When the pandemic first closed offices, people cleared a corner of the kitchen table (or found a spot on the couch) to set up their work station. This is fine for a few weeks—but the new year brought fresh lockdowns and restrictions, meaning remote work will remain the reality for many of us during 2021. Even once the pandemic is under control, WFH is here to stay.

Some companies offer a budget for employees to outfit their home offices. Having seen that productivity and employee satisfaction are not dependent on being in the office full time, many organizations are shifting to a hybrid workplace: introducing flexible, fluid working practices on a permanent basis. If your workspace needs some love, here are a few simple tips on how to upgrade your home office.

Woman working on laptop from bed. — A simple setup might have done the job for now, but is it sustainable?

Separate work and play

People are working longer hours during the pandemic, as the boundaries between work and free time are blurred. Having a clear division between your workplace and living areas will help with work-life balance—but getting the right work-from-home setup in a small apartment can be tricky. If you don’t have a spare room, use a bookshelf or a large standing plant to separate your desk.

As well as physical boundaries, it can help to have a routine that mentally signals the start and end to your productive hours. Instead of the daily commute, try taking a 15-minute walk around the block before sitting down at your desk. Once your workday is over, practice a quick yoga or stretching session—to let your brain know it’s time to relax.

Invest in home office ergonomics

If the coffee table is still doubling up as your home office desk, consider investing in an ergonomic desk and chair. These home office essentials are definitely worth the expense—it’s hard to focus on anything when you’re in pain. Plus, they can sometimes be claimed against tax if you work freelance.

Standing or convertible desks are great for flexibility, and they don’t have to break the bank. Sustainable cardboard solutions can modify your table into an affordable standing desk. And there’s a huge range of options if you want a home office chair upgrade—adjustable seats with lumbar support, kneeling chairs, or even an exercise ball.

A cardboard standing desk to work from home. — No need to invest in a standing desk. There are solutions that help you modify the desk you already have.

Find the right equipment

A laptop might be all you need, but if you want the best home office setup for productivity, make sure you’ve got the right hardware. You could get a monitor (or two) if you’re used to working across multiple screens, and a good webcam is useful if you make regular video calls. A separate keyboard and mouse——and a desk mat so they don’t slip—can help reduce wrist strain.

Get yourself an organizer or desk-top filing system for any paperwork you need to keep track of, and set yourself up near a dock with plenty of ports. Everyone has different needs—the only universal essential is fast home office Wi-Fi.

Work station with three screens and an ergonomic chair. — Forgo a stylish chair in favour of an ergonomic one - your back will thank you.

Optimize home office acoustics and lighting

Exposure to sunlight regulates our sleep pattern, hormone production, and other vital processes within the body—so make sure your workstation is close to a source of natural light. If your home doesn’t receive much sun, you could invest in a light-therapy lamp to get your daily dose of Vitamin D.

Interior light is also essential—opt for task lighting solutions instead of ambient lighting, and choose soft lamps over harsh fluorescent bulbs. To avoid headaches and eye strain, install software that automatically adjusts your screen brightness, depending on light conditions.

Noisy neighbours or kids being homeschooled? A quality pair of headphones can spare the distraction of background chatter and improve your home office setup. For those on a budget, a set of ear plugs will work as well. If you live alone, you might consider investing in speakers—placing them at desk level will help with the acoustics.

Home office work desk by a window with large desktop screen. — Natural light and a good sound system make your workday a lot more pleasant.

Get some indoor house plants

Desk-top plants are an easy way to create a relaxing workplace. Being outside in nature is known to make us happier (and healthier). As we’re spending more time inside, getting plants for your home office brings nature indoors—providing an attractive environment to spend your working hours in, while helping to regulate your mood.

As well as looking beautiful, adding a touch of greenery reduces stress and boosts productivity. And there are plenty of options to choose from—whether you want cleaner air, brightly-colored leaves, or a low-maintenance houseplant: here’s a list of the best indoor plants for your home office.

Much nicer to look at greenery than a white wall, right?

Make the space your own

Just because your workspace is functional, it doesn’t have to be dull. Add personal touches such as photographs or posters on the walls to make it your own. If you enjoy making analog notes, buy yourself some fancy stationery or a whiteboard for brainstorming.

Try to find the balance between creating an environment where you feel comfortable without it being overstimulating. People work in different ways, so think about your individual requirements before you upgrade your home office.

Woman working on her laptop from home. — Just one or two plants can transform a working space.

Plantclub.io provides you and your colleagues with the benefits of plants, wherever you work. Rent office plants and transform your space into a green oasis, with flexible monthly membership options to suit your size. Diversify your employee perks with a dedicated company store, where you can give green gifts and your team can buy plants for their home office. Book a time to chat with us today.

How to upgrade your home office setup