A new study looks at how a home office setup can impact work-from-home success. 

With working from home now a permanent fixture for many employees, Dutch researchers say the specifics of a home office environment could be key to productivity and overall job satisfaction.

Researchers from Maastricht University surveyed 1,002 workers about their work-from-home (WFH) experiences, focusing on the physical aspects of their home offices. 

The study revealed a strong correlation between satisfaction with home office setups - factors such as temperature, noise levels, and ergonomic equipment - and higher self-reported productivity. 

Additionally, those who enjoyed better air ventilation in their workspace reported not only improved productivity but also a greater willingness to continue working remotely and a lower likelihood of burnout.

“The physical climate of the home office plays a key role in work-from-home productivity,” says lead researcher Martijn Stroom.

“Different home offices are likely to lead to different willingness to work from home and work-from-home success.”

While the study stops short of establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the findings suggest that improving certain environmental factors in home offices could significantly enhance the work-from-home experience. 

The researchers called for further studies to explore the best ways to optimise home office setups, potentially guiding future investments in home office infrastructure.

As the study notes, while many workers have adjusted to the idea of working from home, the success of remote work may hinge more on where they work than previously thought.

The full study is accessible here.