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How to Set Up an Ergonomic Work-From-Home Office

If you (like so many of us right now) are struggling to set up an at-home work environment that’s as comfortable and high-functioning as your traditional in-office setup, you’re not alone. During the first few months of 2020, nearly 70 million Americans began working from home to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

If you’re used to working in a traditional office, the shift to working from home can have disruptive effects on your productivity, comfort, and emotional well-being. But until we’re able to return to our offices, the best way to ensure happiness and health at home is to implement the three aspects of ergonomics to create a more comfortable and productive home office environment.

How to Use Ergonomics to Create a Comfortable Home Office

Ergonomics are the interactions between the human body and the many different systems and environments we navigate every day. For office workers, ergonomics mainly refers to our chairs, desks, and offices — and how it feels to use them.

From an ergonomic perspective, there are three aspects you should focus on when creating a home office space of your own.

1) At-Home Ergonomics: Physical

Your physical comfort is one of the most important factors when creating a comfortable, functional work environment. While working in bed or on the couch might feel cozy for a day or two, that posture doesn’t promote long-term productivity, and can negatively impact your sleep habits.

Instead of working in bed or on the couch, focus on creating a dedicated space in your home where you can “go in” to work. If you can, convert a spare room into an office, give yourself a table or desk, chair, and adequate lighting.

This workstation should adjust to your needs. Try to find an adjustable work chair that you can raise and lower. To really invest in your at-home work experience, choose a height-adjustable desk so you can work while standing — a great way to avoid “cabin fever” and sedentary tendencies.

2. At-Home Ergonomics: Mental

Distractions and disruptions are two leading causes of lost productivity at work. In your work-from-home space, focus on creating a setup that mimics your actual office environment. Your home space should be well-lit, climate-controlled, as quiet as possible, and free from unnecessary distractions like a blaring television or podcast.

For workers sharing their homes with others, now is an excellent time to consider investing in noise-canceling headphones to create a peaceful, focused work environment.

RELATED: Use Ergonomics to Get More Comfortable at Work

3. At-Home Ergonomics: Emotional

The most underappreciated aspect of ergonomics is emotion. Function matters, but how you feel when you interact with your workspace also plays a critical role in your mood, attitude, and productivity. Workspaces that make you happy promote better, more focused, and more creative work — that’s why we decorate our desk space with inspirational quotes, photos of our kids and pets, and trinkets we love.

Your home workspace should be just as comforting. Decorating with pictures or art and burning candles can personalize an otherwise unremarkable home office and make this work-from-home stint more enjoyable. You could also consider purchasing a collection of succulents or even buy a small fountain to promote peace and tranquility in your home office.

Creating a Home Office Requires Creativity and Patience

At ZGO Solutions, we understand that when you’re suddenly forced to work from home, not every home solution will be perfect — and that’s okay. We’re all in this together.

So, whether you need to create an ergonomic workspace in your home that’s built to meet your needs for the long-haul, you already work from home full-time, or you’re planning to update your desk situation when you’re back in the office, ZGO Solutions is here to support you.

Our desking solutions promote comfort, happiness, and collaboration through globally inspired design and ergonomic features. So, no matter where you work, you’re working well.

ZGO Solutions: Your Partner in Crafting Ergonomic Workspaces

At ZGO Solutions, we craft desking solutions that take your work from sitting to standing and from good to great. Choose a style, customize the color options, and make it yours — no matter where you work.

Ready to get started? Contact us today, and we’ll help you create the desking solution you’ve been looking for.

 

References

Krause, R. (2020, March 25). Will Working From Home Outlast the Coronavirus? Investor’s Business Daily. Retrieved from https://www.investors.com/news/technology/working-from-home-will-social-distance-outlast-coronavirus-emergency/