The percentage of U.S. workers working from home may not be quite as large as it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it still represents a sizable portion of the workforce. In total, some 22% of American employees work from home, and that figure jumps considerably when zoomed in on certain industries, such as tech, where more than 63% of workers work from home.Â
The advantages of remote work — such as no commute and greater flexibility — are well-known, but it’s not all positive. As with office work, working from home can put a strain on physical well-being, specifically the senses. In this post, we’ll run through a few effective strategies for supporting your senses in your home office.
Managing Your Eyesight
Managing eyesight is important for all computer-based workers, but it’s especially vital for remote workers, who tend to spend more time looking at their screens than their office counterparts. One study found that remote workers look at screens for an average of 13 hours a day, which is two hours more than office workers.Â
Following the 20-20-20 rule (staring at something twenty feet away, for twenty seconds, every twenty minutes) can help to prevent eyestrain. It’s also important to ensure your workspace is well-lit, ideally with natural light, which can help boost mood and productivity.
Supporting Your Hearing
Taking care of your hearing while working from home can help prevent damage and make it easier to get work done. Many workers inadvertently harm their ears by listening to music at dangerously loud volumes throughout the day, which can cause damage over a long enough timeframe.
Supporting your hearing allows you to focus on your work. If you already have hearing loss, then it’s extra important to take additional steps, especially if you have meetings. Even people with mild hearing loss can benefit from using hearing aids in virtual meetings, which makes it easier to follow what’s being said. If you find that it’s difficult to concentrate due to the ambient noise around your home office, then take a look at white noise, which is effective at masking disruptive noises and boosting concentration.Â
Elevating Comfort
Prioritizing touch can make a big difference in how you feel once the work day is over. Depending on the steps you take, your body might be exhausted and uncomfortable, or you may have all the energy you need to jump into your leisure activities.
At a bare minimum, it’s recommended to invest in an ergonomic chair, desk, and keyboard setup. It’s also important to take breaks throughout the day (remote workers are more prone to sitting at their desk for hours on end) and don’t underestimate the value of having a throw/blanket handy.
Use Scents to Boost Productivity
Filling your home office with pleasing scents won’t just help to keep the space fresh, but it can also help enhance productivity. Different scents serve different purposes, so it’s worthwhile stocking up on a few so that you have the right scent for the right moment. Peppermint and citrus can boost mental clarity; cedarwood can clear mental fog; and lavender and rosemary can be great for lowering stress levels.
- Does Liquid IV Work? A Clear Look at Benefits, Ingredients, and When It Makes Sense - July 24, 2026
- A Guide to Assessing and Selling Valuable Possessions - July 20, 2026
- How to Inspect an Inflatable Water Slide Before Each Use - July 20, 2026
