The Home Office – Here to Stay?
Remote work surged from 7% to over 50% of US workers post-COVID. Home offices are now essential real estate features. Learn the key furniture, lighting, and ergonomic essentials to create a productive workspace that boosts property value and work efficiency.
Post Summary
Remote work jumped from just 7% to over 50% of American workers, making home offices a new standard.
Adjustable-height desk, ergonomic chair with lumbar support, proper lighting, and shelving for storage.
In a quiet room away from high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms to minimize distractions.
Home offices are now essential selling features, increasing property appeal and value.
Use indirect lighting, avoid harsh overhead glare, add desk lamps, and maximize natural light.
Prior to COVID-19 a mere 7 percent – or about 10 million out of 140 million American workers – had jobs that offered the ability to work from home (according to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center). Today, research conducted by the online real estate marketplace company Zillow indicates that more than half of those employed in this country are working remotely, with a significant percentage signifying they will continue to do so for the open-ended future.
As such, designated and functional work-from-home spaces have never been more sought after than now. In fact, real estate professionals are predicting that the home office is here to stay for the long term with many agents encouraging sellers to dedicate and stage a room as an office when putting their house on the market.
And the real estate market is hotter than ever, as an increasing number of people trade urban dwellings for life in the suburbs where homes are larger and better able to accommodate a home office.
But there’s more to consider than adequate space when setting up a home office, beginning with location. Quiet is key to working productively. If possible, select a room that is distanced from high-traffic spaces. Setting up shop next to the kitchen or living room where noise levels are most high should be avoided, when possible.
So, what are the essentials to outfit a home office? Begin with a good lighting source. Sufficient indirect light is necessary but avoid working under the glare of overhead lights. Create ambient light with well-placed lamps and/or adjustable desk lamps that can place light directly where you need it. And don’t overlook the many benefits of natural lighting from windows or skylights.
And what’s a home office without a desk at the proper height? While industry standard is 29 inches from the floor to the top of the work surface, the taller among us do better with a higher height and conversely, the shorter with a lower height. No question, the properly adjusted desk can help with both posture and productivity and today many desks are available with adjustable height.
Desk: check. Now for a good desk chair. Just like desks, chairs are not one-size-fits-all commodities. Be sure to select an ergonomically designed chair with adjustable height, one that offers lumbar support and that can roll. An adjustable seat pan tilt, arm height and lateral arm position are extras well worth the investment considering the number of hours a week spent in it.
Shelving is another must for the home office – at the bare minimum one shelf will do depending on space and storage needs.
A major advantage of working from home is total control over office appearance. Personal touches like pictures, paintings, plants and other décor can all add a layer of informality to the environment, but avoid making it too casual, especially if video conferencing is a regular part of the daily schedule.
There is no doubt that working from home is a trend – or rather a theme – that will remain for years to come. Be it a dedicated home office or a double-duty guest room/office, the importance of a designated workspace is not going away.
Key Points
What is the complete guide to setting up an ergonomic home office workstation?
- Desk Selection: Choose an adjustable-height desk (29-inch standard, but adjust for your height).
- Chair Requirements: Invest in an ergonomic chair with adjustable height, lumbar support, rolling base, and seat pan tilt.
- Positioning Guidelines: Keep your monitor at eye level, keyboard at elbow height, and feet flat on the floor.
- Posture Benefits: A proper ergonomic setup improves productivity and reduces long-term health issues.
- Investment Value: Quality ergonomic furniture leads to reduced fatigue and greater work efficiency.
How do you choose the perfect desk and chair combination for maximum productivity?
- Desk Height Standards: 29 inches is standard, but adjust for your height.
- Adjustable Options: Height-adjustable desks accommodate different users and tasks.
- Chair Features: Look for adjustable arm height, lateral arm positioning, and seat pan tilt.
- Rolling Capability: Ensure your chair has smooth-rolling wheels for easy movement.
- Long-term Investment: Consider the hours spent weekly in these pieces when choosing quality and comfort.
What are the essential lighting strategies for an effective home office environment?
- Avoid Overhead Glare: Don’t work directly under harsh overhead lighting.
- Indirect Lighting: Use ambient lighting with well-placed lamps.
- Task Lighting: Add adjustable desk lamps for focused work.
- Natural Light Benefits: Maximize windows and skylights for natural light.
- Layered Approach: Combine multiple light sources for a comfortable, well-lit workspace.
How has the remote work trend impacted real estate markets and home values?
- Market Transformation: Remote work grew from 7% to over 50% of US workers.
- Suburban Migration: More people are moving to larger suburban homes for office space.
- Agent Recommendations: Real estate agents encourage sellers to stage dedicated office spaces.
- Essential Selling Feature: Home offices are now must-have amenities for buyers.
- Long-term Trend: This shift is a permanent theme in real estate.
What storage and organization solutions work best for home office productivity?
- Minimum Requirements: At least one shelf for essential storage.
- Declutter Strategy: Organized storage reduces distractions and boosts focus.
- Accessible Placement: Keep frequently used items within reach.
- Professional Appearance: Clean, organized storage is vital for video conferencing.
- Scalable Solutions: Start with basic shelving and expand as needed.
How can you balance professional appearance with personal comfort in your home office design?
- Personal Touches: Add pictures, plants, and décor for comfort.
- Video Conference Considerations: Keep backgrounds professional-looking for calls.
- Comfort Balance: Avoid making the space too casual while maintaining comfort.
- Professional Control: Enjoy total control over office appearance.
- Flexible Spaces: Use dual-purpose rooms (e.g., guest room/office) for versatility.
