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Sometimes external factors force companies, of all sectors and sizes, to change their working methods and adapt by, for example, implementing teleworking. A trend that has been making headway in recent years, thanks to the uptake of new, more flexible and agile working philosophies based on people, ideas, projects and objectives.
The home office embodies a new way of focusing work, which casts aside rigid, predetermined norms to prioritise people and tasks. It also helps to cut operating costs, as well as environmental impact. Today’s digital tools and hyper connectivity also favour this way of working, whether it’s full or part-time.
As Actiu‘s beginnings lie in the home office, we have been using our experience to compile a set of golden rules for creating the best and most comfortable home office. Read our suggestions below.
1. Find the ideal space
Regardless of the working hours of the job, choose a space that is not close to televisions or busy areas so as to avoid distractions and interruptions.
2. Be aware of natural light levels
Light is a key factor in productivity and job satisfaction. Paying close attention to this aspect boosts wellbeing, increases creativity, and makes it easier to perform tasks in a more agile and efficient manner.
3. Choose ergonomic and versatile furniture
A good desk and chair are essential. For desks, in addition to finding the correct size for the task, it is also important to choose one that has openings for cables. For example, height-adjustable tables are very popular as these allow you to switch between sitting down and standing up, thus providing ample opportunities for movement while working.
Folding and ease of movement are two other good qualities. In terms of chairs, they must adapt to the posture and physiological needs of the human body; any home workspace should provide the same standard of ergonomics, wellbeing, and functionality as those found in offices.
4. Don’t forget filing
Organisation is critical in teleworking. Using items to store and categorise materials simply and unobtrusively is essential in all home offices.
5. Find solutions for videoconferening and group work
Choose desks that make videoconferencing easier and aid communication with others. Likewise, make use of a cloud platform and work with collaborative digital tools which allow for remote resource management without the need for face-to-face contact.
6. Create a small reading and relaxation area
This is known as soft seating and helps create a setting of peace. It has been shown that people are more productive and imaginative if they include time to relax in their working day. Making good use of colour is also essential. Select tones that offer health benefits and increase comfort. While colours, such as green, blue, and yellow boost wellbeing and creativity, vivid hues like red or orange should be reserved for specific objects only that you wish to highlight.
7. Separate your workspace from the rest of your home
Use either a door or sound-proofing panels that can isolate the workspace and help boost concentration, even when the family home becomes noisy.
8. Be environmentally committed
Home offices must be environmentally friendly like the rest of the home. To do so, we recommend using recycled materials; avoid plastics, and ensure that all materials used, such as paper, toner and so on, are placed in the correct containers, so that these can be discarded as efficiently as possible. Likewise, LED lights should be used to avoid excessive electricity use and all equipment should be turned off when not in use to prevent unnecessary energy use.
9. Choose formaldehyde-free products
Health is important, especially at home. In the design of new teleworking spaces, opt for materials that are free from formaldehyde, which is a chemical compound that increases the risk of certain illnesses. Reduce formaldehyde in home offices and opt for cleaner materials to promote both productivity and wellbeing.
10. Keep in touch with colleagues
Encourage contact between employees and use networking tools. Create systems for videoconferencing between staff as this is a way to avoid loneliness, which boosts social interactions and happiness.
Find out how to master remote working
