2020 was the year that working from home skyrocketed in prevalence. Before the coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic, few people actually worked from home and it was much more common for people to work in office based roles or in commercial premises like brick and mortar stores. But with the spread of a global pandemic, many governments have advised that those who can work from home do work from home. This means that a huge number of people have had to switch up their whole working environments and routines throughout the past months and this looks set to continue well into 2021. In fact, many business owners have realised that their staff can work effectively from home and intend to continue this protocol, reducing overheads like commercial property rent, commercial energy bills and more. Now, if you’re set to start working from home, this can be hugely positive! You don’t have to commute, you can wear more comfortable clothes, you can make better lunches in your kitchen on your break. But you will need to invest in a few essentials, or request a few essentials from your employer, in order to work safely and productively. Here are a few to consider!
A Laptop or Home Computer
When you work in an office, your computer or laptop devices are supplied to you. When you work from home, it’s highly likely that you will still need these. So, see whether your employer will let you take your device home with you, or whether they will supply you with your own device for use at home. You should also make sure that you have to contact details of local computer repair services, just in case anything goes wrong and you find yourself in need of support to get everything back up and running well.
A Source of Natural Light
This may sound like an odd one, but natural light can make all the difference to your productivity on a day to day basis. When you think about it, this makes sense. Our bodies adjust to day and night according to natural light impacting our circadian rhythms. When we’re exposed to natural light, our body assumes that it’s the day and perks up, ready to be productive. When our body is deprived of natural light, it assumes it’s night and begins to wind down. You want plenty of natural light when you’re working, so try to make sure that your work set up is in a naturally bright area of your home if possible.
Ergonomic Furniture
Offices tend to have ergonomic furniture. This is furniture that has been specially designed to support you and your posture while you work, reducing your chances of developing chronic health conditions, such as repetitive strain injury. Make sure that your work space has ergonomic furniture wherever possible.
These are just a few suggestions that will help to make sure that you have everything you need to work from home well! Each is hugely beneficial, so take them into consideration!