Nothing ruins a workday like not having a designated, comfortable place to work from. And when you are working from home, whether it be temporarily or indefinitely, setting up a great workspace gets even tougher. However, your productivity and body will thank you if you take a few steps to upgrade your desk setup. Here are some ideas!
SEATING
Purchase a chair that offers great spine support and has adjustable height, armrests, and back. If a new chair isn’t in the budget, there are many seat pillows and cushions available that are designed to attach to an office chair and encourage you to sit properly and help support your lumbar.
DESK
Adjusting your desk height to fit your specific needs can be tricky, but necessary. Invest in an adjustable-height standing desk is ideal because you can adjust your desk for different tasks, such as typing, writing, and reading documents. If you are unable to make that purchase, consider installing a keyboard tray to lower your keyboard or raising your chair to ensure your wrists are above your keyboard. Experiencing neck pain? That may be a result of your monitor height. Purchase a laptop or monitor stand or use normal household items like books or a box.
LIGHTING
Poor lighting can cause a lot of strain on your eyes and may decrease energy levels. If you are unable to work in an area with natural light, find an adjustable LED desk lamp. These come in all shapes and sizes and LEDs bulbs have a long lifespan and are energy-efficient.
NATURE
Bring in natural elements into your office space. Studies have proven that plants can improve concentration, mood and relieve stress. Treat yourself to a house plant, fresh flowers, dried flowers or even a faux plant to encourage the calm and productivity within your space.
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DEDUCTIONS
Great news! Your dedicated home office space and some work related expenses may be eligible for a tax break. Keep accurate records and receipts for your home office and work purchases that have not been reimbursed by your employer. Most importantly, work with your CPA to determine what is actually deductible when it comes time to file your taxes.