The Transition to Remote Work
What began as what TIME called the biggest work-from-home experiment has settled into a durable hybrid equilibrium. In 2025, roughly 28–30% of all paid workdays in the U.S. are worked from home, with about 58–60% of workers fully on‑site, ~28–30% hybrid, and ~11–13% fully remote according to WFH Research. Federal time‑use data (ATUS 2024, released in 2025) corroborate that the share of employed people working at home on an average day remains near one‑third—far above 2019 baselines (BLS ATUS). Major‑metro office badge data also point to entrenched hybrid patterns, with occupancy holding in the mid‑50% range through 2025 (Kastle Systems).
Employer policies reflect this steady state: hybrid is the dominant model in 2025, commonly requiring 2–3 in‑office days per week across hybrid employers (Scoop Flex Index). Beyond operations, hybrid/remote work carries meaningful environmental effects. A peer‑reviewed analysis summarized by Cornell finds fully remote arrangements can reduce a worker’s work‑related carbon footprint by about 54%, while typical hybrid schedules reduce emissions by roughly 11–29% depending on context (Cornell Chronicle). Avoiding a 30‑mile round‑trip commute by gasoline car saves about 12 kg CO2 per WFH day (EPA), while the digital/ICT overhead generally remains smaller than commute savings, even as data‑center loads grow (IEA).
Given this long‑term shift, a permanent home workspace pays off. The biggest performance levers are evidence‑based: clean air and comfortable temperatures, controlled noise and echo, glare‑free lighting with adequate task illuminance, ergonomic adjustability, and reliable connectivity. Practical targets include aiming for ~5 equivalent air changes per hour (eACH) via ventilation/filtration (CDC), treating acoustics to reduce speech distraction in line with open‑office criteria such as ISO 22955 (e.g., background noise ~40–45 dBA; adequate speech decay) (ISO 22955), and providing layered lighting to reach roughly 300–500 lux at the desk with circadian‑supportive morning light (WELL v2).
Working from Home
Remote work is now a normalized part of how many teams operate. In 2025, about 28–30% of paid days are worked from home, and hybrid workers commonly split 2–3 days per week at home (WFH Research; Scoop Flex Index). A dedicated, right‑sized workspace protects focus and well‑being: stabilize video calls with Ethernet where possible, or upgrade to Wi‑Fi 6E/7 mesh for lower latency and stronger coverage (Wi‑Fi Alliance); budget upstream bandwidth above platform needs (1080p typically ~3–4 Mbps upload per stream; see Zoom); and add a small UPS for your modem/router so connectivity survives brief outages. Pair these with energy‑saving advanced power strips to curb standby waste (DOE Energy Saver) and with basic security hygiene (WPA3 on the router, firmware updates, strong admin credentials, and MFA on accounts) (CISA).
Increased productivity
Workspace conditions measurably influence the ability to focus and deliver sustained performance. Post‑2020 workplace research shows that environments balancing focus spaces, noise control, daylight/lighting quality, air quality, and ergonomic adjustability score substantially higher on self‑reported productivity and effectiveness (Gensler Research Institute; Leesman Index). Practical targets include clean air delivery around ~5 eACH and filtration upgrades (MERV 13+ where systems allow) (CDC), acoustic planning to limit speech distraction consistent with ISO 22955 in open areas (ISO 22955), and layered lighting that achieves about 300–500 lux on the work surface with glare control and morning circadian stimulus (WELL v2). There’s no one layout that works for everyone; tailor your setup to the tasks you perform most often.
Daily habits also matter. Follow evidence‑based ergonomics (monitor top at or just below eye level, keyboard/mouse for neutral wrists, supported lumbar) and vary posture with short microbreaks (HSE DSE). To reduce digital eye strain, use the 20‑20‑20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds—and manage glare and screen brightness (AAO).
DIY Home Office Upgrades
Build a healthy, productive setup with 2025 best practices: target ~300–500 lux at the desk using layered, glare‑controlled lighting (cooler 4000–5000K for daytime focus, warmer in the evening) and place task lights ~45° off to the side; add soft materials (rug, curtains, stuffed bookcase) to reduce echo; improve air with a HEPA purifier sized by CADR and consider a safe DIY Corsi‑Rosenthal box as a supplement (EPA; NIOSH); upgrade networking with Wi‑Fi 6E/7 mesh or run an Ethernet cable for rock‑solid calls (Wi‑Fi Alliance); use AI noise suppression to remove keyboard clicks and fan noise on calls (Microsoft Teams). Round it out with an advanced power strip to tame standby loads (DOE) and router hardening plus MFA on work accounts (CISA).
Every home office needs reliable equipment. For most, that means a capable computer, a stable connection (Ethernet when you can, otherwise Wi‑Fi 6E/7 mesh), a headset with active noise cancelling and AI noise suppression (Teams guidance), and a comfortable, adjustable chair. Creators and makers may also keep high‑value cameras, microphones, lighting, or specialized tools on hand. Whether you’re new to WFH or a veteran, confirm that your homeowners or renters insurance addresses business use: standard policies typically cap business property at home at roughly $2,500 and much lower off‑premises (often a few hundred dollars, with some forms in the ~$500–$1,500 range depending on insurer), and they usually exclude business liability (Triple‑I; NAIC; The Hartford). If you use employer‑owned gear, coordinate coverage with your company; at‑home injuries directly tied to work tasks can be compensable under workers’ comp and should be handled per OSHA rules, while many states use a telecommuter classification to rate exposure (OSHA 29 CFR 1904.5; NCCI Code 8871).
Protecting Your Equipment
Homeowners insurance protects personal property against covered perils and includes liability coverage, but standard forms are not designed for businesses. Business personal property kept at home is commonly limited to about $2,500, with much lower limits when items are off‑premises, and business liability is typically excluded. Transitioning to remote work is a good time to review your policy language and close gaps with the right add‑ons (Triple‑I; NAIC).
What will my homeowners insurance cover?
Your personal policy generally protects personal property but places strict sublimits on items used for business. If you’re a remote employee using company‑owned equipment, that gear may be covered under your employer’s insurance—confirm with your employer’s risk/IT teams. Your personal policy will not cover employer‑owned business property you do not own. To protect your own work‑used items, ask about endorsements, in‑home business policies, or a Businessowners Policy (BOP), and consider inland marine/equipment floaters for portable gear and cyber coverage if you handle customer data (NAIC; The Hartford).
How much does it cover?
The typical built‑in limit for business property at your residence is around $2,500 coverage limit, with much lower limits when the items are away from home (often only a few hundred dollars, and in some policies capped around $500–$1,500). You can usually raise limits via a home‑business endorsement or step up to an in‑home business policy or BOP for higher property limits, business liability, and potentially business income coverage (NAIC; The Hartford).
Do I need additional coverage?
Many personal policies will cover business supplies only up to low sublimits and exclude business liability, so consider: a home‑business endorsement (raises business property limits and may add limited liability), an in‑home business policy (broader property/liability and often business income), or a BOP (commercial property, general liability, and business income in one). For portable or high‑value equipment, ask about inland marine/equipment floaters; for modern WFH risks, evaluate cyber/data‑breach and equipment breakdown endorsements, and add professional liability if you provide services. Don’t assume your current limits match the replacement cost of your setup—inventory your gear and review annually (Triple‑I; NAIC; The Hartford). If you run a business or have expensive equipment, you should find a business homeowners insurance policy that suits your needs.
Ask the Experts
To help give you the best information on all things DIY and home office needs, we asked the experts for their best tips and tricks.
Anna Barker, personal finance expert and founder of LogicalDollar
What’s one home office item you cannot live without?
A full‑size external monitor positioned correctly. Set the top of the screen at or just below eye level and about an arm’s length away to reduce neck strain, and ensure your keyboard/mouse allow neutral wrists (HSE DSE). For eye comfort on long days, follow the 20‑20‑20 rule and manage glare with side‑aimed task lighting (~300–500 lux at the desk) (AAO; WELL v2).
Is it necessary to add extra insurance(home/renter) coverage for home office equipment?
Often, yes. Standard homeowners/renters policies typically cap business‑use property at about $2,500 at home and much less off‑premises, and they usually exclude business liability. Ask your insurer about a home‑business endorsement, in‑home business policy, or BOP; consider cyber and an equipment floater for portable gear (Triple‑I; NAIC). If you use employer‑owned devices, confirm how your company insures them.
Nick Rizzo, fitness research director at RunRepeat.com
What’s one home office item you cannot live without?
An electric sit‑stand desk plus an anti‑fatigue mat to alternate postures throughout the day. Standing all day isn’t the goal—alternate in 20–40 minute blocks, keep wrists neutral, and support your lower back when seated (HSE DSE).
Movement breaks reduce discomfort and help sustain attention; set reminders and keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid awkward stretches (HSE DSE).
What modification/upgrade do you consider a necessity for a productive workspace?
A quality ANC headset paired with AI noise suppression to remove household noise on calls (Microsoft Teams), plus basic acoustic softening (rug, curtains, bookcases) to reduce echo. These upgrades improve speech clarity and lower distraction.
Music can lift mood and energy, but for focus‑critical tasks, consider soundscapes or moderate volume to avoid masking speech cues you need.
Marty Basher, DIY home improvement expert with Modular Closets
What modification/upgrade do you consider a necessity for a productive workspace?
Decluttered storage you can close—rolling files or bins on shelves—plus lighting and acoustics tuned for focus. Aim for a tidy visual field, ~300–500 lux at the desk with glare control, and add soft surfaces to reduce echo; these basics consistently support better concentration (WELL v2).
If your office shares a bedroom or small space, physical separation (a curtain or screen) and distinct lighting “scenes” help you switch off after hours; consider smart controls compatible with Matter for reliable cross‑platform scheduling (Matter 1.3).
What advice do you have for DIY novices when attempting home office upgrades/renovations?
Start with simple shelving and labeled bins, then layer in task lighting placed ~45° to the side to avoid screen glare. Add a HEPA purifier sized by CADR if the room feels stuffy, and use safe DIY filtration (Corsi‑Rosenthal) only with fused‑plug fans and supervision (EPA; NIOSH).
Is it necessary to add extra insurance (home/renter) coverage for home office equipment?
Usually. Standard homeowners policies have low business‑property limits and exclude business liability. Ask about raising limits via endorsement or consider an in‑home business policy/BOP; add cyber or equipment floater coverage if you rely on portable electronics (NAIC; Triple‑I).
Alex Davis, creator of Ryan and Alex Duo Life
What modification/upgrade do you consider a necessity for a productive workspace?
Reliable networking. Run a speed test like Xfinity, then stabilize with Ethernet where possible; otherwise, upgrade to Wi‑Fi 6E/7 mesh for lower latency and better congestion handling via wider 6 GHz channels and Multi‑Link Operation (Wi‑Fi Alliance). For 1080p video calls, keep upstream headroom above ~3–4 Mbps per stream (Zoom).
What advice do you have for DIY novices when attempting home office upgrades/renovations?
Prototype with what you have (books as a monitor riser, temporary task lamp placement) before buying. Keep ergonomics simple—feet flat, lumbar supported, monitor at eye level—and set 20‑20‑20 reminders to reduce eye strain (HSE DSE; AAO). For air, choose a HEPA purifier sized by CADR and place it away from obstructions (EPA).
Is it necessary to add extra insurance(home/renter) coverage for home office equipment?
Check your policy’s business‑property limits and exclusions; many cap coverage around $2,500 at home with low off‑premises limits and exclude business liability. Endorsements or an in‑home business/BOP policy can close gaps; ask about cyber and equipment floaters if you travel with gear (Triple‑I; NAIC).
Rachel Willson, WFH/DIY expert at Zulily
What’s one home office item you cannot live without?
An adjustable, supportive chair with lumbar support and breathable materials—paired with layered lighting and a touch of greenery for mood. Remember, plants are great for aesthetics, but mechanical filtration (HEPA) does the heavy lifting for air quality (EPA).
What advice do you have for DIY novices when attempting home office upgrades/renovations?
Start with drawer organizers and cable management, then add an advanced power strip to cut standby loads and a small UPS for your modem/router so meetings survive brief outages (DOE).
Darla DeMorrow, certified professional organizer (CPO®) founder of HeartWork Organizing, LLC.
What’s one home office item you cannot live without?
Flexible spaces. An alcove, reach‑in closet, or corner can become a productive workstation if you control air, light, and sound: add a HEPA purifier sized by room volume, provide 300–500 lux task lighting with glare control, and soften echo with fabric or bookshelves (EPA; WELL v2).
What advice do you have for DIY novices when attempting home office upgrades/renovations?
Use file cabinets as intended with labeled hanging folders, and digitize key documents. Protect digital records with strong passwords, MFA, and secure backups; segment your Wi‑Fi so work devices use a dedicated SSID (CISA).
Lisa McGreevy, productivity and tech analyst at FitSmallBusiness.com
What’s one home office item you cannot live without?
A voice assistant or smart button for one‑touch routines—launch meetings, set timers, toggle “focus” or “meeting” lighting scenes—while maintaining privacy (use hardware mic‑mute and keep the device off your call mic path). Prefer Matter‑compatible devices for reliable cross‑platform control (Matter 1.3).
What advice do you have for DIY novices when attempting home office upgrades/renovations?
Before paying for faster internet, fix Wi‑Fi basics: central router placement, elevate it, and avoid cabinets. If you have dead zones, add a mesh node; for maximum stability, wire the mesh backhaul or run a flat Ethernet cable (Wi‑Fi Alliance).
What are some changes that make a big impact on your workspace, but not on your wallet?
For video calls, light your face from the front/side with diffused light, avoid bright windows behind you, and raise your camera to eye level. 1080p webcams are usually enough; improve clarity with better lighting rather than chasing higher resolution (WELL v2).
Michael Payne, CEO of AnywhereWorks
What’s one home office item you cannot live without?
An anti‑fatigue mat to pair with a sit‑stand desk. Use it to alternate positions through the day for comfort and circulation, but avoid standing for hours without breaks—posture variety is key (HSE DSE).
What advice do you have for DIY novices when attempting home office upgrades/renovations?
Consider what colleagues see and hear on calls. A neutral backdrop and soft furnishings improve professionalism and reduce echo. Add a modest key light and enable AI noise suppression to clean up background sounds (Teams).
Matthew Ross, Co-founder and COO of The Slumber Yard
What’s one home office item you cannot live without?
Sound management. A simple white‑noise machine or calibrated sound masking can lower distraction from intermittent noise, while a rug and curtains reduce echo for clearer calls. Use a headset and place your mic 6–10 inches away, slightly off‑axis, to reduce plosives.
What are some changes that make a big impact on your workspace, but not on your wallet?
Repurpose a TV as a second monitor if it supports proper chroma for text at your viewing distance, and invest first in a task lamp and an articulating monitor arm—these often improve comfort more than a new display. Cable‑manage with adhesive raceways and Velcro ties.
Irina Gedarevich, CEO of eSEOSpace
What’s one home office item you cannot live without?
A multi‑port USB‑C GaN charger with enough PD wattage for your laptop plus phone/earbuds, paired with a small UPS for your networking gear. Label both ends of cables and route them through an under‑desk tray to keep a sit‑stand desk snag‑free.
What are some changes that make a big impact on your workspace, but not on your wallet?
Declutter, separate work/leisure zones, and automate “start work/finish work” lighting with a smart plug or scene—Matter‑compatible devices make cross‑platform control easier. Use an advanced power strip to cut standby power when you clock out (Matter 1.3; DOE).
Bottom Line
Remote and hybrid work are here to stay—about 28–30% of paid days in 2025 are worked from home (WFH Research). Make that time count with targeted upgrades: clean air (~5 eACH), controlled noise/echo, 300–500 lux task lighting with glare control, ergonomic setup and posture variation, and reliable connectivity (Ethernet or Wi‑Fi 6E/7). Protect your investment by closing insurance gaps (home‑business endorsement, in‑home business policy, or BOP; consider cyber and equipment floaters) (Triple‑I; NAIC). As a bonus, hybrid/remote patterns can reduce emissions—up to ~54% for fully remote and ~11–29% for hybrid on average, primarily by avoiding commute miles (Cornell Chronicle; EPA). Create a setup that supports long‑term health, focus, and resilience.
