40% of the UK works from home for at least some of the week
A recent study has revealed that 40% of the UK either work from home full-time or have a hybrid working routine – and it’s no surprise why.
Between allowing for more flexible hours to help save time and money on commutes, the shift towards working from home has helped many workers establish a better work-life balance.
But after a few years of working in the same space you also use to socialise and switch off, it’s understandable that some remote workers are struggling with productivity at home. In fact, it has been found that 26% admit to having more distractions when working at home, while 15% report that they find it harder to think of new ideas.
In light of this, it seems hybrid and remote workers are looking for ways to reinvigorate their day to day routines, as furniture retailer DFS has spotted that searches for ‘work from home routine’ have risen by 133% in the last year alone. Meanwhile, demand on Pinterest for ‘work from home set up’ inspiration has also increased by 40% this month.
To help, DFS has partnered exclusively with life and careers coach, Dr Rakish Rana, to share expert advice on how to reset your work-from-home space.
“First things first, you need to make sure your work from home space is working for you. If you struggle with productivity when working at home, make sure you have a dedicated and clutter-free work area.
“Make sure your set-up includes the proper equipment. To maintain good posture while you work, consider purchasing an ergonomic chair, a laptop stand, and an external keyboard, and a mouse. Good lighting is also key, so place your workstation near a window to make the most of any natural light. Or opt for an adjustable desk lamp so that you can direct the light as needed.
“Now that you have all the office equipment you need, add some elements of inspiration to the area. Injecting your personality into the space will help motivate you during your working day. To do this, simply add your favourite plant or perhaps some inspiring artwork, but avoid anything too excessive that may be a distraction.
“Then, to help maintain this working sanctuary week after week, follow a regular cleaning routine. This will help keep your area pleasant to work in, allowing you to stay focused and productive throughout the day.
“Finally, be realistic – there will be days when you want to work from the sofa. I actually think that there are times where this environment can help you get through your to do list. The comfort of a sofa can relieve stress and foster a more relaxed, creative mindset. So, it may be more suitable for tasks that demand less structured work such as reading or answering emails.
“The informal conditions and relaxed posture can promote a freer flow of thoughts, which is great when completing tasks that require creative thinking, like writing, designing, or brainstorming new ideas.
“However, it is critical to consider ergonomic principles even on the sofa. This means using cushions for support, to avoid physical strain and ultimately help your productivity long-term. Balancing your comfort with appropriate posture will help you get the most out of working from your sofa.
“Also, if you’re often inclined to work in this comfortable environment, then it may even be worth considering a sofa or armchair that has built in tech features and functionalities, such as charging ports. ”
To shop sofas, or other furniture for your home office, visit the DFS website.
