Working from home has become part and parcel of life for so many of us in recent years. What was once necessitated by the pandemic now provides greater flexibility in many working lives.

Several of the world’s most successful companies have committed to long-term working from home policies.

This can aid businesses if they can reduce sky-high property costs. There are also benefits to employees, who can cut down on commuting and be flexible around childcare – among other benefits.

It seems like WFH is here to stay. A recent survey found that more than 80% of people that had to work from home during the pandemic would try to maintain a hybrid setup.

Your working space must be set up to help you work at your best if this has become a way of life for you.

Creating a home office that works for you

Employers have a duty of care to provide you with the equipment to help you do your job comfortably and to the best of your abilities.

While this is easy to implement in an office, it becomes trickier if you’re at home. Ask your employer for assistance if you need help with your home office.

Here are some key factors to consider when creating a home office.

Maintain security: If you’re in the office, no doubt your IT department has implemented lots of things to keep you and your data safe. This might not be the case at home. Using tech such as a VPN on the router in your home office can help maintain levels of security when you’re not in the office.

Concentrate on ergonomics: Your company likely provides comfortable chairs and desks to sit on at the office. Investing in something similar at home can keep aches and pains at bay and help you concentrate on what’s important.

Keep things tidy: It might be tempting to leave coffee mugs on your desk if you don’t have your boss nearby. Keeping things neat and tidy can actually help you work better, however. Studies have shown that tidier spaces lead to fewer distractions and greater concentration.

Good habits for WFH

Now you have a perfect home office setup, it’s important to make the most of it.

Stay connected: It’s easy to get your head down and fixate on your work without talking to colleagues when you’re at home. Whether it’s a text chat or quick video call, put time in your day to add a little human interaction.

Work to a routine: It can be easy to get distracted at home. Kids, pets, games consoles – they all provide a lot of temptation to procrastinate. Sticking to a set routine and allowing yourself a few natural breaks can help maintain concentration.

Do you work from home? What are your top tips for having the best setup?