Working from home is one of the more positive changes that has occurred as a result of covid-19. Many companies realise that their staff can be productive from home, and possibly more productive than if they were in the office. As a result, work / life balance is so much better. Rather than spending an hour or more commuting every day, staff are able to utilise that extra time for themselves.
But there are things to consider when working from home. It is much harder to switch off at the end of the day, and it takes discipline to leave your laptop or phone and not check work emails. You also need to ensure that you have some form of office set up, including a comfortable ergonomic chair so you can be productive….or do you?
Bean bags can also be a great addition as your office chair. They also provide some benefits. We’ll outline these benefits, what to look for in a bean bag, and why you might want to include one in your office set up. But first, it’s important to consider the following no matter what you use for seating:
Taking a small break also increases your productivity. Breaks allow your sub-conscious brain to continue working on the problem, whilst you grab a drink or take a quick walk in the back yard. You’d be surprised how a break can help you come up with new insights & ideas or improve what you are currently working on.
When considering a bean bag for your ‘office’, make sure you find one that has a high back. You want that support for your spine. Traditional ‘tear drop’ bean bags don’t provide the support, so should be avoided. The filling used in bean bags conforms to your body which provides postural support. By supporting your back, you avoid slumping in your lower back. It also therefore your spine to keep your shoulders from slouching, and supporting your neck.
It is also important to consider other potential issues – like having a laptop on your lap, which causes you to look down constantly, undoing all the benefits! So consider a ‘lap desk‘, which can help raise your screen to a better height for both your neck and arms.
In addition to the benefits of taking breaks and finding the right bean bag for your office set up, there are several other things to consider when working from home. For example, it’s important to establish a routine and stick to it as much as possible. This can help you maintain that healthy work/life balance and avoid burnout.
Another consideration is communication with your colleagues and manager. When working from home, it can be easy to feel disconnected from your team. Make sure to schedule regular check-ins and meetings to stay connected and up-to-date on important projects and deadlines.
It’s also important to create a dedicated workspace that is free from distractions. This can help you stay focused and productive throughout the day. Try to find a quiet, private space in your home where you can work without interruption.
Finally, remember to take care of yourself. Working from home can be isolating, so make sure to take breaks throughout the day to stretch, exercise, or simply relax. And don’t forget to stay connected with friends and family outside of work to maintain a healthy work/life balance.