How to Improve Your Workspace to Boost Productivity with Lisa Walker
This resource guide is just one example of the great content you can find on the

The Back School Blog.

With many of us working or learning from home for the first time, there are plenty of obstacles and challenges. For those who benefit from the social aspect of the office, working from home can be isolating. And if you live in a small space, it might be hard to find a comfortable area of your home to work. Use this guide for examples of how to improve your at-home work environment to boost productivity and elevate your mood.

Adapting to remote work

If you live in a small space, consider ways to make your space comfortable and conducive to computer work. Business offices are usually designed with equipment that’s ergonomic and supportive, so if you’re working from your living room couch every day, you’ll eventually compromise your spine health. Consider getting an ergonomic chair to give your back plenty of support and keep your spine healthy, plus a desk that’s the appropriate height for you.

Some people really benefit from having coworkers around to socialize and brainstorm with, so working alone could feel isolating. Consider ways to adjust to how you work at home, whether it’s taking breaks to socialize, squeezing in a workout between meetings, or adopting a pet to keep you company.

Importance of breaks

For people who can get hyperfocused on work, it might be hard to remember to take breaks. Breaks are important for your mental health, and will actually help you be more productive.

If you live with family members or friends, it might help to take breaks at the same time during the day so you can spend time together. Consider taking a walk around the block or, at the very least, stepping outside your front door to get some fresh air. If you live alone, call a friend to take your mind off work and unwind a bit.

Squeeze in a workout

One of the benefits of working at home is that you can choose to work in your yoga pants, making it quite easy to get a quick workout in between meetings or on your lunch break. Find a few online workout videos or yoga classes that you can do in an hour or less to help boost your mood and carry you through the workday. Not only will you relieve stress by working out, but you’ll also likely be more productive after you get your body moving.

Adopt a pet

For people who live alone, pandemic isolation can be extremely difficult. While Zoom hangouts with friends can take the edge off, one way to help improve your mental health is by adopting a pet. If you feel like you need some extra motivation to get out of the house, adopting a dog will help inspire you to get some fresh air and exercise throughout the day. Or, if you just need a calming presence, a cat can offer great companionship for those who live alone.

Upgrade your tools

When you’re working from home, you may have less access to useful office equipment. For example, if you relied on a powerful desktop computer at the office, you might have to adjust to using a less robust laptop at home. Consider upgrading your laptop to boost production, especially if your present model isn’t able to cope with your current workload.

Another item that could be helpful is a webcam. With work meetings happening online for many companies, it’s necessary to have a good camera that can record quality videos with minimal setup. Just be sure to look for deals and take advantage of Black Friday sales to help pay for your tech upgrades.

Adapting to working from home can take time, but with these tips, you’ll be more productive and happier. Find comfortable and back-friendly office furniture including a chair and desk, take frequent breaks to socialize and exercises, and consider getting a pet to give you some companionship. And if you need to upgrade your equipment to do your job at home, take advantage of upcoming Black Friday sales to save money.

Do you suffer from back pain? Consult The Back School to learn how you can support your spine health by improving office ergonomics.