Today's ’casualised’ workforce means that many people have the option of working from home. Setting up a home office is one key step in preparing to do business from your home, but it's essential to ensure that your home office is designed with ergonomics in mind.

Choose an ergonomically friendly chair and work desk

Most of your working day will be spent at your desk, so investing in a high quality work desk and chair set-up is a must. Opt for a chair that is adjustable in height, and that has an adjustable back rest. It should also have a sturdy, padded base. Your work desk should be at the right height for you, and should boast adequate room for you to be able to sit comfortably with your computer or writing tools. Keep the things that you use regularly stored well within reach, and ensure that your computer is set at a height suitable for you.

Install suitable lighting

Poor lighting can lead to eye-strain and can tempt you to hunch over your work. When setting up your office you should aim to incorporate even lighting that is neither too bright nor too dim. Fluorescent lighting is a good option, and an additional desk lamp may be helpful so long as it doesn't add glare or shadowing to your desk space. Install a glare protector on your monitor if necessary, and opt for curtains or blinds to minimise excessively bright sunlight.

Incorporate suitable storage

Office environments typically have fairly large storage requirements, but the design of your storage spaces should take into consideration what you'll be storing and how often it will need to be accessed. Frequently used items should be situated close by so that reaching or bending isn't required, and drawers can be a handy tool to minimise back strain. Mobile storage units can be a good choice if rearranging may be needed on a regular basis, while built-ins can be an aesthetically appealing alternative.

Setting up an ergonomically friendly home office is not just good for business, but good for your overall health, so it’s a good idea to consider all of these factors when designing your workspace.