According to Gallup’s State of the American Workplace, in 2017 nearly 43 percent of Americans said they spent at least some part of their work week working from home. That’s up from 39 percent in 2012.

With more people working from home, the design of the home office is becoming more important. Your home office needs to be a place that you are comfortable, but also a place where you can do your work efficiently.

Is your home office designed in a way that allows you to get the most out of your work day? Here are three things you are likely forgetting.

Lighting
The light coming into your room, whether it’s from windows or light fixtures, needs to be directed away from your computer screen. This will minimize the glare on your screen and stop you from having to squint when working on your computer. You also need to make sure the light is not coming in from directly behind your computer either, that way you are not squinting as the light would be directly in your line of sight.

Instead position your computer so that the light is coming in from the side of your workplace. You can also position a desk lamp going towards the paper work on your desk and not towards your computer screen.

Furniture
Your furniture needs to be both practical and comfortable. Consider what your workday requires of you and base your furniture needs on that. For example, if you have to keep track of a lot of paperwork, you will want to choose a desk with more storage space. Or if you hold meetings in your office you will want to have a comfortable place for you clients to sit.

Another thing to consider when it comes to office furniture is your office chair. Sitting in the wrong type of chair can cause back aches, fatigue, poor posture, and lead to trouble concentrating and headaches as well. You want to pick a chair that is comfortable, allows your feet to sit flat on the ground, and offers lumbar support. More information on ergonomic chairs can be found on Office Worthy List.

Don’t Be Afraid of Change
One of the fun things about working from home is that it allows flexibility (hello working in your pajamas), your office needs to have flexibility too. As time goes on your needs might change when it comes to your job. Whether it’s a different role in your workplace, or different needs for your home and your family. You should design your office knowing that it probably will not be permanent.

This might mean having furniture that’s on wheels, or not built into the walls. You might need to add storage options or turn a closet into an organized storage place. Shelves should be able to be added, taken down, or spread apart depending on what you need to put on them. You want it to be a fluid design that can transform as your needs do.

Your home office is a place where you will spend a lot of your day. You want it to be an area where you are comfortable, and that promotes productivity. Take some time to think about what you really need out of your office space, follow these tips, and create the home office you’ve always dreamed of.