Creating the Optimal Remote Work Space

Kareem P. Jackson
Unpluggd Digital
Published in
5 min readJan 31, 2023
Photo by Roman Bozhko on Unsplash

A comfortable and effective work space is essential for anyone working remotely. Whether you’re a freelancer, an entrepreneur, or part of a distributed team, having a productive and inspiring workspace is key to your success. The rise of remote work has been a welcome development for many people, but ensuring an optimal remote work space can be difficult.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to create the optimal remote work space so that you can make the most of your working day.

The Importance of Creating the Optimal Remote Work Space

It all comes down to comfort and efficiency. Ergonomics is the science of creating a work environment that best fits an individual’s physical needs and capabilities. This is especially important for working from home because, while having an ergonomically sound remote work space can drastically improve your comfort, energy levels, and productivity, it can often be difficult to establish in a traditional home. Ergonomic principles can be applied to everything from how you sit and type to the layout of your desk and computer equipment.

When designing your remote work space, several key factors must be considered. First, make sure you have a comfortable chair that supports your lower back. Secondly, place your keyboard and mouse at a height and distance that will allow you to work without strain. Lastly, your monitor should be placed at a comfortable distance away from you and at a good height. Ideally, your eyes should be level with the top of the screen when sitting up straight.

Incorporating ergonomic principles into your remote work space can significantly reduce the risk of developing health issues such as back pain, neck strain, and eyestrain. Not only will this help keep you more productive while working from home, but it will also help ensure that you remain healthy and comfortable in the long run. So take the time to ensure that your remote work space is optimized for your physical well-being!

The Best Furniture for an Optimal Remote Work Space

Creating a remote work space that is comfortable and supportive of productivity can take time and effort. Choosing the right furniture for your remote work space is essential to ensure the best possible results. The perfect combination of comfort and convenience will help make your job easier and more enjoyable.

A comfortable office chair is one of the most essential pieces of furniture for a remote work space. This chair should be adjustable so that you can find the perfect angle for working and be comfortable for long hours of work. Additionally, look for one with good back support, as this will help prevent strain on your back and neck over time.

A proper desk is also essential when creating a remote work space. Look for a desk that fits into your available space and allows you to set up a monitor and keyboard ergonomically. This will reduce strain on your wrists, arms, and neck while giving you enough room to spread your work materials. If you’re short on space, consider getting a standing desk instead.

The Perfect Lighting for an Optimal Remote Work Space

When creating the perfect remote work space, lighting plays a key role. Poor lighting can cause headaches, eye strain, and fatigue, all of which can affect productivity. To create an optimal remote work space, ensuring ample light for visibility is crucial.

Your remote work space should have both natural and artificial lighting. Natural lighting has improved moods, decreased stress levels, and boosted energy. Take advantage of natural light by positioning your desk close to a window. If that isn’t possible, you can supplement the natural light with lamps or overhead lights.

To avoid eye strain use diffused light sources with low-glare settings. Consider using task lighting such as adjustable LED strip lights and floor lamps with adjustable arms. This will help to focus light directly on the area where you need it.

You should also minimize reflective surfaces as they can cause glare and make it difficult to see. To mitigate this issue, consider adding a lampshade over any exposed light bulbs or use a desk pad for glare reduction.

When creating a remote work space, be sure to take into account the importance of lighting. Proper lighting can make a big difference in comfort and productivity, so don’t forget to make it part of your setup!

The Ideal Layout for a Remote Work Space

Creating the ideal remote work space requires thoughtful consideration and effort. An excellent remote work space should be organized and comfortable while providing enough space to focus on your work without distractions.

To create your optimal remote work space, ensure you have enough room to comfortably work in. This means sufficient space to spread the necessary materials without feeling cramped. It can be helpful to create designated areas for specific tasks, such as a desk for writing and a comfortable chair for taking calls. Additionally, consider adding personal touches like artwork or photos to make the space more inviting.

Next, you should set up your workspace to support productivity and organization. Having adequate storage and organization options can help ensure you stay on top of your tasks. Utilizing folders, labels, and other organizational tools can help make sure that everything is easy to find when needed.

Finally, consider ways to reduce noise levels, such as using noise-canceling headphones or installing soundproofing materials. With a suitable layout and a few homey touches, you’ll be ready to tackle any project with ease.

Additional Accessories for a Remote Work Space

We’ve discussed all the most important items for creating an optimal remote work space, but there are some other pieces you may want to consider to help make your workspace even more efficient and productive.

Though not quite an accessory, make sure that you have a stable internet connection at your remote work space! The last thing you want is for your Zoom calls to be constantly dropping in and out, especially on important client meetings or a 1:1 with your boss.

A printer/scanner can definitely help when marking up or sending documents to your team.

A mini fridge or coffee maker can be helpful additions if you like having snacks or caffeine while working.

If you’re looking for more comfort, consider investing in a laptop stand. This will help reduce neck strain by bringing the laptop to eye level. It also helps keep the laptop away from other objects on the desk and from getting too hot.

Last but not least on our list, think about incorporating a few extra amenities into your workspace to make it even more enjoyable. A nice lamp or a cozy throw blanket can make the space even more inviting, while having some snacks or tea on hand can make it more enjoyable and productive.

These are just a few possible accessories for an optimal remote work space. With the right combination of items, you can create a workspace that is both comfortable and productive.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect remote work space doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right accessories, you can easily make a comfortable workspace that will help you do the job!

Interested in jumpstarting a remote career in a tech or tech-adjacent field? With Unpluggd Academy, we offer courses and bootcamp programs in coding, design, product management and more, along with soft-skills training in interview prep and other areas to help you land, and keep, that ideal job.

Sign up to join our next cohort of candidates on their way to a flexible remote-work life!

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Kareem P. Jackson
Unpluggd Digital

I am the founder of a digital product studio, Ghost Savvy Studios....Where Innovation Meets Design