Stay Home, Work Safe

Millions of people around the globe have started working from home due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The key during this social isolation is to be productive and carry on with work. There are many trends being followed like setting up work hours and dressing up for work. The most common one is all about setting up a dedicated work space. Here are some ways suggested by design expert Dipti Das, AVP – Design, HomeLane to create a well-designed and refreshing workspace using materials at home. Space selection A dedicated work space at home can help in focussing on work tasks for the day without distractions. Convert any one of the available rooms into a workplace without disturbing the flow - all that is needed is a table and a chair. Furniture The desk should be at a height of 2’6”-2’8” for best comfort. Looking into a blank wall can be stressful. Hence placing the desk in front of a window is advisable. Mount a power strip to the desk for multiple wires - laptop charger, mobile charger and other electronics required. Go for workstation chairs, preferably with a good lower back support. In case the available space is small, one can opt for a space-saving foldable study table which folds away on to the wall when not in use. Make space on the desk for WFH essentials with trays to organize stationery and books. Make use of the vertical wall space with floating shelves to keep files that need easy accessibility. Decor Use fun notepads, sticky notes, a colourful basket for work trash and a quirky mug as a pencil holder. Hang inspirational prints or art on the walls. Indoor table plants like Echeveria and Peperomia can help break the monotony of work by giving you a taste of nature. Lighting It is essential to have sufficient lighting to avoid strain on the eyes and for a refreshing vibe. Natural light works best, but if that is not possible, then use a bright task light to liven up the room or a study lamp on the desk for more lighting. Remember to position the computer monitor/laptop in a way that there is no glare on the screen from a window or overhead light. No place for workstation In case of less square footage, repurpose the dining room table. However, it is not recommended to use a dining chair, as it is not designed for prolonged sitting sessions. Adding cushions can go a long way in providing the right support and softening the impact. Another alternative is to set up a makeshift arrangement by using a foldable laptop table that can be used while sitting on the bed.