The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way the world worked; there’s no doubt about it. Even though the pointy end of the pandemic is over, we’re still feeling the ripples and repercussions, from supply chain disruptions through to inflation and other economic issues. It also changed how we work our jobs, with millions of people worldwide suddenly forced to work from home, cobbling together makeshift home offices. At the same time, desks, monitors and other technology sold out rapidly.
Many companies are now offering hybrid working opportunities – roles where you can split your time between the office and home. However, what if your home is not correctly set up for a hybrid role? This could be for several reasons – perhaps you were one of the few who didn’t convert their spare room into an office during the pandemic. This helpful article will share how you can set up the ultimate hybrid working environment. Read on to find out more.
Invest in a Standing Desk
A stand-up desk is an excellent investment for the hybrid worker. It allows you to work standing up and can be lowered so you can work sitting down. There are a few reasons this is beneficial, which we’ll explain. To begin with, when you sit for extended periods of time, you compress your spine. This can lead to back, neck and shoulder aches and pains. You can even injure yourself by sitting in an incorrect posture or awkward position. By standing up and working, you reduce the pressure on your back and will feel less stiff and sore at the end of the work day. Also, your blood circulates better through your body when standing, giving you more energy and a clear mind. You can see why a stand-up desk is an excellent investment for a home hybrid office. It can even be good to alternate between standing and sitting, and we’ll cover appropriate chairs later on in this article.
Get an External Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse
You don’t want to work a full day using just your work laptop. It is worth investing in an external monitor, keyboard and mouse to create an ergonomic hybrid working desk. For instance, if you work hunched over a laptop all day, you will wind up with a sore neck and a headache from looking down at your laptop the whole time. You’ll also strain your eyes from trying to read the smaller screen. You can also risk straining your hands when typing on a laptop. External equipment will make it easier to work and will reduce the strain on your neck, shoulders, eyes and hands. A bonus is that you can claim the expenses on your next tax return, and hopefully lower your taxable income or even get a refund.
Pick a Room With Natural Light and Ventilation
When setting up your hybrid workspace, choose a room with plenty of natural light and ventilation. There are a few reasons for this. No one wants to work in a dark, stuffy and musty space. You’ll feel better working if you have some sunlight, some fresh air and a gentle breeze. You will feel better about logging in from home if you have a lovely room to work in.
Get a Comfortable Office Chair
You don’t want to use any old chair in a hybrid role at home. A dining chair, bar stool or lounge chair is inappropriate for work. If you use these, you are fast-tracked to a sprain or strain. Instead, invest in an ergonomic office chair with adjustable height and lean. This will ensure that you can sit comfortably while taking a break from standing at your desk. You may opt for one with or without armrests – this is usually a personal preference.
Decorate Your Space
Working in a drab, bland and dull space is no fun. While you’re setting up your ultimate hybrid workspace, consider decorating it. Depending on your budget and taste, you might want to put up some artwork – either original pieces or prints. You can also opt to put some small ornaments and other decorations on your desk. Perhaps you have artwork from your children or pictures of family and friends. House plants are another great idea and have been proven to lift mood and scrub the air of impurities.
A Hybrid Workspace Summary
This helpful article has shared how you can set up the ultimate hybrid working environment. Begin with a standing desk, and invest in external hardware for your laptop. Don’t neglect a comfortable chair; you can decorate your space to bring that personal touch into the environment. Think about how else you can make your hybrid office a lovely space to work in and bring your own inspiration into its design. Good luck on your hybrid working journey.
