Even though COVID-19 was now defeated, the new normal that the scientists have warned about stayed in some form – it’s now normal to work from home, either partially or fully.
For some of us, our homes have become our offices, and it can be tricky to separate a bedroom from a work desk. Yet, a good separation and functionality is just as important as the home office being aesthetically pleasing. Below, let’s review what you need for a home office.
1. Standing Desk
A comfortable desk is essential. There is even research on the benefits of separating work-related items from personal ones – that’s why a journal table or a dining table wouldn’t do the trick for some people. You are free to try, of course, but if you are thinking of investing in a proper work desk – why not buy a standing one?
Standing desks have numerous health benefits, beyond being stylish as your home decor. Seating at a desk for prolonged hours can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and influence your cardiovascular health negatively.
Having a standing desk mitigates these risks by allowing you to alternate between seating and standing. What’s more, standing while working can often increase your concentration. Some people even report giving better presentations at work when standing.
Most standing desks are adjustable, meaning you can find a perfect length. Adjustable desks benefit not just work performance, but any activity really. For instance, people who like to gamble online often report increased concentration (similar to work performance) when standing.
This is due to the fact that several gambling platforms, such as Bovada gambling website, demand high levels of focus. Many people experience increased alertness and quicker reaction times when diving into poker, blackjack, or other skill-based table games. Playing these games while standing can boost concentration, benefiting your gambling performance significantly and giving you an advantage over those who gamble at brick-and-mortar casino establishments, where they are required to sit at tables.
Additionally, standing while gambling can reduce physical discomfort and fatigue, potentially allowing for longer, more focused gaming sessions, which makes a standing desk essential for your work, as well as at-home gambling endeavors.
2. Plants
Yes, it might seem counterintuitive to include plants as a ‘necessity’ right after a work desk. Still, plants have many obvious (and not so obvious) benefits that are especially beneficial in the working environment.
According to one study done at Cardiff University, plants can increase your concentration levels. By comparing two teems with green and non-green surroundings, the researchers found that greenery can increase your productivity by as much as 15%.
Plants also reduce stress, which can be important in demanding jobs such as finance and consulting. Stress can reduce concentration, but also cause many health hazards. Many people find greenery relaxing, and studies have shown plants to reduce stress just by being present in eyesight.
Well-situated plants are also a great decoration for your work desk. Some of the most trendy plants that are also safe indoors include English Ivy, Pothos, and Peace Lily.
3. Multiple Monitors
For many jobs, it is integral to keep track of several projects at once. Remote jobs arguably require more written communication than in-person ones, so keeping track of an email, Slack, and several datasets all at once is much easier if you can visualize the information without jumping between pages.
The usage of multiple monitors has been shown to increase the efficiency of work activities like onboarding. But in terms of decor, they have often been criticized for taking up too much space on the desk. Solution? Think wisely how many monitors do you need – perhaps more than one, but not more than three.
After all, you do not want your home office to become a major design challenge.
4. Humidifier
Humidifiers have experienced a boom in popularity due to their numerous benefits. Best of all, they are appropriate for home office and bedroom use equally. They are a must if you are using air conditioning.
In natural conditions, humidifiers are often unnecessary. But in cold countries like the UK with unpredictable weather during Winter and Spring, natural air circulation and humidity are not regulated in indoor places. That’s where humidifiers come to the rescue.
When you work 6-8 hours from home, you might not notice the effect of allergies and dry skin that builds up as you spend more time indoors. Humidifiers are a great solution against some allergies and are proven to be great for dry skin.
5. Coffee Machine
How much money a day do you spend every time you get a takeaway coffee from Starbucks, Pret, or your local hipster coffee shop? Prices for coffee are quite high everywhere in the world, but especially in the UK, where you can easily pay 4 pounds for a cappuccino.
Coffee machines are not only handy solutions to make coffee in the comfort of your own home, but they are an investment that saves you money. Think how much happiness does buying a coffee provide you with – and whether it’s the coffee or social aspect of sharing a cup with your friends that is truly enjoyable. The latter can be easily recreated in your own home office.
And with the amount of coffee shops out there, investing in a good coffee machine can often provide you with reliable, good quality coffee without the hustle.