can use two desks at home - one is a bar-height desk used while standing and the other is your sit-down desk.

Another option is to get adjustable desks.  These are provided with controllers to lift and lower it.

 

Buy an ergonomic chair

Occupational therapists recommend that an ergonomic chair is a worthwhile investment.  Aside from being adjustable, choose one with back support.  When seated, your elbows should bend at 90 degrees.  The computer or laptop monitor elevation is at eye level. 

If there is enough space at home, you may want to buy a chair with a reclining feature.  During your breaks, you can take a rest from work.

 

Dividers

If there is no separate room for your home office, consider having dividers.  Not only will dividers help in concentrating, but you may also avoid embarrassing situations where your kids appear in the video conference.

 

Cabinets

Having pedestal drawers will help in storing office-related documents.  Office furniture stores have many kinds, but choose one that is small enough to slide below your desk.

Use display cabinets to show your qualifications, especially if your clients visit your home office.

 

Planters

Including plants in your work area will reduce stress, according to a study.  Aside from being visually appealing, plants improve air quality, reduce noise levels, and stabilize humidity.  If there is no space for a pot or vase in your desk, try having a vertical garden in an adjoining wall.