After the Covid-19 lockdown in 2021, many working professionals have continued to work from home. In fact, many have set up dedicated home offices where they consistently deliver their best work.
Without a proper work-from-home setup, however, both your physical health and mental well-being can suffer. If you’re looking to revitalize your current workspace or simply want a change from your usual setup, we’ve got some fresh tips to share.
Should You Invest in a Proper Work-From-Home Setup?
Quick answer: Yes.
A growing number of people are embracing a hybrid work model—splitting their week between the office and home. On paper, working from home sounds ideal: no long commutes, no traffic jams, and the convenience of starting your day right at your desk.
But if you’ve been working remotely for a while, you know distractions are easy to fall into. Over time, poor posture or an unergonomic setup can lead to physical strain and even impact your productivity. In short, your efficiency hinges on the quality of your home office setup.
Essentials for a Productive Home Office Setup
To begin, we’ll cover some essentials that will equip your workspace for maximum productivity. We’ll also share practical tips on how to best arrange them.
Let’s get into it.
1. Height Adjustable Desk
The height adjustable desk, also known as a standing desk, is trending these days since research shows that sitting for too long is detrimental to our health.
Depending on your budget, a simple height-adjustable desk from IKEA is priced at RM729, with prices rising to RM3,449 for more luxurious options. For a sleek and modern workspace, choose a desk that not only supports your health but also complements your overall style.
A height-adjustable desk promotes movement by allowing you to switch between standing and sitting. This change helps improve blood circulation and reduces back strain.
Here are a few tips for choosing a great height-adjustable desk:
- Measure your current workspace to determine which desk sizes will fit.
- Choose a desk that can be adjusted to your elbow height in both sitting and standing positions.
- Lastly, make sure the seat is comfortable and suits your home style!
2. Ergonomic Office Chair
If you’ll be sitting most of the time, it’s important to invest in a comfortable chair for work.
We recommend opting for an ergonomic chair because it immediately improves your posture and alleviates lower back pain. Generally, an ergonomic chair features a slight curve in its lower section, designed to match the natural curvature of your spine, thereby reducing strain on your lower back.
Another thing to note is the chair’s armrest. Ensure the armrest height is adjustable and always matches the position of your arms and shoulders to prevent muscle fatigue.
Besides choosing the right chair, maintaining correct sitting posture is essential. Notice in the image below that the elbows align with the desk and the arms rest comfortably on the armrests.
A chair with a scandinavian design, for example, often combines both form and function—providing comfort while adding a stylish touch to your workspace.
The price of an ergonomic chair ranges between RM239 and RM1,099 depending on the brand and type.
3. Computer Monitor
Regardless of the type of work you do, having a large enough computer monitor can greatly enhance comfort and ergonomics.
While most people work on laptops these days, a dedicated monitor can prevent eye strain and discourage the forward tilt of your head, which is harmful to your posture.
The best height for a computer monitor is when the top of the screen is at or slightly below your eye level. Monitors typically cost between RM319 and RM2,299, depending on size, features, and brand.
4. Ergonomic Keyboard
A productive and healthy home office isn’t complete without an external keyboard—more specifically, an ergonomic keyboard.
Using an external ergonomic keyboard ensures that your hands and wrists remain in a comfortable position, reducing the risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This common condition causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand or wrist due to repetitive movements and poor posture.
While many treatments are available, preventing the condition by investing in an ergonomic keyboard is the best approach. A more comfortable work environment can also boost your productivity.
The price of an ergonomic keyboard ranges between RM99 and RM300, depending on the brand.
5. Natural Lighting
Natural lighting isn’t something you can buy, but it should be a priority when setting up your workspace. It is essential for a productive home office setup due to its numerous benefits.
Natural light can help improve sleep, reduce the risks associated with fluorescent lighting, and provide a healthy dose of vitamin D.
Although not entirely necessary, ensuring ample natural lighting during your workday can significantly enhance both your health and mental well-being. Consider placing your desk near a window to take full advantage of natural light, and if you like a touch of rugged charm, you might even integrate some industrial elements like metal fixtures in your workspace.
From Productivity-Focused to Wellness-Focused
Now that you’ve covered the essentials, it’s time to look beyond the desk and improve your overall environment.
Here are two ideas that, while simple, can dramatically increase your happiness at home:
1. Decorate Your House with Indoor Plants
Having a few houseplants can breathe life into your workspace. In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your desk or home office, indoor plants purify the air, leaving you with a fresher environment.
These low-maintenance plants are easy to care for—they thrive without direct sunlight and excessive watering. With the innovative Pafcal chip system they grow on instead of soil, they flourish without requiring much gardening effort.
A minimalist arrangement of indoor plants can also help maintain a clutter-free workspace, adding just the right amount of freshness.
2. Pick Up a Physical Activity
Working from home can sometimes become stagnant, especially if you’re always at your desk. Without regular activity, you might feel drowsy during the day, which in turn affects your productivity.
That’s why it’s recommended to engage in some simple exercises between work sessions. Whether it’s yoga or bodyweight exercises, keeping equipment like a yoga mat or dumbbells nearby makes it easy to transition from typing emails to doing a quick five-minute stretch.
Even a small effort can make a big difference in your productivity and overall wellness.
Conclusion
There you have it—everything you need to set up the perfect work-from-home office.
Beyond the essentials, there are countless ways to blend creativity and practicality into your home office. If you need more ideas and inspiration, feel free to give Pinterest a visit and explore further.
Now it’s your turn. Share with us your ideal WFH setup and tell us how you’ve maintained productivity over the past few months. Feel free to leave a comment below!