Remote work has transformed from a temporary arrangement into a permanent reality for millions of Australians. Whether you're setting up your first dedicated home office or upgrading a makeshift workspace, creating an effective environment requires thoughtful planning across multiple dimensions—from furniture and technology to lighting, acoustics, and mental wellbeing considerations.
This comprehensive checklist guides you through every element of creating a productive, comfortable, and sustainable home office. We'll cover the essentials that every workspace needs, plus optional enhancements that can elevate your setup from functional to exceptional.
Choosing Your Space
Before purchasing any equipment, evaluate the space options in your home. The right location dramatically impacts your productivity and work-life balance.
Dedicated Room vs Shared Space
A dedicated room with a door offers the best separation between work and personal life. It provides privacy for video calls, reduces distractions, and allows you to physically "leave work" at the end of the day. However, not everyone has this luxury—many Australians successfully work from bedroom corners, living room alcoves, or converted closets.
If using a shared space, establish visual boundaries that define your work area. Room dividers, bookshelves, or even area rugs can create psychological separation. Choose a spot that allows you to face away from domestic activity and minimises family traffic through your workspace.
Environmental Considerations
Evaluate natural light availability—too little causes eye strain and low mood, while too much creates glare. Consider temperature control, as home offices often become uncomfortably warm with equipment generating heat. Think about noise sources both inside and outside your home, and proximity to power outlets for equipment needs.
Before committing to a space, work there for a few days with your existing setup. You'll discover issues like afternoon sun glare or noisy neighbour schedules that aren't obvious at first glance.
Essential Furniture
Your furniture forms the foundation of ergonomic comfort and productivity.
The Desk
Your desk is the centrepiece of your workspace. Consider size (adequate for your equipment and working style), height adjustability (standing desks offer significant health benefits), surface material (durability and aesthetics), and cable management features (built-in trays and grommets simplify organisation).
For most home offices, a desk between 120-150cm wide provides adequate space without overwhelming the room. Depth of at least 60cm, preferably 70-80cm, allows comfortable monitor distance. If space is tight, corner desks or L-shaped configurations can maximise available area.
The Chair
Never underestimate the importance of a quality chair. You'll spend more time in your office chair than almost any other piece of furniture you own. Look for adjustable seat height and depth, lumbar support (adjustable is preferable), armrests that adjust in height and width, breathable material for Australian conditions, and a sturdy base with smooth-rolling casters.
Budget at least $300-500 for a home office chair; quality ergonomic chairs from brands like Ergohuman, HAG, or Secretlab cost more but last longer and provide superior support. A good chair is an investment in your health.
Technology Essentials
Your technology setup directly impacts your productivity and the impression you make in video calls.
Monitor Setup
A dedicated external monitor, or multiple monitors, transforms productivity compared to working on a laptop screen alone. Consider screen size (24-27 inches for most users, larger for creative work), resolution (1080p minimum, 4K for design work), adjustability (height, tilt, swivel), and a monitor arm for maximum positioning flexibility.
Internet Connectivity
Reliable internet is non-negotiable for remote work. Consider your current plan speed (50+ Mbps for video conferencing), wired ethernet connection (more reliable than WiFi for critical work), mesh WiFi if your office is far from the router, and a mobile hotspot as backup for outages.
Audio and Video
Quality audio and video matter for professional communication. A dedicated webcam (1080p minimum) typically outperforms built-in laptop cameras. External microphone or quality headset eliminates laptop fan noise and improves voice clarity. Ring lights or LED panels provide flattering, consistent lighting for video calls.
Allocate your home office budget roughly as: 60% on core furniture (desk and chair), 30% on technology (monitor, peripherals), and 10% on accessories and comfort items.
Lighting Your Workspace
Proper lighting reduces eye strain, improves mood, and enhances video call appearance.
Natural Light
Position your desk perpendicular to windows rather than facing them (causes glare) or with your back to them (shadows on screen). Sheer curtains or blinds allow you to control natural light throughout the day. Natural light boosts mood and alertness, so maximise it while managing glare.
Artificial Lighting
Layer your lighting with ambient overhead lighting for general illumination, task lighting (desk lamp) for focused work, and bias lighting behind monitors to reduce contrast and eye strain. Choose bulbs with a colour temperature around 4000-5000K for a balanced, neutral white that supports focus without being harsh.
Acoustics and Noise Management
Sound management is often overlooked until it becomes a problem during an important call.
Reducing Noise
Hard surfaces create echo that degrades call quality. Add soft furnishings like curtains, rugs, and upholstered furniture to absorb sound. If echo persists, acoustic panels are effective and available in decorative options. Close doors during calls, and consider a white noise machine to mask external disturbances.
Protecting Your Hearing
If you spend hours in headphones, invest in quality over-ear options that don't require high volume for clarity. Take regular breaks from headphone use, and consider speakers for non-confidential solo work to give your ears rest.
Organisation and Storage
A cluttered workspace creates mental friction. Plan storage into your office design from the start.
- Desk drawers for frequently accessed items and stationery
- Filing system for important documents (even if mostly digital now)
- Shelving for reference materials and decorative items
- Cable management systems to keep cords organised and out of sight
- Charging station to centralise device charging and reduce cable clutter
The "everything has a place" principle applies strongly to home offices. When items don't have designated homes, they accumulate on your desk surface and create visual distraction.
Comfort and Wellbeing
Beyond ergonomics, consider elements that make your space pleasant to occupy for long hours.
Climate Control
Home offices can become uncomfortably warm, especially in Australian summers. Ensure adequate ventilation or air conditioning access. A small desk fan can provide personal cooling without adjusting whole-house climate. In winter, a small heater may be more efficient than heating your entire home.
Plants and Greenery
Plants improve air quality, reduce stress, and add life to your workspace. Choose low-maintenance varieties if you're not a natural gardener—pothos, snake plants, and ZZ plants thrive on neglect. Even artificial plants provide some psychological benefits if real ones aren't practical.
Personal Touches
Your home office should feel pleasant to occupy. Add artwork, photos, or decorative objects that make you happy. A nice-smelling candle or essential oil diffuser can make your space more inviting. Just balance personalisation with professionalism—your video call background should look appropriate for work contexts.
Your Home Office Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you've covered all bases:
- Space selected and measured
- Desk appropriate for your work style and space
- Ergonomic chair with proper adjustments
- External monitor(s) at correct height
- Reliable internet connection tested
- Quality webcam and microphone
- Adequate lighting (natural and artificial)
- Acoustic treatment if needed
- Storage and organisation solutions
- Climate control access
- Cable management system
- Personal comfort items
Building your ideal home office is an iterative process. Start with the essentials, use the space for a few weeks, then refine based on what you learn about your needs and preferences. The goal is a workspace that supports your best work while remaining comfortable enough to occupy for extended periods.