In an November 2020 article written for Forbes.com titled " Remote Work: The Biggest Legacy Of Covid-19", the article estimates that remote work would most likely increase by 15% -25%, from 5% pre-COVID to almost 20% -30% during the new normal. Two surveys were conducted by The Conference Board among U.S. HR executives in April and in September 2020 and the survey shown that “Just five percent of respondents reported that, prior to the pandemic, 40 percent or more of their employees were working primarily from home (at least 3 days per week). But by April, nearly 20 percent of respondents said they expected 40 percent or more of their employees to work primarily from home after the pandemic. By September, that number had risen to over a third of responding companies.” Forbes.com

During this transition which is new for many; it is important that we create a work environment (if possible), that allows us to thrive in our positions and be comfortable and productive at the same time . Below are some tips on how you can make your work environment at home more comfortable for you .

Create a comfortable work space/set up-Find a space in your home near a window. Position your table or desk in front of the window with the sun facing towards you and behind your computer. This will allow you to get some Vitamin D and good lighting throughout the day for video calls.
Invest in comfortable seating- Invest in a comfortable desk chair or add a lawn pillow or two to your kitchen chair for comfortability. Sitting for most of your day can cause joint, neck, shoulder, and lower back pain. A lumbar support pillow or back mesh for your chair can also help.
Keep work supplies on hand- Set up your desk or kitchen table as if you were in the office. Gather together pens, whiteout, a notebook; and any other tools you may use throughout the day. Having these items by your side will help you to be more productive and feel at ease.
Add some aromatherapy- Add a nice scent to your space or desk, with a bouquet of flowers or lightly scented candles. Candles come in a variety of scents- from Jasmine to Vanilla, and Lavender. Stores like Home Goods , TJ Maxx and even CVS have a variety ranging from $5-$15.
Keep your cabinets and fridge stocked with healthy snacks and bottled water - Stay energized and hydrated by stocking up on healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and bottled water . Practice sustainability by investing in a water filter and filling up a reusable water jug throughout the day. According to Mayoclinic.org "The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men and About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women. These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages and food. About 20% of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks."
Take breaks- It is important that you take multiple breaks throughout the day . A popular time management technique is the Pomodoro Technique (pomodoro is italian for tomato). In this technique, you take a five-minute break every 25-minutes and after you have reached your fourth 25 minute, you win a 30 minute break. During this time try to refrain from using your phone or computer to give your eyes and neck a break. Grab a breath of fresh air, reach down and touch your toes, pray; these are all things you can do during this break time.