RRA Architects: Top tips for improving your workspace at home
Working from home became the hot topic of lockdown and it seems everyone has become used to seeing journalists on television reporting from their perfectly set up home offices; concerts from A-listers home studios; we have even seen Brad Pitt playing Dr. Fauci in his home library. But for many of us the home office has been a hurried, makeshift affair struggling with trying to organise an area to work from with enough plug sockets, reasonably stable internet, whilst also keeping a watchful eye on the children.
Of course, it would be great if we all had a dedicated office in our house, soundproofed, neutral, calming, with an ergonomically designed desk and chair and natural light streaming through the expansive windows which overlook our stunning landscaped gardens!
However, for the majority of us, reality is still more likely to be a semblance of a home office in a spare room or a laptop balanced on one end of the kitchen table whilst organising the home school at the other.
Nonetheless, even if this is just a temporary set up, taking a few minutes to stand back, and reassess the space
you have available to create your home office could pay dividends. Implementing some simple, inexpensive adjustments really can improve productivity, mood and health enormously.
So, here are RRA’s top tips for making the best of a temporary solution to enable you to set-up for your home office.
PHYSICAL COMFORT
Even, if you do have to work at the kitchen table it is still worth trying to have an adjustable desk chair with lumbar support. Even the best dining chairs are not designed for working at a computer, so this is one area that is worth some investment.
Once you have your chair, and ideally a proper desk, but even at a normal table, it is vital that you check your positioning using the Self-Assessment checklist from the National Institute of Health here.
LIGHT
It may be tempting to use that underutilised dark corner, but this could be detrimental to both your concentration and productivity – and you simply will not want to work there.
Try to position yourself in a well-lit area, ideally near a window to get plenty of natural light. It is even better if your window has a good view to encourage you to exercise your eyes by looking away from the screen regularly.
Add one or two desk lamps with a soft, gentle light for days when the weather is dull or for evening working.
COLOUR
Whilst many of the online images of home offices have bold colours which look striking in the photos, such décor can be distracting and may not provide the calm atmosphere you need to concentrate. A light, neutrally coloured area will allow you to focus on the task at hand and increase productivity.
STORAGE
If possible, have a good amount of storage close by and use it! Clutter-free desks are better for inducing a focused, working environment. This might be difficult if you are working on the kitchen table, but even some baskets under the table that you can organise supplies into will keep them close by, whilst also keep distracting, clutter out of your vision.
VENTILATION AND TEMPERATURE
No one likes a stuffy workplace, keep the airflow moving, ideally have an open window if the weather allows.
Temperature can be a tricky one to get right, especially if males and females are working together; research has shown that females generally respond to temperature stress more than males and suffer more from cold extremities i.e. hands and feet. However, we do not work well if too hot or too cold, so it is worth finding your own comfortable temperature to maximise productivity.
ACOUSTICS
We may not be able to control all the sounds, but with lots of meetings happening over the internet, trying to minimise background noise is an important consideration. There are the obvious things, shut doors, buy the children some headphones and let your household know you are in a meeting. Less obvious is to ensure you have some softer surfaces or soft furnishings around you, they help to deaden and absorb sound.
PLANTS
One of the current trends in architecture is ‘biophilic design,’ which means having plants in the building. The benefits of plants in the office are well established, but it seems their presence goes way beyond producing extra oxygen for us and looking pretty. Their ability to absorb pollutants is significantly beneficial and research has proven that just looking at plants helps lower stress indicators in the body. Even having pictures of plants or natural spaces can trigger mental and physical benefits. So, green up your area with some natural images and real plants for a boost.
AROMA
Often overlooked when we are thinking about the visual and functional aspects of a working space, the aroma can have a profound effect on your comfort. Of course, bad smells are not going to help, so try to avoid potentially smelly areas, for example, being near the window above the outdoor bins. Then perhaps add a pleasant aroma to the area, a humidifier will help you avoid dry eyes and adding some essential oils, such as citrus scents or rosemary, is said to increase alertness and concentration.
HEALTHY HABITS
Finally, try to really nail those healthy habits from day one:
- Take a break from the computer at least every 15 minutes.
- Remember to stand up, move away from your desk and stretch regularly.
- Check your posture is right for work.
- Set time limits and ‘leave your work.’ This can be a tough one when work- ing at home, but it is important to have boundaries and separate home life and work life.
- Eat lunch away from your desk and take breaks.
- At the end of each work session take five minutes to tidy the area so it is clean, ready and welcoming for your return.
- (And don’t forget to water the plants).
MEET THE ARCHITECTS
Mark Powles
Mark Powles heads up RRA Architects Ltd, an award-wining practice established in 1986 and working mostly in the Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Shropshire areas. With a reputation as a highly innovative architectural practice we cover all sectors and the services provided can be as minimal as just simple advice on planning or design through to complete project management from design concept to handing over the keys of a finished project. Mark notes “RRA has a great team and we really pride ourselves on truly listening to
what the client wants and exploring how they intend to use their space to create appropriate and practical solutions. We are very proud that these solutions usually also exceed our clients’ expectations.