What to watch out for when working from home?

How to set up your home office from a technology standpoint?

Modern offices provide employees with all the technology and equipment they need to perform their jobs. They should have access to a quality desktop computer or a laptop with an external monitor, high-speed internet connection, printers, scanners, or other hardware that serves and supports them. Some of these items are essential, others are more supplementary and can be managed without for a while. However, if you plan to work from home more frequently (or even permanently), you’ll need to take these things into account when setting up your home office.

The decision whether to get a desktop or a laptop for your home office largely depends on how often you plan to use the space. If you still go to work and only occasionally use your home office, a laptop is likely the best choice. A traditional desktop is a good option if your home office is your main workplace where you spend most of your professional life.

What else? If you have a laptop, an external monitor is definitely useful. The difference in productivity is significant, and if you plan to work from home more than just a few times a month, we strongly recommend getting one (if you’re interested in how to choose the right one, read one of our older articles on why you should definitely have an external monitor). Also, don’t forget about other laptop extensions like a keyboard or mouse, which will make your work easier and more comfortable.

One thing you should definitely not overlook is a reliable, high-quality internet connection. It’s one thing if your internet drops while watching YouTube or playing online games. It’s much worse when you’re trying to download or upload work files, join a video conference, or work in cloud platforms. Add-ons like printers, scanners, or a shredder will also come in handy if your job involves a lot of paperwork.

Our tip: If you work from home just a few times a month, but your job requires the performance of a desktop, an external monitor, or other hardware, you probably won’t want to spend hundreds or even thousands of euros on equipment. We recommend considering refurbished IT equipment – it offers guaranteed quality at a much friendlier price. So if you're looking for a second monitor or an extra laptop, try refurbished ones. Don’t worry – a refurbished laptop or refurbished PC can deliver just as uncompromising performance as a new one, only at a more affordable price.

Lighting for work

Work lighting, which includes home office lighting, should follow a simple yet functional principle – layering. Sure, you can rely on just one light source, but chances are it won’t be ideal in the long term. Sometimes it will be too far, too harsh, or cast shadows exactly where you need light. That’s why it’s best to equip your home office with multiple light sources. The foundation is a strong overhead light that evenly illuminates the entire room.

The next layer is equally important – task lighting for specific activities. A great solution is an adjustable desk lamp. The third and final layer complements the space, creates a pleasant atmosphere, and promotes calmness. After all, the last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable while working at home. Don’t forget the golden rule: make the most of natural daylight. With such lighting, working in your home office will be a joy.

Don’t turn your home office into a “bed office”

One of the biggest issues with working from home is that our living spaces are often not designed for work. People frequently end up working at the kitchen table, on the living room couch, or even in bed. This often leads to lower productivity and, more importantly, health problems caused by poor sitting or lying posture. So if you plan to work from home more than one or two days a week, be sure to consider this aspect as well.

That doesn’t mean you need to buy expensive desks and office chairs. What matters most is finding (or building) a desk with the right height and getting a better seating option than a couch or kitchen chair. Try using a fitness ball, an adjustable chair, and vary your position often. But if your home office is your primary workplace, invest in a proper office chair – saving money at the expense of your health is not worth it.

Privacy when working from home

Everything mentioned above ties into one crucial theme – productivity. The environment we work in greatly affects our ability to focus and work without distractions. That’s why modern offices are designed the way they are. You should feel good, comfortable, and at ease in them, while also having the ability to “shut yourself off” and work without interruption. The same should apply to your home workspace. So how do you achieve that?

Dedicate a specific area in your home for work – one that’s used only for work. Sure, you can work in the kitchen or living room, but the chances of being interrupted are much higher. Ideally, you should have a separate room for your home office (especially if you work from home full-time), but if that’s not possible, find a quieter, more secluded space in your house or apartment and set up a work corner there. This also helps you better separate work time from personal time. Working in the living room with the TV on will make it hard to focus – and just as hard to tell when work ends and leisure begins.

In conclusion

So how do you set up your home office? It’s not that complicated – in fact, it’s easier than it seems. You just need to focus on a few key areas, and working from home can be both pleasant and efficient. Let’s summarize:

1. Get proper office equipment (computer, external monitor for laptop, keyboard, mouse, reliable internet connection, and other necessary hardware)
2. Light your office following the layering principle and don’t forget about quality task lighting
3. Buy a work desk and office chair if you work from home frequently. You can also use a fitness ball.
4. Find a dedicated room or quiet corner for your home office to help you focus and separate work from personal life.

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