If you now work from home, you may have chosen to use your dining table as an office. Many people have worked this way in recent years. Having some sort of home office space is almost the new normal, and not everyone has a free spare room.
So, if you’re new to the world of working from home you may appreciate a few tips.
Organize Your Dining Table
Whether you have a small kitchen table or one of the best extendable dining tables you need to keep it organized.
Buy some small caddies or stationery holders and place them on your desk. They can help you to have access to your office supplies you need without creating a mess. Additionally, they can be kept elsewhere when you’re not working at your desk.
Use a Supportive Chair
If you have not worked from home before, chances are you are using dining chairs to work from. They are ideal only for when you want to sit for short periods of time not for working all day long. Chairs such as these can:
- Can make your back ache if you sit in them too long
- Can be made better if you attach a memory foam cushion to support your back
You need a chair with lumbar support, a comfy seat cushion, and an ergonomic design, which can make all the difference.
You’ll want adjustable height that allows your feet to rest flat on the floor, with your forearms at a 90-degree angle when typing. Armrest comfort shouldn’t be overlooked, and breathable material will keep you cool during long work stints.
A chair with swivel function, a headrest option, mobility wheels, and a suitable weight capacity will provide the flexibility and support you need to stay productive and comfortable.
Use A Table Protector
Many stores and websites that sell office equipment also sell desk/table protectors which are a great idea.
Items such as these can help to prevent wear and tear.
Usually a little larger than a keyboard, a tale protector can also help to keep your table clean.
Keep Your Monitor At A Good Height
It’s important that you keep your monitor at a good height. Doing so can help to prevent neck and back ache. It can also help to prevent your shoulders from becoming stiff.
However, those who use laptops may find that they’re unable to keep their monitors high up. After all, you need to be able to reach your keyboard. The best option is a docking station and you can buy refurbished PC monitors so the height can easily be adjusted.
Ideally, you will be able to look straight ahead and see your monitor, being mindful of where natural light can reflect on the screen. Laptops tend to be lower which means your head is pointed downwards.
You can buy a separate keyboard that uses Bluetooth to connect, but a second screen is far more useful is general, and a refurbished one is a more cost effective option for the home.
Keep Your Cables Tidy
If you only use a laptop for work then you won’t need to worry too much about cables. However, they may be an issue if:
- You use a desktop computer
- You need to use a printer frequently
- You have separate speakers
- Your desktop computer has more than one monitor
- You have other devices that use cables
In situations such as this, you may want to keep your cables tidy. You can do this by using cable organizers, which can stop a tangled mess appearing. These can easily be found online and in stores that sell computer equipment.
Breaks and Eye Care Tips
Regardless where your workspace is, taking regular screen breaks and attentive eye care play a pivotal role in maintaining your productivity and overall well-being. Adopting eye exercises like the 20-20-20 rule and blinking exercises can provide eye strain relief.
You’re part of a digital age, but don’t overlook digital eye strain. Blue light filters or computer glasses can safeguard your vision health.
Workspace ergonomics isn’t just about a comfy chair, it’s about preventing dry eyes too. Keep them moist with artificial tears or a humidifier. Remember, your eyes are your asset, treat them with care.
Use Wireless Laptop Accessories
When working at your dining table you may find that it takes a while to set things up. If you have to remove your computer from a cupboard, starting work might not be a fast process.
However, using a wireless keyboard and mouse can make life a little easier.
They can help to make the morning set up simple. You won’t have wires to worry about. All that you need to do is switch your computer on and you’re good to go.
Working from your dining table may not always be ideal. However, you can make the process easier on yourself. Use the above tips to help you when you’re using your dining table as a WFH office. They can make life a little easier.
