Craft your perfect workspace with tips on setting up a productive home office. From equipment essentials to space optimization, to boost your efficiency and well-being.
Hybrid or remote work has become the "new normal" for many of us. Thus, it is also paramount to take advantage of the home office and the advantages it provides us since it increases our flexibility and comfort. So thinking about how to make your "home office" better than your real office, we have put some tricks and tips together to help you make the most of this experience, boosting your productivity (and fun working) a lot.
Setting up a space in your house dedicated to the home office is crucial if you want to keep your productivity, comfort, and professionalism when working remotely. It also helps to establish a routine and set clear boundaries for working hours, breaks, and personal time, contributing to a more organized daily schedule, which is very important for a work-life balance. And even more, if you’re working (some days of the week) remotely.
Besides that, customizing your home office allows you to put inspirations close by, and even have your pet around (or the fridge ;)). But there are some tools and items that are fundamental to any office, including the one in your house, so check out what you cannot miss when setting up your place and more tips about how to make it your favorite space to work from:
When deciding which computer you should adopt for your personal office, you must consider how often it will move around with you. If you have a laptop that you take with you on travels and moving offices frequently, the most common one is a screen size of 14-15". In this case, if you feel the need, you can also go for slightly bigger dimensions. If your computer is stationary, we recommend you to choose a 17".
Some people might also find some extra comfort using a laptop stand, make sure to buy one compatible with the size of your computer.
Focus on keeping it clutter-free to avoid distractions, and in the best case, get a height-adjustable one, like the ones you can find in our apartments ;)
That way, you can work standing from time to time, which your back will absolutely love you for.
You can find several options on the market, some with back and head support, others more basic. The recommendation will depend on how much time you spend at the desk, and budget. Most of them are height adjustable, so you don’t need to pay extra attention to that.
Having one additional monitor can be a game-changer! If you are a coder or a video editor, it might even be efficient to have two extra monitors if you have the space for it. Usually 24" is a good go-to size, and the resolution, for normal office tasks 1080p (Full HD), is a good choice and totally sufficient. If you're creative, 4K might be the better choice in the long term tho, in terms of resolution. In terms of frequency, we recommend 60Hz or 75Hz.
Regarding the mouse, choose one that gives you the most comfort possible. We’ve had a really good experience with Logitech keyboards and mice, so that’s a brand we can definitely recommend.
Depending on your preference, you can opt for overhead or in-ear models. If you usually go to public spaces to work, it might be interesting to have a good isolation sound system. If you plan just to use it at home, this won't be necessary. If you plan to answer phone calls regularly, it's totally worth investing in high-quality microphones (or a headphone that comes with one).
A good option is to invest in wireless chargers, where you just need to lay your device on top of it and it will charge. Those devices are not only more practical but also faster than other models of chargers. Think about which devices you want to keep near your set up (phone, headphones, …).
To give you a guide, the minimum you should consider is 100 Mbit/s, but if you are looking for a really fast connection, anything over 500 Mbit/s will fit you well, this is the standard we use at Bleisured! To check your current speed, you can access this website and run a test: Speed Test.
Remember to revise your internet contract every 1-2 years, sometimes you can get a way faster connection for the same price after some time.
Another point to consider here is a WiFi router device. If you don't have one, you might start using a portable router. It is important that it's LTE capable, and the contract observation also applies here, you might get a better service for your current price.
An extra tip for you here: cactuses are plants that don't need a lot of care and watering, so they’re especially suited for people who don't have much time to take care of them. If you're an absolute 0 in caretaking, also plastic/artificial plants can do a pretty impressive job.
To begin with, set up a designated work desk where you can place your laptop, water bottle, and notebook for your notes. If you're an illustrator or graphic designer, consider a larger workspace to accommodate your tools and instruments. Alternatively, consultants may find a filing cabinet essential for organizing client files. Depending on your job's specifics, you might also require industry-specific equipment.
Pick a quiet area or room away from distractions — yes, that includes the TV. Ideally, if space permits, a separate room with a door of its own can help create a clear delineation between “work” and “home”. Of course, this is not always possible as space constraints are common, but focus on choosing a place where you can concentrate on your work without being interrupted.
It is a good idea to have a window or a balcony, that allows you to have a nice view and keep natural ventilation in your "office", especially during summer, and take advantage of the natural light since it has a significant influence on our body and mind. To do so, make use of mirrors or place your desk close to the window.
It is also important to think about the color you will want around you! To increase focus and efficiency, choose colors like blue or green. Want to infuse optimism and energy? Pick yellow. Avoid bright colors like red or orange, as they can be too intense and distracting.
Try to make the space more relaxing by adding some plants. Go for the ones that require minimum care, they will give you basically no work while reducing stress and keeping the air in a better quality.
Dress up! You won't need a tie, but you are likely to be more productive and feel confident when you are dressed for work. Plus, you never know when a client or your boss might want to hop on a surprise video conference call.
Don't forget to track your time. While working at home, many people may forget it and end up working for 15 hours a day before noticing it. In fact, remote workers are more likely to work longer than employees in a traditional office space. Also, be careful with your breaks. Netflix might be tempting, but this break can end up lasting for long hours. So have a way to track time, either with a tomato timer, your smartphone's alarm, or the good old wall clock.
Mind your diet! Having the kitchen just two steps away can be dangerous. Avoid heading back and forth to the kitchen all day by keeping healthy snacks such as nuts, raw veggies, and hummus at your desk. Keeping a water bottle close by can also help you stay hydrated. Limit your intake of sugary drinks and caffeine to avoid the dreaded 2 pm couch crash.
Crafting the perfect remote work setup is not just about having the right equipment but also about creating an environment that fosters productivity and well-being. A dedicated home office is essential for maintaining professionalism, comfort, and work-life balance, offering a structured routine and clear boundaries. Equip your workspace, customize it with personal touches, and carefully choose the right spot within your home to minimize distractions. Pay attention to details like dressing up and mindful breaks. It will all contribute to a successful and sustainable remote work experience.