How to make your home office more ergonomic

Over a quarter of working adults in the UK are working remotely. It's more than just a post-pandemic phase; remote working is here to stay! Which is why having an ergonomic design for your home office is essential.

When creating an office space at home, we often focus on the aesthetic, yet it's more important that it's practical and ergonomic – after all, you're going to spend hours upon hours in there! Let's look at where to start when designing a home office and how to ensure it's comfortable and promotes good physical health.

Get the right office accessories

Think mouse, keyboard, headset and monitors – any essential equipment needed for your work, all of which are available in an ergonomic design. Popular ergonomic office accessories include:

·        Computer mice: Different styles of computer mice, such as a vertical computer mouse, encourage a more natural hand position.

·        Keyboards: A fully split keyboard that comes in two parts promotes more comfortable hand positioning. Slanted and curved keyboards are also good alternatives.

·        Headsets: Wireless headsets encourage standing and movement, allowing you to take calls whilst stretching your legs. Bone conduction headphones are another ergonomic choice to wear for hours on end, thanks to their open ear comfort.

·        Footrest: Promote natural leg and foot positioning at your desk with an ergonomic, adjustable footrest.

The importance of ergonomic desks

A 2024 study found that only 31.6% of 25–34-year-olds take hourly breaks from their desks – that's a lot of time spent sitting down! An ergonomic desk should have:

·        Plenty of surface area for all accessories, paperwork and other work items.

·        Enough space underneath the desk to stretch your legs and fit your chair.

·        A high maximum weight capacity, as it'll be holding a variety of heavy equipment.

Fitted home office furniture from Hammonds is tailored to fit your exact requirements for maximum comfort.

Comfortable seating

Everyone's body is different, so cater to your height, shape and preferences when looking for an ergonomic home office chair. Important features for an ergonomic chair include:

·        Adjustable height

·        A comfortable seat cushion

·        Lower back lumbar support

·        Adjustable armrests

·        Good swivel and movement

Innovations for ergonomic designs for chairs are released often, so always browse the latest options and their benefits. For example, the kneeling chair can promote a healthier lower spine position if the rest of your workstation is set up correctly. Some workers even use an exercise ball as a chair! Although it increases spinal muscle activity, you should take advice from a physiotherapist before using one regularly.

Lighting is everything

Lighting is something that's often overlooked in a home office but can have a big impact on your productivity. If the lighting is too bright, it can trigger headaches and even migraines. If too dull, it encourages straining – striking a balance of the two is the best practice. You can achieve this by including a variety of lighting in your home office design ideas: overhead lamps, standing lamps and spotlights are all options.

Remember, your light setup will likely have to change with the seasons – darkness will creep in earlier in the winter months, and your home office will become darker too. Lack of sunlight during these dull months can affect your mood and cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you find yourself with low energy and mood during the winter, using a light box could help.

Design a stylish and ergonomic home office with Hammonds

The most important thing to take away is that your home office should be tailored to you – your height, your size and your preferences. Having your needs at the centre of your home office will ensure the best ergonomic design and maximum productivity.

Book a free design visit with Hammonds to start creating bespoke furniture to complete a home office where you're happy to spend your working week.