While telecommuting is not a novel idea, many employees are working from home for the first time and are finding it challenging in terms of sticking to a routine, collaborating with colleagues and clients, and putting boundaries between home and work.
Regardless of working style, here are some tips on how to create a productive workspace.
Choose a dedicated workspace
One’s home office options highly depend on their living arrangements and the type of work they do. For those with small living spaces, try to choose an area with the least amount of distraction and is spacious enough for one’s needs, ideally with power outlets. This may involve setting up a table in the corner of the bedroom or living room or converting dining table into work desk.
Furnish the home office
An ergonomic workspace can relieve day-to-day discomforts such as eyestrain and back pain, reduce the risk of injury, and encourage proper posture. The first—and perhaps, the most vital—step is to choose a chair with a backrest and armrests for support, with adjustable seat height, and one that allows the user to move around without overstretching. A desk that can accommodate all gadgets, files, and other essentials needed for work is also important.
The right chair and desk must allow one to sit back with their feet flat on the ground, with their shoulders relaxed, elbows bent around 90 degrees, and their arms hovered over the keyboard. Readjust as needed.
Make it conducive to productivity
Natural light is beneficial in the working area as it brings energy into the room, so best to set up by the window or next to other light sources. Create the right ambiance with essential oils or choice of ambient work music. Add a visual breather with indoor plants, photos, and artworks for inspiration.
Lastly, take note of air circulation. Too warm and it may lead to fatigue, headache, sleepiness, or irritability; too cold and it may make one susceptible to illnesses. A quality and efficient air conditioning unit helps control temperature and humidity, as well as cools the gadgets used and makes them work better. Best to keep the AC unit around 25-degree Celsius to attain thermal comfort while staying awake and productive.
Opt for a unit with an energy-saving or sustainability component. And should the work-from-home arrangement extend, remember to give the AC a good clean by carefully taking out the filter and dusting it off, or spraying it gently with water.
Mitsubishi Electric, through International Elevator and Equipment, Inc. (IEE), offers a variety of indoor AC models equipped with energy-saving and silencing technologies, enabling WFH employees to work with no worries. Each unit comes with a long-lasting and easy-to-clean filter that maintains indoor air quality by capturing contaminants and odors.
Go to ph.mitsubishielectric.com for more information.
