Ergonomics: protect your body
The single most important investment is a proper chair — you'll spend thousands of hours in it. The screen top should be at eye level (raise the laptop or monitor), elbows at roughly 90 degrees when typing, feet flat on the floor. A separate keyboard and mouse with a raised laptop, or a monitor with a laptop stand, prevents the neck and back strain that comes from hunching over a laptop all day. If budget is tight, a laptop stand plus a cheap external keyboard transforms posture for under £40.
Environment: light, sound and space
Natural light improves mood and reduces eye strain — position the desk near a window but not facing direct glare. Good task lighting prevents the afternoon slump in darker months. If noise is an issue, noise-cancelling headphones are transformative. Ideally, work in a dedicated space (even a corner) rather than the sofa or bed, so your brain associates the spot with focus. A motivational print (our free home office print) and a plant make the space somewhere you actually want to be.
Boundaries and focus: the hardest part
The biggest home-working challenge isn't the setup — it's boundaries. Without a commute, work bleeds into life. Set clear start and end times, and physically 'leave' work (close the laptop, tidy the desk, leave the room). Use time-blocking (our free time-blocking planner) to structure focused work, and the Pomodoro technique to maintain concentration. Communicate your availability to household members. The goal is to be fully working when working and fully off when not — the blurring of the two is what causes home-working burnout.
Our picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Laptop stand adjustable ergonomic desk riser | Ergonomics | Check price → |
| Chair | Ergonomic office chair lumbar support home working | Back support | Check price → |
| Keyboard | Wireless keyboard mouse set compact home office | Typing setup | Check price → |
| Headphones | Noise cancelling headphones home office focus work | Focus audio | Check price → |
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