Light Up Our World

When it comes to small home office ideas for lighting, it’s always good to go natural if you can (and are lucky enough to have a nice, big window for looking outside). Natural light can help decrease eyestrain and headaches while promoting productivity.

One study with the U.S. post office in Reno, Nevada, showed that upgrading light systems to make them more worker-friendly not only resulted in energy savings of about $50,000 a year but also increased productivity and lowered machine operator error rates, with an expected revenue boost of approximately $500,000.

Whether you have a lot of natural lighting or don’t, a good lighting system can help ensure that long work hours won’t translate into tired or dry eyes. Choose a combination of task lighting for your work surfaces, general or ambient lighting for more uniform illumination in your workplace, and even accent lighting for something like wall art.

A small investment in lighting can have a big effect on your mood, energy levels, and ability to focus.

The Right Layout and Organization

Having a place for everything in your office is one way to help you stay organized and focused. Many of us spend most of our time at our desks, so keeping the surface clutter-free by using drawers and filing solutions is always a good idea. Consider the right desk for your space allocation. As for the desk surface, there are many options for organizing papers, gathering pens and pencils, and making room for additional office supplies.

Larger storage solutions include file cabinets, bookcases, cabinets and shelving units, and boxes, bins, and drawers. Not only can these storage spaces help keep workspaces neat, but they can also save time by allowing you to locate items more quickly.

Think About Ergonomics

Consider adding an ergonomic office chair to your home office which promotes better posture while providing support and comfort. For ease of recline, look for chairs with a tilt mechanism and tile lock and seat and back height adjustments for optimal positioning.

Other things we can ask ourselves when choosing an office chair:

Is the seat pan comfortable, and does it fit our shape?
Is the chair backrest large enough to provide good support?
Is there enough hip room when we sit back against the lumbar support?
Do we need armrests?
Does the chair provide good lumbar support in reclining positions?

Good chair ergonomics combined with correct body posture can help lead to improved productivity. Another great home office upgrade to consider is the standing desk. This type of desk allows you to switch up your workday between sitting and standing, which can help you stay more engaged while you work.

Get the Right Equipment

Older equipment and software eventually require upgrades, or workflow needs may have changed. Choosing an all-in-one printer can combine multiple peripherals into one simple unit, allowing for more desktop space. If printing in high volumes, an upgrade from an inkjet to a laser printer might be the thing.

A newer laptop or desktop computer with the latest security software can better protect against hacking or malware. And along with a more powerful computer, a faster internet connection can boost speed and productivity, as well as provide alternatives for where you choose to work via wireless connectivity.

Newer equipment tends to be more energy-efficient, helping to save on utility bills, and many come with a smaller footprint to free up valuable office space. Think about the possibility of trading a cumbersome desktop computer system for a sleek laptop that can be stored safely in a desk drawer.

If you decide to add a dedicated business phone line to an existing cellphone, make sure the landline has speaker, messaging, and conference options.

Which Chair is Suitable for a Personal Workspace?

Choosing an office chair for your home office workspace can be a matter of balancing style with the support features that make it more comfortable for sitting over a length of time. Fortunately, there are a variety of solutions, such as mesh office chairs: High- or mid-back managerial computer chairs combine the breathing comfort of stylish net designs with ergonomic computer chair features like lumbar support and adjustable tilt angles.

Whether you desire a chair with luxurious materials or one that’s more simple but can swivel and roll around the office, check out this office chair buying guide.

A home office workspace should be your own. It can reflect who you are and a place where you are comfortable but not distracted — so you can get your best work done.

About the Author

Peter Giffen is a writer and editor who specializes in business and technology.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is” and neither the author nor Office Depot, Inc. warrant the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

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How to Design a Successful Home Office