Creating a Comfortable and Accessible Home Office: A Comprehensive Guide for Disabled and Neurodiverse Entrepreneurs
If you work from home, do you have a comfortable and accessible home office?
Over the last few years, the world of work has been shaken up. The pandemic forced employers to look at their systems and question their policies. Were they set up with the right systems in place to move from the office and continue working from home? Was a mandatory ‘be in the office 5 days a week’ necessary or efficient? Had the ways things were been putting employee wellbeing first?
Many disabled and neurodiverse people choose the path of self-employment, because of employer expectations to work in the office more often than not, or always, which is not always possible for disabled people. For many of us, working from home offers a level of flexibility and comfort that traditional office spaces might not provide. The option to work from home can also be the difference between working or not working for some disabled people.
Creating a comfortable and accessible home office is important, however, the responsibility falls squarely on our shoulders. Whether you’re employed or self-employed, this comprehensive guide will help you set up or improve your home office to meet your unique needs!
Assess Your Needs: The Starting Point
First things first, you need to conduct an honest assessment of your specific needs and requirements. Think about your physical and cognitive abilities. Do you need specialised equipment like a screen reader or text-to-speech software? Or perhaps assistive technology for mobility? Could you make a list? Understanding your needs is the foundation for building your accessible home office and one that you look forward to working in. The UK's Access to Work scheme can provide financial support for such special equipment and adaptations, so it’s well worth exploring!
Ergonomics: More than Just Comfort
Good ergonomics isn’t a luxury; it's a necessity for long-term health. Improve accessibility by investing in an adjustable chair that provides good lumbar support. Consider an adjustable desk, especially one that can transition from sitting to standing. Ensure your computer screen is at eye level to avoid neck strain. Ergonomic keyboards and mice can significantly reduce strain on your hands and wrists. These might seem like minute details but don't underestimate their impact on your comfort and, by extension, your productivity.
Improve Lighting: The Subtle Powerhouse
Never underestimate the power of good lighting. Poor lighting can result in eye strain and fatigue, reducing productivity and making your workspace less comfortable. Ideally, natural light would work best, so if possible, you can set up your workspace near a window. For additional lighting, consider a task lamp with adjustable brightness (aim for LED bulbs as they offer a more natural light spectrum). or light therapy lamps which can be especially helpful for fatigue and the winter months when we’re getting less sunlight.
Noise Reduction: Silence is Golden
If you have sensory sensitivities, noise can be more than just a distraction—it can be debilitating. Noise-cancelling earplugs or headphones are a worthwhile investment for such scenarios. Alternatively, a white noise machine can mask distracting ambient sounds, creating a more focused environment.
Accessibility: Tailoring the Space to You
For a home office to serve its purpose, it needs to be accessible to you. This might mean installing handrails, ramps or other accessibility features. You may also need to adjust the layout of your workspace—ensuring sufficient room for a wheelchair, for example. Custom solutions are often necessary, and this is another area where the Access to Work scheme can be of assistance.
Personal Touches: Your Space, Your Style
A major pro of having your own home office compared to the workplace is the opportunity to make it your own. Adding personal touches like plants, photos or artwork can lift your spirits and make your workspace feel less sterile. Such elements not only boost your mood but can also increase productivity. Don’t underestimate the impact of a space that feels uniquely yours, and the best part is you can have fun with it. Choose personal touches that inspire you, feel luxurious and calming and make you feel at home.
Organise Your Accessible Space: A Clutter-free Zone
Clutter can be mentally overwhelming and impede productivity. Shelving units, filing cabinets or even simple storage boxes can keep your workspace organised. When everything has a place, the mind can focus more easily on the task at hand.
Take Regular Breaks: Your Health Matters
Continuously sitting for long periods can be detrimental to your health. You can just build breaks into your schedule. This could mean a short walk around the room, some light stretching, or even stepping outside for fresh air. It’s essential for both your day-to-day physical and mental wellbeing and your creativity, so setting up your space to encourage breaks is something to consider. A comfy chair to sink into and relax with a good book to give your mind and body a break or just nap will also act as a visual reminder to take that break and value rest time away from your desk, or could even be a comfortable place to work if sitting at your desk for long periods is tiring.
Stay Connected: No Person is an Island
Working from home can be isolating but you don’t have to work alone all the time! Consider joining online communities or groups that are aligned with your niche. Schedule virtual coffees or engage in social media discussions. Networking isn’t just about in-person interactions.
Be Flexible: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
The beauty of a home office is its ability to evolve. What works today might not be suitable a few months down the line. Be open to change and willing to try new configurations or technologies that could enhance your productivity and comfort.
Your home office can closely align with everything you require for your disability access needs to create a comfortable space you adore working in!
Get in touch
If you're a fellow disabled and/or neurodiverse entrepreneur, I would love to connect! Feel free to follow me on LinkedIn where I'm sharing all about the topic of inclusion in the workplace, and my journey as a disabled entrepreneur as I research the connection between disability employment and innovation for my Churchill Fellowship. If you want to know more and don't know anything about the Churchill Fellowship, read my blog: The Churchill Fellowship: a Platform for Change and my Journey Towards Inclusive Work Cultures.