As COVID-19 brought teleworking into the mainstream, many have hopped on Zoom calls and answered emails in all areas of the house, including bedrooms, closets, and kitchens.
But after several months of not utilizing a proper office, the effects can often be felt. With telecommuting as the norm for the foreseeable future, having or creating a fully functional workspace can help improve posture and productivity.
Masha Alimova, director of marketing at California Closets, which has a location in Hawthorne, says that whether you have a large, dedicated home office or a multipurpose area, it’s important to consider ergonomics: Purchase a height-adjustable desk, so you can stand, sit, or move while working, and find a chair that will keep your spine in alignment.
Virtual meetings require good lighting, so having to shift around, mid-meeting, because you’re poorly backlit isn’t ideal. Alimova suggests adding an LED lighting strip or puck lighting, and maximizing natural lighting: “Position your desk where the natural lighting is best,” she says.
Whether you have a large, dedicated home office or a multipurpose area, it’s important to consider ergonomics.
A minimalistic look will blend into the rest of the home, and a clean aesthetic is key. Keep your space highly organized. Alimova suggests adding a charging station inside a desk drawer, to hide messy wires. “This creates a clean space, allowing for better productivity.” Pro tip: Hide computer wires by moving your computer to the corner of your desk, so you can consolidate your wires into one location.
Alimova adds that the fusion-track system is a must-have accessory. It allows desk supplies to be wall-mounted and within easy reach, preserving vital desktop space. If you’re designing a custom space, know that printers can be easily accessed with a slide-out printer drawer and then tucked away with closed cabinetry. “A keyboard tray allows for a larger and [more] spacious work area, creating a more dynamic space when you want to put away your work and use the open surface for other projects,” explains Alimova.
