We’re exploring the challenges of getting work done on the go and how a dedicated workspace, like a coworking space, can provide a stable, productive, and comfortable solution to common problems.
Ever tried balancing your laptop on a stack of books at a cafe? Or felt the strain of working from a couch all day? You’re not alone. Working remotely can have its advantages, but it can also be uncomfortable, rife with distractions, and blur the lines between work and personal life. In 2021 the Royal Society for Public Health published a survey of people working from home during the pandemic. 67% of respondents said they felt less connected to their colleagues and 56% said they found it harder to switch off after work. Moreover, 48% of people who worked from a sofa or bedroom said they had developed musculoskeletal problems.
This highlights the importance of having options available outside the home for frequent travelers, digital nomads, hybrid workers, and anyone else on the go and working remotely. This article will guide you in creating a mobile workspace that empowers you to work effectively from anywhere. We’ll dive into ergonomic considerations for creating the perfect mobile workstation, the importance of having a dedicated space to get your work done, plus the mindset that brings it all together.
As many of us learned during the pandemic, and as those who travel often for work already know, it can be possible to set up a workstation in a variety of different spaces. But those who have worked from a couch, coffee shop, hotel, or airport lobby have likely already discovered that it can also be distracting and uncomfortable. Having a dedicated, stable, and productive alternative to home or public spaces offers significant advantages. It’s more than just a place to plug in your laptop; it’s the need for an environment that boosts your productivity, focus, and well-being.
Coworking spaces are a prime example of the kind of dedicated space that is such a valuable resource for anyone working remotely. As we’ll explore later in this article, creating boundaries between work and home life is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining productivity. And as you’ll learn in the next section, using the appropriate / work-friendly furniture can make a significant difference in your comfort and overall well-being. In addition to these benefits, coworking spaces also provide the resources you need to stay connected and productive, eliminating worries about unreliable Wi-Fi or scrambling to find a printer.
For anyone travelling for work, the flexibility of coworking spaces allows you to choose a workspace solution that matches your current needs. Need space for a day? You can book a day pass or day office. Bouncing around different parts of a city, but still want reliable access to a workspace? Consider a hot desk or a dedicated desk membership that offers access to multiple locations. This flexibility allows you the freedom to move around as your work or personal life requires, without sacrificing a stable and comfortable work environment.
We can’t talk about productive workspaces without talking about ergonomics; the two go hand in hand. Ergonomics refers to the science of, and the principles and practices surrounding, how people interact with their environment physically, cognitively, and organizationally. Today we’ll focus on the physical physical ergonomics.
In the survey linked above, 48% of people who worked from a sofa or bedroom said they had developed musculoskeletal problems. An ergonomic set-up can help you avoid common injuries and strains related to repetitive motion. So, to ensure that you’re comfortable at your workstation, no matter where that may be, you’ll want to make sure that you have the most ergonomic set up possible to minimize discomfort. While coworking spaces provide ergonomic furniture, every body is different and there are always improvements that you can make to ensure your workspace works for you.
Think about the way that you do your job or perform tasks, and what‘s involved on a regular basis. If you use a laptop that you have to bend over to look at or use, you run the risk of a sore neck and back. It’s not just your laptop, though. Depending on what kind of work you’re doing, you may spend a lot of time typing or using your mouse; two tasks that, when done with the wrong equipment or posture, can lead to repetitive motion injuries. Poor posture when seated can also lead to discomfort in your back and neck. Maintaining good posture is important to avoid long term pain, especially when working remotely. Working in a space with appropriate furniture, as opposed to a cafe or a couch, naturally encourages better posture and reduces the likelihood of these issues.
Fear not! These issues, though commonplace, can usually be avoided. Some key tips to start with are taking breaks, improving your posture, and using adjustable equipment. Taking a break to move around can help with stiffness and get your blood flowing, while also allowing you to rest your eyes if you spend long periods of time looking at a screen. We recently shared a whole list of break ideas, including a section on how to incorporate some movement into your break.
As for your posture, here are some helpful tips included to start with:
You’ll find these common tips, and more, on most reputable ergonomic checklists, including this one from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
This advice is far from comprehensive though. For more information, check out the CCOHS website. The University of the Fraser Valley, also has a whole host of resources available. Even when working remotely from a well-equipped coworking space, tips like these are essential for maintaining long-term comfort and productivity.
When you’re working remotely it’s important to have the equipment that you need to do your job comfortably. This means portable, reliable, and adjustable equipment that adapts to your body and your workspace. The exact equipment for you depends on your specific needs and concerns. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to consider some basics for comfort, productivity, and portability. This may include an adjustable laptop stand, a cordless or vertical mouse, and an ergonomic keyboard. All of these can be found in lightweight, easily transportable varieties.
Next week, we’ll be sharing an article walking you through some equipment to consider. We’ll also share our mobile workspace checklist to help you make sure you’re ready to work anywhere. Make sure to watch this space for those resources!
One of the most important things you’ll need for working remotely is something you just can’t buy. The right mindset is the cornerstone of any successful routine. Working remotely often requires adjusting to new environments and unexpected situations. Maintaining a positive attitude and embracing a growth mindset allows you to navigate the challenges and opportunities of remote work with resilience and adaptability.
Establishing a routine and setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial; blurring these lines, as often happens when working solely from home, can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Separating work from personal life can be difficult to maintain when mobile. Coworking spaces offer a dedicated space for getting work done, helping you to do just that. Having a dedicated space removes many of the mental hurdles of finding or setting up a workspace. The community aspect of coworking can combat the isolation that often accompanies remote work, boosting morale and motivation.
Finally, no matter where you’re working, it’s important to be proactive about avoiding burnout by allowing yourself to take breaks. In our recent piece on the importance of breaks (linked above), we looked at lots of options for how to spend your break. One of our favourites, especially for anyone using a coworking space, is to take a few minutes to get social.
Something as simple as striking up a conversation in the kitchen, lounge or breakroom of your workspace can leave you surprisingly refreshed. Even a 5 minute chat about your day so far, your weekend plans, or current passion project can have real mental benefits. For more on that, you can also check out our piece on coworking spaces and the power of chit-chat.
We’ve explored the challenges of working remotely and how a dedicated workspace, like a coworking space, can provide a stable, productive, and comfortable alternative. From ergonomic considerations to the right mindset, we’ve covered the essentials for thriving as a professional working remotely. We’ve also looked at how coworking spaces offer a stable and productive environment, empowering you to work effectively from anywhere.
Remember to check back next week for our guide to essential portable equipment and our mobile workspace checklist!
Ready to find the perfect workspace solution? Contact us today for help finding the flexible membership or day pass option that works best for you.
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