How to set up a home office

Here’s how to create a practical and efficient workspace in your home

AT FIRST it was a novelty. Lockdown meant no more getting dressed up, tackling traffic or settling down in your office that’s either too hot or too cold. Working from home meant you could slouch around on the sofa in your pyjamas while getting your work done faster.

But fast forward a few weeks and your back aches, you’re irritable because you’re constantly being interrupted by family members and it looks as if this work from home (WFH) business is going to continue for the foreseeable future as the pandemic is going nowhere.

It’s time to get serious about setting up a healthy workspace. Here’s what you need to know.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Ideally you need a dedicated room to work in, preferably one you can close the door on at the end of the work day. But if this isn’t possible, earmark a dedicated space in your home, one that isn’t a thoroughfare for others.

If you have small children, however, you might want to situate the office relatively close to their play area to keep an eye on them.

Avoid using your bedroom as an office. If you work in there you’ll find it hard to switch off when you need to unwind.

Keep all your work materials organised in your chosen workspace to avoid having your job spill over into the rest of your home.

“You don’t want to drag work into the living room or other places you’re trying to relax in,” American interior designer Kerrie Kelly says.

SHINE A LIGHT

Your workspace should have good lighting. First prize is if it’s next to a window so you can get some fresh air and natural light. “When we’re hunkered down in this way, we don’t realise how beneficial that vitamin D and fresh air truly is,” Kelly says.

Poor lighting can strain your eyes, sap your energy and cause headaches, impairing your ability to work effectively.

Avoid working under the direct glare of overhead lights. Diffuse the ambient light that illuminates your office space by using lampshades or an upward-shining floor lamp.

The goal is to light up the space without creating glare or shadows.

PERFECT POSTURE

Whether you’re working at a desk, table or kitchen counter, how you seat yourself and position your computer are probably the most important things to

get right.

“If your body is aching at the end of the day or hour it’s trying to tell you something,” says Kristianne Egbert, an American certified professional ergonomist.

For instance, if your neck is stiff at the end of the day, that’s usually a warning there’s an issue with the level of your screen, according to Egbert.

“You want whatever screen you’re looking at directly in front of you, around an arm’s reach away and at eye level,” she says.

If your upper back is sore, it could mean your monitor is too far away and you’re leaning forward or reaching too much for the keyboard or mouse.

Lower backache is a warning you aren’t maintaining the natural lumbar curve in your back. There shouldn’t be a gap between your lower back and your chair. Egbert suggests rolling up a towel or pillow to fill the gap.

Avoid a chair that forces you to hunch over your computer, such as a bar stool. It’s worth investing in an ergonomic chair that’s adjustable, has wheels and offers lumbar support.

Your work surface should be close to elbow height when you’re seated. If the surface is too high, sit on a cushion, blanket or pillow to elevate your body. Avoid your sofa or bed. Sit in a chair that allows you to keep your thighs parallel to the floor. Make sure your feet rest on the floor or some sort of footrest, such as a sturdy cardboard box.

Keep your elbows close to your side. Your forearms should be parallel to the floor, creating a 90º angle between the upper and lower arm.

POSITIONING YOUR COMPUTER

If you’re working on a laptop, chances are you’re hunching over its screen. If possible, invest in a computer monitor and separate keyboard a nd mo u s e , which you then hook up to your laptop.

Place your monitor on a level surface about an arm’s length away. Your eyes should be level with the top of the monitor so you can look down without tilting your head or turning your neck.

Make sure your monitor’s brightness is set correctly. Ask your company’s IT department for help with this or head over to YouTube where there are plenty of tutorials on how to do this.

If you don’t have access to a monitor, raise your laptop to eye level on a balanced, sturdy surface such as a pile of books. Then connect a keyboard and mouse and place them on the desk.

You could also invest in an adjustable laptop stand. Some have built-in fans that keep your computer cool while you work.

STAND AND DELIVER

A standing desk allows you to stand while you work. This is an investment, especially if you have problems with your back or you get stiff from sitting for too long. Sitting for long periods isn’t good for your health and is linked to weight gain, diabetes and heart disease.

In one seven-week study in America, participants using standing desks reported less stress and fatigue than those who remained seated the whole day. Also 87% of those using standing desks felt more energised through the day.

Most versions are height adjustable and you can alternate between sitting and standing. Prices vary – they usually start at around R1 200.

PRINTING AT HOME

A printer is a useful appliance if you need physical copies of documents.

They’re also useful if you have children at school – they’ll need to print out documents and pictures for projects.

If you plan to invest in a printer, opt for a multifunctional one that can double up as a scanner.