Tips for home office & wfh

[moveoverhogger]

I'm changing role in the new year & it's 100% remote so am busy turning our spare room into a home office. I have a desk, comfy chair & have ordered new monitor/keyboard/mouse.

What other things should I get for the home office to make working from home easy?

Might be a silly question but what do others wear on their feet? Normally at home I just walk about barefoot or in socks, not sure this is suitable for the majority of my time though 🤣

Don't get a coffee machine or kettle - I speak from experience, you are better off getting up and leaving the room when you need a drink.

I love my home office but after working long hours from home for two years I am now really strict about leaving it and shutting the door when I finish.

Loving all these suggestions, thank you! Definitely going to look into a sit/stand desk.
I'm going to start walking DD to school, atm I have to drive and drop her to breakfast club on the way to work, so that will get me out of the house for 25/30mins in the morning for some fresh air. Will make sure I take proper breaks too, my new boss has suggested blocking time in my diary to ensure they happen and I can get away from my desk.

I worked from home for 5 months last year and lived in my slippers. Only put shoes on when going out but then i pack my slippers if i am going away 😂

A tower extension lead that you can put on corner of your desk instead of the floor.

I was going to get an electric blanket for the winter but got a hot water bottle instead (much cheaper). It is HEAVEN on your lap.

Hard soled slipper
Electric blanket
Thermos to put coffee in so I don't have to keep going downstairs

@Doofas

I've never worked from home, but I found when I was studying part time I worked better if I put proper shoes on I worked better because i felt like I should be working, so to speak. And yes to wrist warmers or fingerless gloves to keep your fingers warm enough to type!

When I wfh during the first (warm weather) lockdown, I stuck to my morning routine, did hair and make up and wore my work clothes so that I felt I was "going to work" so I can understand that.

Second time round it was all about being warm.

Yes to the jabra usb speakerphone, I have a Sennheiser version, saves my ears and means people can hear me clearly.
Set up with an extra monitor and laptop on a riser and external mouse / keyboard. I would get a cable from your router for fast reliable internet.
I go down the garden to my office so keeping warm is the main issue. I think it’s professional to at least wear what you might wear out of the house, so not PJs. Check your lighting and background in Teams, doesn’t have to be broadcast standard but it helps not to be too distracting/ weird looking either.
Agree to use coffee break for a little walk, but invest in some good coffee too.

I've got some little house plants on the windowsill behind my screen but a small wall shelf would work if there's good lighting, some fairy lights and a lamp for softer lighting, nice doormat sized rug under the desk for feet. I usually wear fluffy grippy socks or slippers but it feels weird to be all dressed up for work and have pink bunny socks on 🤭

Candles or wax melts if that's your thing. I like having a routine to get the office ready including lighting candles, putting on quiet music etc. I have a corkboard next to the desk and a chest of drawers full of post its, stationery, pens etc. Also a basket to chuck shit in like when I have a video call and notice pants drying on the radiator behind me. Handy to have a coffee machine or at least a good water bottle and hot mug. And snacks and a hidden stash of chocolate.

I couldn't work if I wasn't warm, and I don't mean a hot water bottle/electric blanket. I've got a hive TRV in my office so I can heat that room alone using my central heating system.

I've got a web cam, and a foot stool because I'm a shorty. And a blanket. I've got an app that stops be getting distracted.

Second the suggestion for a whiteboard. I have that self sticking whiteboard stiff on the wall behind my screen and wrote everything I need to remember or ask people before and after meetings.

*stuff

Coffee machine, soda stream and candles. Enjoy! I love working from home!

I have my desk under the velux so I get natural light and can look out at the sky/clouds/rain/blinded by sun.

Have a decent and tidy background for zoom calls.
If you are doing lots of conference calls get air pods. They are really worth it - I use them at least 5 hours per day and headphones started to hurt my ears.

@AdmiralJaneway I just bought a Habitat chair from Argos - SO much better for my posture - also have a footrest which helps.

Also recommend good Bluetooth speaker and a wall planner for dates.

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9443383

Topmener Ergonomic Foot Rest Cushion Foot Stool Under Desk with Massage Dots, Footrest Office with Washable Cover & Portable handle, For Home Working& https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0855J8KR6/ref=cmswwrcppapip_KN73PlvXX28R7

Btw I just received this link in an email from Matalan who have some lovely items

https://www.matalan.co.uk/homeware/office/accessories?utmsource=sfmc&utmmmedium=email&utmcampaign=%5b2201ENTHW1%5d%5bNWS%5d-E21-507-Back+To+Work+School+Office&utmmterm=12e7bee60ce1413fc9aa1ed12bed25fd6f063d7b6c30165db1fe28cb8e4ff3fb&utm_content=https%3a%2f%2fwww.matalan.co.uk%2fhomeware%2foffice%2faccessories

Make sure mouse and keyboard are wireless. Opting for a good quality wireless headset means you can potter about when on non video calls. Or at least stand up and stretch.

Try to face the light and not have it behind you for video calls. And generally check the lighting for different times of day. I have a ceiling light, floor lamp and desk lamp.

Be religious about breaks and getting out every day.

Have you found out what equipment your employer provides?

I painted my study a completely different colour to the rest of the house, it helps differentiate work and home. I keep the door closed when I'm done for the day/weekend. I go for a walk every lunch time.

Heated coaster for keeping drinks warm so I’m not running up and down stairs all day
Heated back pad and oil filled radiator to keep warm. I also run the hoover around a couple of rooms if I get cold. Gets me moving and a chore done.
SAD light which I also use to light my face for video calls and look a bit less tired
Lots of house plants
Free online yoga classes on YouTube. Some are only 15 mins long so ideal for a quick break.
A dog getting away from the screen and going for a walk makes me much more proactive for the rest of the day

@M4857493 my company will supply lots of equipment, I will ask for wireless mouse, keyboard & headset as suggested below. I am happy to buy some of my own especially if it makes the room feel a better environment for me to work in.

It's a no to the dog suggestion, I'm highly allergic, but I am determined to get out of the house each day for fresh air, love all the ideas for getting some exercise throughout the day. The room I'll be using is a really good size so plenty of room for equipment. It's on the top floor of our 3 storey house so any going up & down will help get me moving about 😝

Is your broadband ready for it? I only ask as a colleague was wfh in her loft room but her router was in the kitchen and she had all sorts of trouble with her mobile comms app.

After 18 months wfh in a senior role, my lifesavers are:

• Good second screen
• Wireless keyboard and mouse
• Good quality webcam (Logitech C920)
• Wireless headset (Voyager Focus)
• Dell dock to keep everything organised

Work provided me with a chair at the outset.

I particularly like the headset. If I’m off video occasionally I lie on the floor and stretch!

@StCharlotte great point I had to get network extenders in my basement office

I use these TP-Link RE300 AC1200 Mesh Wi-Fi... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RB743K8?ref=ppxpoppmobappshare