More and more entrepreneurs are choosing to set up their office at home, rather than pay the overhead associated with commercial office space.  But in order to create a home office that promotes productivity and good workplace health, it is important to consider the ergonomic design of your area as well as the office furniture and ergonomic computer accessories you choose to purchase.

The following is a helpful guide to some of the basics of ergonomic home office design, and what you need to create a healthy, productive and great looking work environment.

Install proper lighting

There are several things to consider in terms of lighting your home office – each a potential lighting pitfall unless you know the rules regarding good ergonomic design.

First, you should never place your desk where direct sunlight or overhead light shines right on the monitor.  This can cause you to squint when you work, which leads to headaches and eye strain.  Instead, try and place your desk away from the harshest impact of the sun’s rays.  When choosing lighting for your work area, place small lamps behind the computer – and keep the wattage down.  Both techniques will help you maintain better health and ergonomic design.

It all starts with a great office desk chair

Besides being the place where you will spend the bulk of your time, your office desk chair can also mean the difference between good health and a variety of physical ailments – including lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and other issues.

You can avoid these problems by investing in an adjustable ergonomic chair.  These chairs conform to the unique needs of each individual, allowing for adjustments to the back rest, arm rests, chair height and other crucial areas that help determine how long hours spent at the workplace affect the spine, back, arms and wrists.

Proper Ventilation

Setting up your home office in the attic or basement of your home is not a good idea because these areas rarely receive the proper air flow needed to promote good health in your work environment.  Instead, you should set up your home office in area with good natural air flow from windows or (weather permitting) open doors.

Choosing the Right Computer Equipment

When it comes to choosing the computer equipment for your home office, YOU are the purchasing department, so you have to be educated on the best ergonomic choices on the market.  Look for ergonomically friendly keyboards and computer mouse devices that promote comfort for the hands, wrists and fingers.  Also, anti-glare monitors (or monitor add-ons) help reduce headaches and eye strain and give you the freedom to place your computer in more locations.  These all represent nominal investments, but carpal tunnel syndrome ca not be cured once you have it – so it is a good idea to err on the side of caution.

Creating a Space to Call Your Own

In order to maintain a proper “flow” in your home office, you need to craft a space that is entirely devoted to business matters.  We know you love your family, but if they are coming through and interrupting your work day it is going to be hard to get your business off of the ground.  Try and find a part of the house that meets the requirements above, but still allows you some isolation from the comings and goings of family life.