Practical Tips for Your Flexible Workspace

Home office and mobile work are part of the daily routine for many employees, turning cafés, trains, or park benches into mobile offices. A laptop and internet connection—nothing more is needed.

Keep in mind the essential rules for mobile working:

1. Do not use open networks
2. Log in through a password-protected hotspot
3. Do not leave your work devices and notes unattended in the train or café

And what seems practical is not always secure in terms of your work's content or ergonomic for your body. That's why our work psychologist, Jan Borer, gives you practical tips on how to improve working on the go.

I use my commute as work time and I'm already sitting on the train in front of my laptop. What should I keep in mind?

Jan Borer: I generally recommend a privacy filter for the screen when working on the go—such as a protective film. Be aware that your surroundings can overhear phone calls. Therefore, confidential conversations or negotiations are not suitable for the train.

How can I set up my workspace in a somewhat ergonomic way while on the go?

This is indeed challenging because ergonomics depend on the specific situation. In general, I would ensure to follow common ergonomic practices as much as possible: Make sure not to sit slouched, keep elbows at table height. An external mouse is definitely worth it. By the way, many trains offer the option to work standing up—for instance, the newer panoramic trains have good standing areas where the workspace is at a proper height. Depending on the situation, this is significantly better than the four-seat compartment. Visiting the dining car can also be worthwhile for longer work sessions, as the tables are more suitable for laying out materials than the small tables in the compartments.

At home, I don't have a lockable room for an office; how can I set up a corner office?

An additional lockable room is, of course, a luxury in many living arrangements. Room dividers can also be used. For an office corner, it is important that the workspace is well set up. This means: a good desk and an appropriate chair. In my opinion, the kitchen table is not suitable for mobile working. The light should ideally fall from the side onto the workspace—not from behind (which causes glare on the screen) or from the front (which causes glare in the face).

How do I find peace when roommates or family members are at home?

Regarding noise and distractions, I recommend a visual barrier in the form of a room divider or a large shelf. This is also how I do it at home—with the room separation, you can set up a mini-office. For auditory stimuli, headphones with noise cancelling are worthwhile.

Is there a no-go for you regarding a flexible workspace?

Yes, the bedroom! Even though it might seem tempting to work in bed: Separating work and rest is crucial. I would advise against working in the same room where you sleep.