There is absolutely no way to predict where the pandemic will take us next. But what we do know is, we are more prepared than we were in 2020. During the first wave of Covid, the world had to adjust to entirely new working and living conditions. The way we shopped, held meetings, socialised, schooled and travelled completely changed. It was a shock to the system, that’s for sure.
Since that first wave, we have come to face many more. But with each one, we are learning new and innovative ways to protect ourselves and others while maintaining a wholesome, happy life.
Obviously, we hope that the pandemic will be a thing of the past very soon. In the meantime, here is what you can do at home to help prepare yourself for another wave, should it happen.
1. Have a home office set up
No matter what profession you’re in, there may be an element of working from home if the pandemic continues to live with us. In 2020, half of UK residents worked from home at some point. In the USA, this number was around 35%.
Whether you’re a salesperson, a lawyer, an office manager or a call centre worker, you need the office basics. A desk, a chair, a lamp, storage and accessories.
But you shouldn’t just pick any old chair or desk. Ergonomic furniture is the best way forward when choosing a home office. Ergonomics focuses on your health and wellbeing when it comes to furniture design. Ergonomic chairs, for example, look to support your back properly and give you an improved posture. Having this type of furniture will ensure you don’t get chronic back pain from poor posture or find yourself straining to see your computer. We offer a beautiful selection of ergonomic chairs and standing desks for all tastes and environments.
2. Know how to use conferencing software
Conferencing software saw a huge increase in demand in 2020, but not everyone knew how to use it. School parents evenings, office meetings and even patient consultations took place virtually in 2020. If there is another wave of Covid to battle, it’s likely we will go back to relying on digital technology to communicate. Some popular conferencing software platforms include Zoom and Microsoft teams. Try getting to know these platforms a little better and test out whether you prefer to use them on your laptop or on your phone. Also, check with your broadband provider that you have the correct package to support your chosen software. Nobody likes a slow connection during a crucial meeting!
3. Create supportive WhatsApp groups
Whatsapp is a messaging service that became especially popular during the last set of lockdowns. Using this platform you can create group chats with other users, such as the parents from your kids' school, or office workers who are now stuck at home. Whatsapp groups can be a great way to communicate, have fun, share ideas and pictures and even have a moan about the latest pandemic news. If you don’t have WhatsApp you can choose a number of social media sites to interact on instead.
4. Follow the guidelines
At the start of the pandemic, many people were skeptical and confused about what the virus was and how it affected us. While opinions still differ on this, what can be agreed upon is that if everyone works together, the next wave will be shorter. This means following the local guidelines and working together in union to protect and support your community.
5. Take care of your health
The importance of our health has never been such a hot topic. Staying healthy is important. Make sure you eat wholesome foods, take plenty of exercise and stay properly hydrated. If you are remote working or your local gym is shut, try to find ways to exercise at home. For example, you might invest in a desk bike. A desk bike is a seat with pedals that fits nicely under your desk. You will be able to ride the bike while you’re working, or even throughout meetings. This way, you keep your heart pumping, your blood circulating, your mental alertness on top form and lose weight all at the same time.
Remember, nobody knows if and when the pandemic will cease. Similarly, nobody knows if there will be any more waves, or where these may hit hardest. What we do know is that preparation is the key to success. To minimise the risk of being caught off guard, it’s good to think ahead.
At Flexispot, we have a range of home office furniture and desk bikes to help working from home be more comfortable and enjoyable. Use our LiveChat feature to speak to one of our friendly staff. We are here to help you with all your ergonomic furniture needs.
