Only 3 in 10 employers expect to transition their workforce back onsite permanently within the next two years. With the majority adopting the hybrid working model, millions will continue to work from home at least some of the time in 2022.
Faced with setting up a home workspace for the long term, around 43% of Brits say they’re planning to adapt a room permanently or build an extension, while others are looking for ways to improve their existing setup. As a result, Google searches for ‘home office ideas’ have increased by +250%, and ‘small home office ideas’ have increased by +130%.
Top home workspace essentials revealed
With a total return to the office looking less likely, home workspaces are considered more permanent fixtures. However, although 5 in 10 say working from home is better for health and wellbeing, many still don’t have a space they feel perfectly comfortable in.
Only 49% of Brits have a proper workstation at home, with 10% still working from the sofa. This has seen online searches for ‘home office furniture’ increase by +40% in the last 12 months as storage, design and comfort become priorities for more people.
According to the most viewed and sold items on eBay, the most in-demand WFH office furniture and accessories in the last 12 months include home office storage and wrist support, along with plants, ergonomic chairs and stress relief toys.
Top 10 items and the average number of units sold on eBay:
- Home office storage – 1, 101
- Wrist support – 386
- Office plant – 282
- Velvet office chair – 200
- Office stress relief toys – 135
- Under desk footrest – 80
- Adjustable desk – 47
- Floating desk – 37
- Premium office chair – 32
- Noise cancelling headphones – 7
One survey revealed the average amount spent on setting up a home office is around £420.
Workspace and happiness
We already know surroundings can impact physical and mental health. In the UK, employees who feel satisfied with their workspace are 25% more productive. Design, lighting, and layout impact wellbeing at work, and as more people settle into hybrid working for the long term, home setups are no different.
When thinking of their perfect setup, 84% of people agree that an individual desk is the most important physical feature in a workspace, followed by a comfortable chair and the ability to control temperature.
These are the most important non-negotiables in a comfortable and productive home office, according to home workers:
1. An individual desk – 84%
2. Comfy chair – 83%
3. Temperature control – 77%
4. Low noise levels – 71%
5. Natural light – 71%
6. Storage – 69%
7. Good lighting – 62%
Find alternative workspace
Instant predicts that corporate headquarters will shrink by up to 40% in the coming years as traditional office space shifts to become more focused on collaboration. With more businesses than ever looking at flexible options and 57% of employees keen on office space closer to home, conveniently located office space is a priority moving forward, especially for those who can’t work at home sustainably in the long term.
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