As recently as 2017, nearly three percent of the American workforce was working from home. The number of employers offering a work-from-home option has hovered around a 40–50 percent annual growth rate over the last five years, as well.

But as you now know, things have changed rapidly.

Scores of Americans are now working from home as businesses have moved to remote work due to government stay-at-home orders. And while many people are growing accustomed to working from home (from 2005 to 2017, there was a 150-plus percent increase in the number of remote/WFH employees), it’s still a new experience for many.

If you’re like most people (according to a 2019 study from Buffer, 99 percent of respondents said they’d like to work from home at least part time), you’ve been interested in the idea for a while. Now, due to the present circumstances, it’s become a reality quicker than expected.

HON has some solutions and tips that can help.

As an office furniture maker, it's always been our business to ensure employees are comfortable and productive—no matter where they are. That hasn't changed, but we're offering even more options now to support businesses and employees as they navigate the current situation.

Creative Home Office Solutions

Maybe you’ve thought about working from home or pursuing a job that offers remote work as an option. Or, you work from home occasionally but haven’t set up a dedicated office space. With little time to spare and perhaps most of your work currently being done at home, now is the time to make it a priority.

No matter the need, HON can help you create that space with our comprehensive product offering. The proof is in the stats: 77 percent of remote workers (per CoSo Cloud’s recent study) say they’re more productive working at home, and the groundwork is laid with a good working environment.

Tips and Tricks for Working from Home

While the idea of remote working is great, at home you might be faced with more distractions than in the office: kids, pets, even the temptation of turning on the TV for a quick break are only a few steps away. Here’s how we recommend structuring your space—and your day!—to get the most out of your “new normal.”

Set your schedule: One of the easiest things to do when working from home is to lose track of your day. Set time aside to outline your tasks for the day, approximately how much time should be spent on each, and then account for chores, errands, and other to-dos. Structure is important, and adhering to a schedule will keep you organized and productive in your new setting.

Dedicate your space: A common mistake is not having an office-style setup to work from home. While you’re not in the company’s office, studies have shown that a similar work space—even a remote one—can improve focus and productivity. It’s also a good way to limit distractions and stay on task.

Master your tech: We’re in a perpetually connected society, and work is no exception. The challenge is to separate your personal tech use and work use during your “working” hours; we recommend keeping your work-essential devices in the home office space and anything that’s exclusively personal in a different room. (Consider checking them a post-work treat.) And if possible, don’t build your home office space where someone else is playing video games or watching TV.

IMAGE: HON Work From Home

For many years, remote working has been classified as a privilege or a desired option. Due to the current situation, it’s being quickly and almost universally adopted.

The HON Company’s home-office offering includes ergonomic solutions like height-adjustable bases on a variety of table options, mid-back chairs, and pedestal seats. These uniquely designed products are comfortable, customizable, and come at an exceptional value.  

In challenging times, we’re committed to providing quality products to you, our furniture partners, and your customers. The right combination of furniture and space along with self-discipline will be a huge benefit as you transition to a new style of work. Here’s to being safe, healthy, happy, and more productive.

To learn more, visit hon.com/work-from-home.