All the things to make working from home easier

March 26, 2021

So, most of us are used to working from home now. But from what we’ve been hearing, it can get a bit monotonous, and this means motivation can be hard to come by. We’ve put together some ideas to help increase your happiness when working from home. Some of these items may seem all too practical but believe us when we say they can make a difference!


A desk and comfortable desk chair


Maybe this one sounds like a no brainer to you, and maybe anything can be a desk if you decide it is (such as an ironing board or a dining table). To really get into work mode, it can help tremendously to have a designated work desk and a chair that you can sit in comfortably for most of the day. Not only does this help differentiate work and home but it’s always there ready for you to go. The key here is to make a comfortable space that is manageable to be in for most of the day but not too comfortable like your couch or bed where it is tempting to relax a little too much.


A great tip is to position your work desk in a space near a window to allow for natural light to come through.


A computer monitor (or second screen)


And if you don’t have room for this, a laptop stand with a separate keyboard and mouse


The best way to get into work mode is to have the right set up. This is another idea that helps with comfortability and accessibility. Create space and ease with your desktop set up. Whether that be with your laptop connected to a desktop screen, a whole desktop set up, your laptop on a stand, a keyboard closer to you with your screen at eye height, a Bluetooth mouse… whatever you may need or can manage, as long as it works for you and makes things easier.


If you aren’t in IT, you can always consult your IT team to get a better idea of what you need.


A foot rest


Comfort tip number three! To keep yourself aligned and avoid any aches and pains a footrest can make a world of difference. It can help you sit up straighter and ease any back pain you might encounter when sitting down for so long.


Noise cancelling headphones


This one can help especially if you work from home with other people, or, if you have a construction site near by or noisy neighbours. To help keep focused and in the zone, noise cancelling headphones are a must!


A coffee machine or tea making routine


Whether you are a coffee or tea person, pick your routine and invest in your drink. This helps bring joy into the start of your day and can become a nice way to settle into your workday. You won’t need to waste time heading out for a coffee or tea during the day if you find yourself with a large workload, you’ll have all you need at home. On that note, our ‘hot’ tip is to also invest in a cup or mug warmer which can help keep your drink hot. A lot of the time we can make a cup and get stuck into some work, forgetting that our drink is cooling down to the point of being pretty unenjoyable. A mug warmer can help you avoid that issue!


Scented candles, incense, or air freshener


Another aspect to bring joy and peace into your day. Pick your favourite scent and however you like to enjoy it. This can not only be calming but it often brings warmth and comfort to a space. You can even choose your ‘work’ scent and your ‘home’ scent. For example, a citrus scent such as orange, lemon or lime can help with alertness and focus. Whereas a sweeter or more floral scent, such as vanilla or lavender can be more relaxing.


An in-your-face to-do list


To help with the lack of motivation, make sure you have a clear to do list that you can update easily, this could be a chalk board or white board or even something that is permanently on one your desktop screens. Make sure you can see it at all times in your ‘office’ space to keep on top of your work.


Heating & cooling


One of the most common complaints about a professional office space is the lack of control of the aircon. Some say it get’s way too cold and others can even complain of it being too warm. The great thing about working from home (especially on your own) means that you can control the temperature! Having cooling and heating can really help create a comfortable environment where the temperature doesn’t affect your productivity.


These are just some of the things we find super impactful to our work from home experience. If you have any other ideas let us know and we will quote you on it!

By Mimi Petrakis May 1, 2025
Hiring IT Web Developers on Contract is a Smart Move for Your Transformation and Security Projects
A man is sitting at a desk in an office holding an ipad.
By Mimi Petrakis March 31, 2025
In the fast-evolving IT and digital industry, organisations must constantly adapt to new technologies, processes, and strategies to remain competitive. A Change Manager plays a critical role in ensuring these transitions are smooth, effective, and embraced by all stakeholders.
By Mimi Petrakis February 28, 2025
As the IT & digital industry continues to evolve, staying informed on salary trends and employment dynamics is crucial for both professionals and businesses. Last month, Peoplebank’s highly anticipated February 2025 Salary Guide was released, offering comprehensive salary insights, job market analysis , and hiring trends to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of IT & digital employment in Australia. Key Insights from the Peoplebank Salary Guide 2025 Our latest salary guide delivered state-by-state salary benchmarks for various IT & digital roles, providing clarity for job seekers, hiring managers, and industry leaders. It also includes expert insights from Peoplebank specialists, highlighting the latest employment trends shaping the industry. “Our Salary Guide reflects the major challenges and opportunities within the dynamic IT & digital industry. The guide serves as a critical resource for stakeholders, providing insights into commercial realities as the year begins and empowering both talent managers and IT & digital professionals to make informed strategic decisions aligned with the current market.” Tim Moran, Executive General Manager, Peoplebank and Leaders IT What’s Trending in the IT & Digital Job Market? Job Market Stability : The number of professionals changing jobs has continued to decline since 2024, with a rise in job tenure. This suggests a growing emphasis on job security and long-term career planning in the IT sector. Contractor Rates & Permanent Roles : A softening of contractor rates indicates a shift in preference towards permanent employment, reflecting a changing job market dynamic. Talent Development Focus : Companies are prioritising in-house talent development , tailoring skills to meet their specific organisational needs rather than solely relying on external hires. Most In-Demand Roles : Software Engineers are in high demand as businesses invest in AI, automation, and cloud-based solutions to accelerate digital transformation. Solutions Architects are increasingly sought after to design scalable, efficient, and secure IT infrastructures that support evolving business needs. Download the Full Salary Guide Understanding salary trends, hiring patterns, and emerging job market shifts can give you a competitive edge—whether you’re an IT professional planning your next career move or a business seeking top digital talent. Download the full Peoplebank Salary Guide now to access the latest insights and ensure you're staying ahead in the IT & digital industry.
An older woman working in tech faces the camera in the boardroom men are working on tablets in the background
February 2, 2025
As we wrap up the first month of 2025 what have our experts learned? Peoplebank Account Manager Elizabeth Fairweather shares her thoughts and predicts the trends to come
By Mimi Petrakis December 31, 2024
What's ahead for 2025?
By Mimi Petrakis November 7, 2024
Your resume is the first thing a potential employer will see from you. Make sure you take time planning and thinking about your resume.
Blue tile with white text that shows the new Leaders IT and Peoplebank logos and title 'a new look'
By Mimi Petrakis November 1, 2024
Peoplebank and Leaders IT: A fresh look for a new era in recruitment
A poster for navigating the current it job market
September 4, 2024
Read about Navigating the Current IT Job Market: Strategies for Success Amidst Uncertainty from Peoplebank
A group of people are working on a project together.
By Mimi Petrakis July 13, 2024
Read about “How do I Ask for a Reference?” Your Key to Landing the Perfect Role from Peoplebank
A group of people are sitting at a table with laptops.
By Mimi Petrakis June 5, 2024
Read about Career CUSP: Empowering Talent & Employers from Peoplebank
More Posts