KEY ELEMENTS OF THE HOME OFFICE

THE THREE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE HOME OFFICE

Audio, video and environment all need to be at the forefront of a successful home office, argues Phillip Pini, Director Residential Sales UK at Crestron.

As the hybrid work model becomes an entrenched part of the modern business community, the benefits for those who prefer working remotely (even if it’s a few days a week) are remarkable. Less commute time, fewer in-office distractions, and a better work/life balance all make for happier employees — and employee retention is a priority given the current labour market. For the firm that hires remote workers, the pandemic proved that productivity was actually improved for the most part when working-from-home became the norm.

During the early stages of COVID and its attendant lockdowns, the home office was a makeshift affair for many. More and more ‘knowledge workers’ rapidly came to realise they needed a dedicated space in which to work, proper video-conferencing solutions, and the proper environmental comforts to make ‘WFH’ truly sustainable and increase their wellness.

THE ROOM ITSELF

There’s a lot to be said for the physical space a remote worker’s occupying, and it goes well beyond an ergonomic chair or a motorised desk that allows for a variety of positions. Humancentric lighting can be extraordinarily beneficial — after all, humans were tuned to the patterns of the sun for thousands upon thousands of years. It’s only recently that people began spending 90% of their time indoors, and lighting that mimics nature can have a profound effect on health and productivity. An environment with the proper fixtures and lighting control, automated to mirror the outdoors, is more than mere luxury.

Additionally, humans work best when they’re in environments that include ‘stochastic stimuli’ or biophilia — and that includes everything from greenery nearby (or out a picture window) to the sounds of nature: wind, birds, water, and so on. Even if it’s recorded audio, when it’s delivered with quality in mind, the effect is profound. Ultimately, the combination of the right meeting tech and the proper environmental considerations means that the home office can act as both a haven and an inspiration.

VIDEO

Remote workers need a reliable, robust videoconferencing system that minimises ‘meeting fatigue.’ One of the most critical elements in creating successful hybrid environments (that is, a mix of remote and in-office collaborators) is ensuring ‘equality’ for all participants by creating an ‘equal pixel’ real estate. With the right technology, it’s impossible for a meeting attendee to walk out of a shot being viewed by the remote worker. For the remote worker, proper camera placement with auto-framing software and an understanding of rudimentary lighting concepts are also incredibly helpful: It’s technology that helps achieve actual eye contact, transmit gestures properly, the things that make human interaction feel – well, human.

AUDIO

A room that’s properly sound isolated can be a marvel. To achieve that end, a thorough look at the space comes first – if the room’s not built for two-way sound isolation at the outset, one can add sound absorption and diffusion, which can include everything from drapes to custom panels to the very learned look of a wall of books.

Microphone considerations are also important. The right mic for the space, its placement, and finding solutions that feature software such as echo-canceling and noise reduction, help remote workers collaborate most effectively.

Personal preference comes into play when a worker is in listening mode: Does the attendee prefer speakers or a headset? Either way, devices that are completely free of any distortion are a must. Everything to increase wellness in your home office.