Though remote working was already on the rise, the covid-19 health crisis drove more companies to adopt it sooner, posing a challenge for them and their employees to adapt to the new landscape.

The alarm goes off for another day. After a little personal care and breakfast, it's time to start the working day without leaving the house. Digitalization has enabled us to move our office to our home, with the same resources at our disposal and with our colleagues just a screen away.

How to turn a room into a home office

This way of working, adopted in many professions, has become the norm — mainly in a hybrid format with office-based working. It's benefits include more free time; no waiting in traffic; less carbon emissions that intensify climate change; and a better work-life balance. 

We must have a suitable working space. Otherwise, we could end up with aches and pains or stress. Here are six tips to get the most out of remote working:

• Choose a suitable space: Avoid noisy and communal areas to eliminate distractions. 
• Check the lighting: Desks should be close to a natural energy source (like a window) or have artificial light from a small lamp. 
• Have the right equipment: Though every component of our remote set up is important to our well-being, the chair is perhaps the most vital. That’s where you’ll sit all day; so make sure it keeps your spine, arms and legs in the correct position: a right angle. It's also essential to configure other things like screens and headphones to ensure maximum comfort, as well as to have a good internet connection. 
• Stick to your usual schedule: Try to work the same hours you would in the office, switching off corporate computers and mobiles when you call it a day.  
• Take breaks: Having a 5- to 10-minute breather every hour and a half helps prevent tiredness and stress. Stretch your legs and back by taking a short walk. Simple exercises like neck, shoulder and hip circulations are also recommended. 
• Stay hydrated: Keep a water bottle close by. Good hydration helps regulate our body temperature and eliminate toxins, not to mention other health benefits.