Sitting at the kitchen table with your laptop open is one thing - working in a fully equipped home office workplace is another: With a well-equipped home office, you can say goodbye to neck pain and an unprofessional image.

In our article, you can find out what you should pay attention to when setting up your home office workstation and how you can optimize efficiency and well-being even on a small budget.

First of all: Financing tips for your home office setup

Many companies now offer subsidies for home office equipment to promote a productive and ergonomic working environment at home. Talk to your HR department to find out whether and how your company will support you financially with the purchase of home office equipment.

Tax deductibility: In Germany, people who work from home can claim certain costs for their home office against tax. These include purchases such as desks, chairs and computer technology, provided they are used exclusively for professional purposes. Therefore: keep receipts!

Here are our five tips for getting the most out of your home office workspace.

1. place your workstation optimally

If you don't have a separate study, choosing the right space for your home office workstation is crucial. A well-chosen workspace can increase your productivity and help you to better separate your work and private life. Pay attention to the following criteria.

Light and noise: Find an area with natural light, away from sources of noise such as traffic or household appliances. Natural light and a quiet environment promote concentration. Position your desk so that the light comes from the side. Ideally, the window should be to your left or right.

Less through traffic: If possible, choose an area that is not constantly used by other roommates. This reduces distractions and allows you to work undisturbed.

Use room dividers: If the available space does not allow you to set up an entire study, room dividers can be a practical solution. They help to create a visually separate area that psychologically promotes a working atmosphere. Lightweight, movable room dividers are particularly flexible and can turn your workspace back into a private area after work.

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2. find the right desk

A good desk is the heart of your home office. Pay attention to the following points.

Height adjustability: A height-adjustable desk allows you to switch between sitting and standing, which is particularly good for your health and concentration. Look for a simple adjustment mechanism.

Size and shape: Choose a desk that is large enough to comfortably place all the necessary work materials, but also fits into the available space. Corner desks are ideal for smaller rooms and home office corners.

Desk stands or compact folding wall desks: If space is limited or you are looking for a more cost-effective solution, desk stands for keyboard and laptop are a good alternative to height-adjustable desks. Desk stands transform your desk into a standing desk, take up little space and can be easily moved aside when needed. Wall-mounted folding desks are another space-saving option that can simply be folded away when not in use.

3. protect your back with ergonomic seating

A back-friendly chair is essential for getting through long hours of work without back pain. Here are some aspects you should consider when buying an office chair.

Ergonomic features: Choose a chair that offers multiple customization options, such as adjustable armrests, seat height, seat depth and backrest. These adjustments will help you to ensure a natural and supportive sitting posture.

Lumbar support: Good lumbar support is crucial. It should be shaped to support your lower back and distribute pressure evenly.

Ergonomic seat cushions or balance balls: If a new chair isn't in your budget, ergonomic seat cushions can be a cost-effective alternative. They improve sitting posture and provide additional support for your back. A balance ball is another option that not only improves your posture but also strengthens your core muscles.

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4. use a second monitor

A second monitor can significantly increase your productivity by giving you more screen space for working with multiple applications or documents at the same time. Unlike the small laptop screen, a larger second monitor is also healthier for your eyes.

Arrangement: Make sure both monitors are at the same height and provide a seamless transition to avoid neck and eye strain. Use a laptop stand or the free option: a small cardboard box or stacked books.

Use your tablet as a second screen: If an additional monitor takes up too much space, a tablet can be a practical alternative. Many tablets can easily be turned into a second screen with the appropriate apps, which is enough to complete simple tasks or display additional information.

5. professional ambience through wall color and background

Choose the right color for your home office! The right wall color can not only influence the mood, but also increase productivity and creativity.

Color psychology: Use colors that promote calm and concentration, such as shades of blue or soft greens. These colors are known to reduce stress and support concentration at the same time.

Brightness: Bright white or soft pastel shades can make the room appear larger and airier, which is particularly beneficial in smaller rooms.

Set focus areas with color accents: If you don't want to or can't paint the whole room, consider setting accents with wall colors. A colored stripe or an accent wall (not too bright!) behind the desk can create a professional effect.

Background for video meetings: For a professional impression during video meetings, we recommend a single-colored wall in neutral tones such as white, light grey or beige as a background. This creates a clear backdrop that is not distracting.

Alternatively, a well-organized (not cluttered or messy!) bookshelf creates a serious effect. Avoid private items such as clothes racks or bed edges in the background. If you are unsure about the physical background, choose a digital background that is as neutral as possible. Alternatively, use the blur effect to blur your background and draw the focus to you.

Conclusion

Designing an effective home office workspace is not only an investment in your productivity and well-being - it also helps you to present a professional image during video meetings. From choosing the right space to the color scheme and ambience, every aspect contributes to creating a working environment that is not only functional but also pleasant. With this in mind, I hope it really is time to say goodbye to the kitchen table...????

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