Do you work from home?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have found ourselves working from home, some of us embracing the shift with ease, others facing a steeper adjustment.
Regardless of the experience, the transition often happened quickly, driven by the urgent need for workplaces to adapt. As a result, not every detail may have been fully thought through in the rush to make remote working viable.
Like many of us, when I'm not on site I spend most of my time working from home and I have access to industry thinking.
I would like to share with you my thoughts on how best to approach home working and I have split these into two easy lists to follow.
What's important?
Routine matters.
Getting into a solid routine is essential and yes, that includes getting dressed for work. Staying in pyjamas might feel like a perk, but for many (myself included), it doesn't exactly scream productivity. That said, if it works for you, PJs it is!
Set clear goals.
Know what you need to get done and hold yourself to it. With more companies pushing for a return to the office, it’s becoming clearer what’s realistically achievable from home - so set targets and track your progress.
Keep communicating.
Just like you’d say “morning” to your team in the office or chat about last night’s film, football or Love Island; do the same remotely. Drop a quick message to say when you're breaking for lunch and check in before you log off to see if anything else is needed.
It keeps everyone connected and accountable.
Carve out your workspace.
If you’ve got a spare room, brilliant. If not, figure out where you can focus best.
Having a clear divide between work and home life both physically and mentally makes a big difference.
Aim for somewhere with natural light; it does wonders for your mood and wellbeing.
Take proper breaks.
Without the usual office buzz, it’s easy to forget the time and power through. But sitting still for hours isn’t great for anyone. Step away from your screen regularly, stretch every hour, grab a drink, and give yourself a proper lunch break. Your body and brain will thank you for the movement.
What do you need?
Connectivity is everything.
Remote working lives and dies by your internet connection. If your broadband is unreliable, your access to company systems is patchy, or the information you need isn’t where it should be, your productivity will take a hit.
Sort your setup.
Once you’ve chosen your workspace at home, it’s time to kit it out properly. Remember: your employer still has a responsibility for your health and safety, even when you're working remotely. It’s much easier to meet those standards in a dedicated space than in a shared zone like the dining table—but either way, it needs to be right.
Laptop users - listen up.
Don’t work hunched over. Raise your laptop screen to eye level and use a plug-in keyboard and mouse to keep your posture in check.
The chair matters. A lot.
You need a chair that meets VDU (Visual Display Unit) standards, just like the one you’d use in the office. But here’s something most people forget: flooring.
If you’re on tile, vinyl or wood, your chair should have soft-wheel casters. If you’re on carpet, especially the plush stuff found in most homes it’ll likely restrict movement. A floor mat is a smart move either way: it protects your surfaces and keeps things rolling smoothly.
Fit your space.
If you’ve got a dedicated room, great, you can add a desk that suits the dimensions and style.
But, if you're using something like a dining table, check the height and whether there are any obstructions underneath that could affect how you sit. Dining tables are often higher than office desks, so a footrest might be needed to help you stay comfortable.
Getting it right makes for a more productive time working from home and BGF&I have a number of products and solutions designed around home use and are happy to discuss your needs and requirements, drop us an email - sales@bgfi.co.uk
For further in depth reading please go to these government sites.
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