Remote work – or at the very least, hybrid work – is here to stay. Remote jobs are now three to four times as common as they were in 2019. This upward trend is only going to continue. As a remote employee, it’s essential that you have a well-designed home office furniture in Denver. This will help you maintain – and maximize – your productivity and comfort.
A well-thought-out workspace contributes to your overall well-being. After all, this is where you’re going to spend most of your time! Here are some musts to consider when setting up your home office with quality furniture. (Stay tuned until the end for three bonus tips on technological essentials for your remote workspace!)
Setting Up Your Space
The first step to creating a productive home office is choosing the right space. Ideally, this should be a quiet area with minimal distractions, separate from your living areas. If possible, dedicate an entire room to your office. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated and has access to natural light, which can significantly enhance your mood and energy levels. A clutter-free environment is crucial, so invest in storage solutions like shelves or cabinets to keep your office organized.
Chairs, Mats, and Wheels
Your Good office chair is probably the most important piece of furniture in your home office. A bad chair can make or break (pun intended) your back health. It should provide adequate support and comfort, as you’ll be spending long hours sitting. An ergonomic chair with adjustable height, lumbar support, and comfortable padding is a great investment. Don’t forget about chair mats and wheels. A good chair mat can protect your floor and allow smooth movement. Ensure the chair wheels are suitable for your floor type to prevent damage and enhance mobility.
Ergonomic Desks
It’s impossible to overstate the value of ergonomic desk. Do you want a comfortable and productive work environment? A lot of it can boil down to your desk! The desk should be at a height where your forearms are parallel to the floor when typing, and your feet are flat on the ground. Benefits of Adjustable Height desks, which can be set to both sitting and standing heights, are increasingly popular. They allow you to change positions throughout the day, reducing the risk of back pain and improving circulation.
Ergonomic Keyboards
An ergonomic keyboard is designed to reduce strain on your wrists and hands. These keyboards often feature a split design, allowing you to position your hands more naturally. Additionally, many ergonomic keyboards come with a padded wrist rest, which provides extra support and comfort. Investing in a quality ergonomic keyboard can prevent repetitive strain injuries and enhance your typing comfort and efficiency.
Laptop Stands
A laptop stand offers ergonomic benefits by raising the screen to eye level, reducing strain on the neck and shoulders during prolonged use. It promotes better posture and comfort, preventing discomfort and potential long-term health issues. Additionally, it improves airflow around the laptop, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance. With its portable design, a laptop stand enables flexible workspace setup, promoting productivity and efficiency for remote work environments.
Comfort Accessories: Footrests, Wrist Rests, and Ergonomic Mouse Pads
Consider some special comfort accessories. If you don’t start your remote work journey with these, you’ll definitely be searching for them a few months in. Check out a good footrest to promote proper posture and blood circulation by supporting the feet and reducing pressure on the lower back during long periods of sitting. If your ergonomic keyboard doesn’t come equipped with a wrist rest, getting one can help you maintain neutral wrist alignment, preventing wrist strain and discomfort. An ergonomic mouse pad is another cool comfort accessory. It provides wrist support and encourages a natural hand position, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Together, these accessories enhance comfort, reduce fatigue, and promote ergonomic wellness for a healthier and more productive remote workspace.
Proper Lighting
Proper lighting is often overlooked but is crucial for a productive home office. Poor lighting can cause eye strain and headaches, affecting your productivity and comfort. Aim for a combination of natural and artificial light. Position your desk near a window to take advantage of natural light, and use adjustable desk lamps to supplement when necessary. Ensure the lighting is bright but not harsh, and consider using LED bulbs, which are energy-efficient and provide a clear, white light ideal for working.
Bonus Technological Essentials for Any Remote Workspace
Optimized, Secure Wi-Fi
Nothing is worse while working remotely than having intermittent Wi-Fi outage. To optimize Wi-Fi for remote work, place the router centrally in your space, update firmware regularly, and choose the appropriate frequency band. Make sure you secure your network with a strong, random password that’s at least 12 characters long and minimize interference from other devices. Extend your Wi-Fi coverage with range extenders or mesh systems if needed. Adjust your router settings for better performance and consider upgrading hardware if you seem to have consistent issues (always ask your employer about this before you splurge your own money!). For more stable connections, use Ethernet cables where possible.
High-Quality Webcam
In the era of remote work, video meetings are commonplace. A good webcam is essential for clear and professional communication. Look for webcams that offer high resolution (at least 1080p) and good low-light performance. Some webcams also come with built-in microphones and privacy shutters, adding extra functionality and security to your setup. Position your webcam at eye level to ensure flattering angles during video calls.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones are a game-changer for remote work, especially if you have a noisy household or live in a busy area. These headphones can block out background noise, allowing you to focus on your work and participate in meetings without distractions. Look for headphones that are comfortable for long periods and offer good sound quality. Some models also include built-in microphones for seamless communication.