For physical wellbeing your office chair and desk position are paramount. We can conceivably spend a third of our day sat in our desk chair, as much time as we spend in our beds. We often prioritise the investment in our new bed, but we frequently negate the importance of our office chair. 

At Milola we broadly consider two types of office chairs. Firstly, there are those which we occasionally sit on to do mundane tasks like paying bills, these are largely a purchase with a focus on form over function.

Then, there is the chair for someone who will be spending most of their day in their home office, and where function is a priority to ensure a healthy physical disposition.  This does not mean style has to be neglected but comfort and the ability to adjust to your body shape and needs is a priority.

For these type of seats, sitting comfortably calls for adjustable desk chairs that are easy and intuitive to adjust to our preferences.

Promoting better posture and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. By aligning the desk surface with your elbows at a 90-degree angle, adjustable desks offer enhanced ergonomic support, minimising strain on the neck, back, and wrists. 

Maintaining a sedentary lifestyle can have negative impacts on health. Adjustable desks provide the option to switch between sitting and standing positions, encouraging better blood circulation and reducing the risk of conditions like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. This flexibility helps you stay active and maintain overall well-being while working from home. 

Adjustable desks offer the ability to seamlessly transition between sitting and standing positions, helping to combat discomfort and fatigue. By allowing you to alternate your working positions, these desks can increase focus and productivity, preventing the onset of mental and physical fatigue, often associated with prolonged sitting. 

Consider placing bookshelves, cabinets, or other furniture against walls to act as noise barriers, also you can use these items as room dividers, removing a clear line of site between your work station and the principle source or direction of noise.

Consider incorporating furniture with acoustic properties into your workspace. These furniture pieces are designed with sound-absorbing materials, such as acoustic foam or fabric, which help reduce noise reverberation and create a quieter atmosphere. One great example which works well in the office or your living area alike is the AKUSTIK range from Kristensen Kristensen.

Look for desks that have sound-absorbing properties, such as built-in acoustic panels or specialized materials that dampen sound. These desks can help minimize noise distractions and create a more peaceful environment for focused work. The divider element of the RISE desk provides sound absortbing properties, as well as a useful space for storing and filing items.  Plus it comes in many beautiful fabric options.

Improve the acoustics of your home office by soundproofing the walls, floors, and ceilings. This can be achieved via a complete wall covering or alternatively as a decorative item that also aids sound proofing. We recently met Architected Sound and they have some incredible and creative solutions for both professional and home use.
 

[Photo Credit- www.achitected-sound.com)]

Incorporate soft furnishings into your home office design, such as curtains, blinds, or rugs. These materials absorb sound waves and help dampen ambient noise within the room. This is especially useful if you share your space with your partner - it can really help especially when one of you is on endless Zoom calls! 

Invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones to block out external noise distractions. This can be particularly helpful when working in a busy household or in areas with high background noise. However, a word of warning not to forget that when you think you are talking at a normal volume and they are switched on, the reality is you are shouting. (Just ask my partner!) 

For example, if you want to keep it local, Swiss brand Logitech offer a range including some models which feature active noise cancellation as well as a noise cancelling mic, so not only can you hear your colleagues but they can hear you.

Start by decluttering your workspace and removing any unnecessary items. Keep only the essentials within arm's reach. Invest in storage solutions such as filing cabinets, shelving units, or storage bins to keep your documents, supplies, and equipment neatly organised and easily accessible.

Invest in cable management solutions to keep your cords and wires neatly organised. Use cable clips, cord covers, or cable sleeves to prevent tangling and create a clean and hazard-free environment. The RISE desk can come with different options for cable tidies as well as fully customisable layouts for charging points including wireless phone chargers and plugs built into your desk.

Make efficient use of vertical space by incorporating tall shelves or wall-mounted storage units. This helps free up valuable floor space and keeps your home office supplies organized and easily accessible.  The SCALA Modular Shelving Unit by Müller are a great way to maximise the space available and come in many colours so you can get the look you want.

Maximize space and functionality with multipurpose furniture. For example, consider using shelving units in your hallway for files or printers or a desk with a built-in bookshelf. These pieces of furniture help save space and keep your office essentials within reach.

Invest in desk accessories like pen holders, desk organisers, and desktop trays. These items keep smaller home office supplies, such as pens, paperclips, and sticky notes, organised and prevent them from cluttering your workspace.