Common home office setup mistakes, from working on the sofa to poor lighting, and quick fixes for each.
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- Working on the sofa or bed. Use a table and a supportive chair.
- Laptop screen too low. Raise it and use a separate keyboard.
- Feet not supported. Use a footrest or a box.
- Glare on the screen. Put the desk side-on to the window.
- Poor lighting. Use a desk lamp to supplement daylight.
- Cables everywhere. Use clips and do not overload extension leads.
- No breaks. Set a reminder to move.
- Cold room. Heat the room you use, not the whole house.
- No boundaries. Pack away at the end of the day if you can.
- Not telling your employer about problems. They should assess home workstations.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.