Keep cool & carry on: How to work from home in a heatwave

Updated: 13th June 2023

Heat waves can be particularly challenging for those who work from home. One thing’s for sure - UK weather is unpredictable. One minute you’re wrapping up in blankets and wearing gloves to type on your keyboard without shivering, and the next you’re making that trip to the loft to dust down your fan to keep you cool as you work.

When it's hot outside, it can be difficult to stay focused and productive indoors. We share our tips when it comes to beating the heat when you’re working from home.

How to keep cool at work

1. Keep your curtains or blinds closed to keep out the sunlight, but by all means, keep the windows open behind them!

2. Create DIY air-con: place a bowl of ice cubes in front of your desk fan so it can waft extra cool air.

3. Go barefoot: don’t wear socks or slippers indoors - it’s the opposite of keeping your extremities (hands and toes!) covered in the winter!

4. Stay hydrated: hopefully this one’s a given, but keep sipping on water throughout the day to stay fresh. And you might want to avoid drinks that include caffeine when it’s hot.

5. Run your wrist pulse points under water - a simple tip, but can feel extra cooling on a hot, hot day! You could also use a peppermint oil to produce a cooling, tingling effect on your skin (be careful if you’re sensitive to essential oils, though).

6. Use a desk for your laptop, and not your lap, as you really won’t appreciate all your laptop heat directly warming up your skin. (See our pick of folding desks)

7. Start work earlier or much later if possible, so you can work outside of the sun’s hottest hours.

8. Turn off unused devices to try and reduce the amount of heat-generating items around you, like phone chargers or lights.

9. Avoid working outside despite how tempting this could be, as this is often quite unproductive in reality - thanks bugs, outdoor noises (car horns, neighbours…) and unbearable sun glare on your laptop screen.

10. Avoid eating meat as meat causes your body to use more energy to digest it. Instead, your lunch should be made up of super hydrating foods, but low energy-to-consume foods like a salad with cucumbers and lettuce.

11. Drink a hot drink. Hear us out on this one: a hot drink on a hot day raises your body temperature, which in turn causes you to sweat more. This will help your body cool down. Just don’t try this one at home if you’re on calls all day!

12. Try a hydrating mist to keep your face cool. Keep a hydrating spray by your desk and spritz as necessary to quickly refresh throughout the day, even on top of makeup. We love Sukin’s Original Hydrating Mist Toner for this very reason!
    
    

Disclaimer: Product links on our website are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Learn more here.

---

I have to work in an office when it’s hot. Is there a legal requirement to keep the workplace cool?

If you’re unable to work from home this summer, then you might be wondering what your rights are when it comes to hot temperatures working in the office. Although there isn’t a set temperature that’s legally “too hot” to work in, the TUC (Trade Union Congress) advises the following:

“The TUC has called for a maximum temperature of 30°C (27°C for those doing strenuous work), so that employers and workers know when action must be taken. However even if the temperature is slightly below that, employers should still attempt to reduce temperatures if they get above 24°C and workers feel uncomfortable”

— The TUC, "Cool it! Reps guide on dealing with high temperatures in the workplace", 2018

The Health and Safety Executive state that the temperature in an indoor working space should be “reasonable” and that employers must:

• keep the temperature at a comfortable level

• provide clean and fresh air

If you feel this isn’t the case, speak to your manager about the situation.

---

As you can see, there are luckily quite a few things you can do to keep cool while working from home indoors. investing in a few key products and testing these tips can make a big difference. Keep cool & carry on! ✌️

---

Discover our latest articles

Where can I find free coffee in the UK? [Updated for June 2023]

Updated: 1 June 2023

Wondering how to get free coffee? Find out which of your favourite coffee shops and cafes are offering free coffee in the UK here. After all, it’s great to reward your work from home efforts with a stroll into town and a barista-made brew, especially if you’d like a change from making great coffee at home.

We ❤️ free coffee.

Did you know: 99% of the population can’t function without C8H10N4O2 (that’s caffeine to you and me).

OK, so my fact isn’t scientifically proven and I may have over-exaggerated slightly, but let’s face it, we all love a good cup of coffee or tea. We love it even more when it’s free. 

Who’s giving away free coffee?

Many of your favourite high street cafés and stores offer their shoppers a free cup of coffee or tea, including:

• Costa Coffee

• Starbucks

• Waitrose

• IKEA

• Caffè Nero

• Marks & Spencer

• Greggs

• McDonald’s

Keep an eye out, as many of these locations will also offer you an extra free coffee to celebrate your birthday! 🎉

---

Free coffee in the UK - Full list

Benugo

If you’re London-based, here’s a deal for you. There are a number of Benugo cafes to be found on the high streets of London, and if you sign up to their newsletter, you’ll receive a free coffee as well as a birthday treat. Simple! Learn more.

IKEA

Sign up for a free IKEA family card and you can grab a free tea or filter coffee in their cafes any time from Monday-Friday. OK, so you won’t visit IKEA nearly as much as you would a supermarket but you’ll thank us for letting you know when you need reviving from a trek around the showrooms. Does this give a new meaning to on the house? Learn more.

Waitrose

The popular free coffee at Waitrose offer is back! myWaitrose members who make a purchase in store, and bring in their own cup, can get a free cup of coffee, made from Caffè Nero beans, or tea. Learn more.

Wetherspoons

One for the heavier coffee drinkers, if you purchase a Lavazza filter coffee before 2pm (prices can vary per branch but usually £1.99) you can get free refills. Not completely free, but if you like your coffee in large doses, your cost-per-cup can be pretty impressive. Learn more.

Freebie websites

If you’re happy to hunt around, check out freebie websites. Sign up to their newsletter, you’ll be the first to know when your favourite establishments and brands are giving away free samples or even full drinks. In the past, they’ve shared free teabag samples from the likes of Redbush tea and Taylors, and loads of free coffees to try at home too.

---

Free coffee with loyalty cards

Chances are, your favourite coffee chain has a loyalty scheme where you can get a free hot drink after you purchase a certain number of beverages from them. Which schemes are available?

Caffè Nero

You can join Caffe Nero’s loyalty scheme to earn free coffee. Get a free beverage after every 9 stamps, or use code "GIVEME5" when you download the Caffè Nero loyalty app to get 5 stamps straightaway. Learn more.

Coco di Mama

Join Club Coco at Coco di Mama and get a free drink after every 8th purchase. Sign up and download your digital card to get started! Learn more.

Costa Coffee

Join Costa’s Coffee Club and get a free drink after every 8th purchase. Plus, free cake on your birthday. Yum! Learn more. Even better, if you bring in a reusable cup, you'll get an extra "Bean" or point, meaning you could get a free drink after only 4 drinks! Learn more.

Greggs

When you download Greggs’ free rewards app you can get a coffee on the house. You’re also entitled to a free birthday treat and, if you use the app every time you get a coffee at Greggs, you’ll also get your 8th coffee free! Learn more.

Harris + Hoole

At Harris + Hoole, you’ll get a free drink when you join their loyalty scheme and be rewarded with a free drink with every 6 stamps collected. Learn more.

Jack’s Beans

If you’re near a Jack’s Beans outlet on your travels (you can find your nearest location here), then sign up to their app to get a free coffee straightaway. You can also collect loyalty stamps on the app that entitles you to your 10th coffee free! Learn more.

Krispy Kreme

Download the Krispy Kreme Rewards App and collect points ("Smiles") on every purchase. Once you've collected 150 points, you'll be able to get a free hot drink of your choice. And you get a FREE doughnut just for signing up. Learn more.

M&S;

Marks & Spencer have relaunched their Sparks coffee rewards programme, which gives members a free coffee after every 6 hot drinks purchased at an M&S; Café. Simply download the M&S; App and be sure to collect stamps every time you buy a barista-made drink in an M&S; Café. Learn more.

McDonald's

Not only do they boast some of the cheapest prices for coffee on the high street, their loyalty scheme allows you to get your 6th cup on Ronald McDonald too. Simply collect your McCafé loyalty stamps on the My McDonald’s app. The app has completely replaced their sticker scheme. Learn more.

Muffin Break

Register for Muffin Break’s loyalty club and you’ll receive every 6th coffee free, as well as a free coffee as a thank you for signing up. You’ll also be gifted with a free muffin for your birthday. Learn more.

Pret A Manger

Pret A Manger staff are known to give away free cups of coffee to members of the public as a random act of kindness, so who knows? You could be lucky on your next visit!

Starbucks

With Starbucks Rewards, you collect 3 points (called ‘stars’) per £1 you spend. 150 stars = a free drink. Earn 450 stars to achieve Gold status, where you’ll be entitled for a free birthday drink too! Learn more.

But what if you're not a Starbucks Rewards member? According to their T&Cs;, you are entitled to a FREE Tall refill if you've purchased a Filter Coffee: "Any customer who purchases a Filter Coffee to stay in one of our participating stores in the UK or Ireland, can enjoy a free Tall refill on us. Customers must retain their mug and provide this to the barista when redeeming their refill." Learn more.

Don’t forget to check your favourite independent coffee shop as many have their own loyalty schemes too!

---

Coffee subscription services

So they may not be completely free, but there are a few popular chains that offer a monthly coffee subscription service. If you really love your caffeine fix and live near a one of these cafés, then a coffee subscription might be just the service you’re after for a low-cost, high quality barista coffee every day. It’s like Netflix, but for coffee…

Pret A Manger

In April 2023 Pret A Manger announced they are increasing the price of its monthly drinks subscription to £30 a month.

With their Pret Coffee Subscription scheme, you can pay £30 a month and enjoy 5 drinks, including organic coffees, teas, frappes, and hot chocolates a day. A day! If you got 5 drinks per day, every day of the month, you’d be looking at around 150 drinks per month for just £30, so you could be spending just 20p per drink. Plus, subscribers now get 10% off food. Thirsty yet?! Don’t forget to check out their terms and conditions for more info on their subscription scheme. Learn more.

Pure

Pure's subscription service - Pure+more - works a little differently. For £4.99 a month, you'll get 20% off all food and drink via click and collect. Right now, the first month is free, so you'll get 20% off your order. Plus, they send members regular offers and discounts. Learn more.

Cheap coffee deals

It’s agreed - free coffee is the best kind. But, when you’re not able to grab a free cuppa out and about, there are some impressive coffee deals to be had. Here is our pick of the best cheap coffee offers:

Caffè Nero

Offer: £1 coffee. If you’re on the Three mobile network, you can get a hot or cold barista brew made for just £1 once a week. Download the Three+ app to get started. New codes are available every Monday. Learn more.

Home Coffee Co.

Home Coffee Co., offer exceptional cost-effective and eco-friendly coffee products for the home. Including coffee bags that are made sustainably and in bulk purchases. Learn more.

---

Liked this post? You’ll love:

• What’s the best way of making coffee?

• Choosing the right automatic coffee machine

• The best manual coffeemakers to try

• 3 easy French press coffee hacks

• 18 free printables to help you get organised

• Key tax dates 2023/24

---

Discover our latest articles

Key 2023/24 tax year dates, deadlines & thresholds

Whether you’re working from home as a self-employed individual or an employee, it’s always helpful to know the latest tax year dates in the UK, which will come into force in April 2023. 

Here are the self-assessment tax return dates and VAT return dates for 2023/24.

Want to know the dates for 2022/23? Check them here.

When does the 2023/24 tax year start?

The 2023/24 tax year begins on 6 April 2023 and ends on 5 April 2024. 

---

Self-assessment tax return dates 2023/24

Here are your Self Assessment tax return dates, and other important deadlines for individuals and self-employed in the 2023/24 tax year:

5 April 2023	2022/23 tax year ends
6 April 2023	2024/24 tax year begins
31 July 2023	Second Payment on Account (POA) for Income Tax for 2022/23
5 October 2023	Deadline for Self Assessment registration to notify chargeability of Income Tax/Capital Gains Tax for 2022/23
19 October 2023	Deadline for postal payments of CIS, Class 1 B NICs and PAYE to HMRC
22 October 2023	Deadline for electronic remittance of CIS, Class 1 B NICs and PAYE to HMRC
31 October 2023	Deadline for postal submission of Self Assessment tax returns for tax year ended 5 April 2023 to be received by HMRC
30 December 2023	Deadline for online submission of Self Assessment tax returns for tax year ended 5 April 2023
31 December 2023	Due date to file company accounts with Companies House for limited companies with 31 March 2023 year end
14 January 2024	Income tax due date for CT61 period to 31 December 2023
31 January 2024	Deadline for filing Self Assessment Tax Returns for tax year ended 5 April 2023 and 2022/23 Capital Gains Tax Balancing payment of tax due for 2022/23 and first Payment on Account for Income Tax for 2023/24
5 April 2024	2023/24 tax year ends
6 April 2024	2024/25 tax year begins

Deadlines for submitting VAT returns 2023/24

The deadline for submitting your return is 1 month and 7 days after the end of the VAT period, whether you pay your VAT monthly or quarterly. 

Here are the key dates for submitting VAT returns in the 2023/24 tax year:

7 April 2023	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 28 February 2023
7 May 2023	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 March 2023
7 June 2023	Deadline for VAT returns and payment Accounting Quarter period ending 30 April 2023 if filed online
7 July 2023	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 May 2023
7 August 2023	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 30 June 2023
7 September 2023	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 July 2023
7 October 2023	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 August 2023
7 November 2023	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 30 September 2023
7 December 2023	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 October 2023
7 January 2024	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 30 November 2023
7 February 2024	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 December 2023
7 March 2024	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 January 2024

---

PAYE tax rates & thresholds 2023/24

• Employee Personal Allowance: £12,570

• Basic Rate Tax Band: 20% on income between £12,571 and £50,270

• Higher Rate Tax Band: 40% on income between £50,271 and £150,000

• Additional Rate Tax Band: 45% on income above £150,000

• The standard tax code for 2023/24 is 1250L

Read more working from home tips & guides:

What do you need to set up an efficient home office?

These days, many people prefer to work from home. This is because it enhances their productivity and makes it easy to schedule their day. Therefore, the concept of having a home office is rising these days.

Setting up an efficient home office is easy, you just have to use a bit of creativity and purchase wisely!

A home office can be set up on a budget. You can choose various accessories from standing desks to custom size glass chair mats (see image above) when setting up a home office. However, there are certain aspects to consider while setting up an efficient home office. This article shares all those aspects that will help you set up a professional working space at home.

1: Choose the right space

First of all, you have to choose an ideal space within your home. Now, a perfect space is where you can sit back and focus on your daily office workflow. It should be spacious enough to accommodate your office desk and chair setup.

Also, there should be enough lighting around to help you stay focused. Now, you can choose nearly any space that ticks all the above-mentioned boxes. For example, it can be a corner of your bedroom. Maybe, any corner space in your living room.

Some space next to your bedroom can also be converted into an ideal workspace. The list goes on. So, you have to identify which space will help you work with better focus and attention.

2. Invest in the right items

There are a lot of small items that can enhance your daily workflow. For example, your office desk should have all the required stationery. In addition, sticky notes, plenty of pens, a note pad and a small storage box are must for every home office.

Furthermore, you should also have all the required tech gadgets with you. For example, a laptop stand is a must if you don't want to feel tired at the end of every work day. Further, a wireless mouse and keyboard combo could be an excellent addition.This combination will help you work on your laptop or PC with ease.

Similarly, you can opt for an office printer if you often have to print specific documents. Also, you should invest in some protective gear for your office furniture. For example, the glass chair mats would be ideal for protecting your home office floor.

3. Seating arrangement

Your office's seating arrangement is an aspect you should never overlook. That's because it's directly linked with your health. Often, because of poor posture, many people have to face serious health issues.

So, invest in a quality office chair. Also, a laptop stand is an essential accessory. Place it at your eye level or a bit low (if that suits you). This way, you can avoid severe eye strain.

The office table is also an element that can make or break your office seating arrangement. So choose a durable office table. You can opt for a glass table for some great looks on top of great functionality. Lastly, glass chair mats would be ideal for quickly moving the chair. They will also protect your office floor.

4. Office Lighting

Office lighting often gets overlooked. That's because most people assume that natural light would be enough for them. Of course, natural lighting is also important, but you should have enough artificial lighting in your home office.

You can use fluorescent lights to lighten up your home office. These days LED lights are pretty cheap and are easily available. So you can opt for LED lights as well. In reality, it's not all about choosing a specific type of lighting. It's about how you set up those lights. You can lighten up your office desk by using LED strips.

For additional lighting, hang some LED bulbs on top of your office desk. So there are many ways to customize your office lighting.

5. Add Some Plants

Setting up a home office is all about coming up with innovative ideas. One such idea is to place a natural plant alongside a window. You will just have to water the plant regularly. Furthermore, there are also artificial plants available. You can place them at any corner as they don't require sunlight or watering.

6. Storage Space

Your home office should have enough storage space where you can store various office accessories and stationery. In addition, you can install some additional storage shelves to maximize the storage space. These storage shelves look great and offer plenty of storage space.

There are also dedicated storage boxes that you can use to store some extra items. Further, go with an office table that has drawers where you can store daily used office items. You can also opt for separate cabinets for upgrading your office storage space.

So, these are some cool and easy ways to set up a home office. It's not tough at all. You just have to be a bit creative. That's because you aren't answerable to anyone. You can go for any theme that suits your interest.

You can go above and beyond to customize your personal working space. In this regard, choosing a location that helps you stay focused is important. Ideally, you should focus on investing in quality office furniture. A comfortable office chair is also important as it won't make you feel tired.

There should be enough storage space available. Also, you can buy artificial plants to change the aesthetics of your workplace. Last but not the least, a couple of glass chair mats would be a perfect accessory. It will protect your office floor on top of promising looks. Always prefer to buy glass panels or any glass accessory from a trustworthy glass distributor.

---

Discover our latest articles

Three great job ideas for those wishing to work from home

The 2020 pandemic changed the world in many ways. Some of the changes were temporary, others more permanent.

People’s working habits have changed significantly, with more people working from home than ever. In fact, statistics show that three million people claimed working from home tax relief in 2020/21, up from around 1.7 million in 2019. Whilst those figures have settled a little since the world opened for business once again, many people had their eyes opened to working from home. Employers realised it was beneficial in terms of their outgoings; lower energy costs, less demand on space and a reduced need for infrastructure all added up to a cost saving. In terms of wellbeing, people who work from home tend to be happier (if they do it properly), with a better work/life balance, no commute and a feeling of empowerment and trust. Some might even freelance, empowered not just by where they work but how they work. Flexible working is another aspect of working from home that positively impacts people; Hubstaff, for instance, allows you to prove you’ve worked 40 hours, but it also allows you to work 40 hours that suit you if your employer allows.

With so many benefits, it’s clear working from home will remain popular. If you’re sold on the idea but wonder what courses to take or opportunities to seek to best help you along, we’re here to help. These are three great remote jobs for people wishing to work from home.

Mobile App Designer

The digital world is not only driving people to work from home but also creating more opportunities. Certain sectors, such as mobile apps, have become more involved, and that means a need for designers capable of using graphic design software and the like. It isn’t just big titles and releases that need good designers; online casinos are helping drive the requirement for such skills as well. They’re becoming more popular in the UK, and more providers are popping up looking to deliver immersive and realistic experiences. As a case point, the online slots from Foxy Games include the Eye of Horus series, which feature multiple slots. All have a theme that are designed around Ancient Egypt, with subtle operational differences, but they need to be coded and made uniform and user-friendly; that can all be done remotely. Millions of other apps need such design; in fact, it’s estimated that there are more than 2.65 million apps on Google Play alone. In particular, the online casino and iGaming industry relies on app design skills, but there will always be opportunities with so many apps.

Content Creator

Not only do these apps and sites need skilled coders, but they often have plenty of other content too. Think about your favourite app; it’s almost certain to have a blog page or some written content that helps drive engagement. Even online casinos tend to have written content these days, discussing their games or FAQs helping customers out. Someone has written every word you see on the internet, which can be done remotely. Most companies providing such services only work remotely, with text being incredibly simple to work with over the internet. You might also find a niche in video content creation for YouTube or embedded in a company website. The possibilities are endless for freelance work, and that means working from home.

Graphic Designer

We’ve looked at graphic design in terms of online games and apps, but people need graphics for all applications, and that is where the remote graphic designer comes in. You might be working freelance, bouncing from one small design job to the next, or working as part of an agile remote team collaborating on bigger projects. The world of a graphic designer is varied and full of niche areas, such as fashion graphic design, logos and business, or sports marketing and engagement. Just as every word you read on the internet has a person behind it, every logo, picture, and graphic has also been created by a person. Again, with it being a job you perform almost entirely on your computer, it makes it perfect for those wishing to work from home.

---

Discover our latest articles

Popular hotel chains check-in and check-out times

Last updated: 1 August 2022

Of course, working from home is superior (at least, that’s our opinion at The Home Office Life!), but there will likely be occasions when you’ll need to work away from home for a length of time. If that’s the case, and you’re working somewhere within the UK, then chances are, you’ll be booking into a popular hotel chain for your stay.

But it can be really hard to find your hotel chain's check-in and check-out times (and breakfast times), so we’ve put them together in a handy chart below for the likes of Travelodge, Premier Inn, ibis, Holiday Inn, Hilton and more.

Hotel check-in, check-out and breakfast hours

Hotel	Check-in	Check-out	Breakfast times
Premier Inn	15:00	12:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 6:30 - 10:30 on weekdays and 7:00 to 11:00 at weekends
Travelodge	15:00	12:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 7:00 - 10:00 on weekdays and 8:00 to 11:00 at weekends
Hilton	Varies by hotel	Varies by hotel, but usually 12:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 7:00 - 10:00 on weekdays and 7:00 to 11:00 at weekends
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts	16:00 for Disney Deluxe Villas or 15:00 for the other Disney Resorts	11:00	Varies by restaurant, check website for more details
Holiday Inn	15:00	12:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 6:30 - 10:30 on weekdays and 7:30 to 11:00 at weekends
Marriott	Varies by hotel, but usually 15:00		Varies by hotel, but usually 6:30 - 9:30 on weekdays and 7:00 to 10:00 at weekends
Savoy Hotel	15:00	11:00	7:00 - 11:00
Haven Holidays	1 - 2 hours before allocated check in time	10:00	Not applicable
Ritz	15:00	12:00	8:00 - 10:30
Butlins	Enter resort from 13:00	10:00	Varies by location, check website for more details
Radisson	15:00	12:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 7:00 - 10:30 Monday to Saturday and 8:00 to 11:00 on Sundays
Ibis	15:00	12:00	4:00 - 12:00
Four Seasons Hotels	15:00	12:00	Varies by hotel, check website for more details
Champneys	15:00	11:00	Varies by hotel, check website for more details
Best Western	15:00	11:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 6:30 - 10:30
Mercure Hotels	15:00	12:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 6:30 - 9:30 on weekdays and 7:00 to 10:00 at weekends
Novotel	15:00	12:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 6:30 - 10:00 on weekdays and 7:00 to 10:30 at weekends
Crowne Plaza	15:00	11:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 6:30 - 10:30 on weekdays and 7:00 to 11:00 at weekends
Sheraton Hotels and Resorts	Varies by hotel, but usually 15:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 12:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 6:30 - 9:30 on weekdays and 7:00 to 10:00 at weekends
Ritz-Carlton	Varies by hotel, but usually 15:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 12:00	Varies by hotel, but usually 7:30 - 10:30

Above is the list of check-in, check-out and breakfast times for the top 20 most popular hotel brands (Q2, 2022) according to YouGov (source).

If you’re unsure of any information for your hotel, please visit their website as they’ll usually have a Live Chat feature to ask a member of their team for advice, or try their Twitter accounts for more detail.

---

Want more working from home advice?

Desktop wallpapers from James Webb telescope

After posting print files for James webb telescope’s first ever image, we’ve had an endless flood of people asking if we can do the same for desktop wallpapers. So, after spending some time in our home office editing these incredible set of images, we’re releasing them for you to use on your own laptops, tablets and even mobile phones.

Credit, of course, goes to NASA for the incredible source images

Star Forming Region: NGC 3324 In Carina Nebula

Stellar Death: Planetary Nebula NGC 3132

Interacting Galaxies: Stephan's Quintet

Deep Field: SMACS 0723

---

Discover our latest articles

FREE print templates: First images from James Webb telescope

Look back in time and decorate your home office with something cool, get your free print templates for images from the NASA James Webb Space Telescope courtesy of the Home Office Life.

Print templates are available – get yours now.

Recommended A3 frame: Amazon link

Recommended A4 frame: Amazon link

Recommended 10x10 frame: Amazon link

All print templates are 300dpi, CMYK, Colour profile sRGB IEC61966-2.1 and ready to print.

We also have desktop wallpapers for you to customise your devices background.

NASA has released the first set of images from their new, James Webb telescope. The telescope was launched in 2018 with the purpose to analyse planets outside our solar system. This marks a major milestone for scientists interested in finding possible habitable planets that other planets. On April 6th 2018, scientists and astronomers gathered together at NASA headquarters to receive the first images from the telescope which is set to revolutionize the field of astronomy. The telescope is named after a former NASA administrator (James Webb) who helped achieve President John F. Kennedy's goal of sending an American to the moon by the end of the 1960s. Now, it is looking beyond at some of the most distant objects in our universe and also helping us study planets that might be able to harbour life. It will peer even deeper into space than Hubble ever did, but will extend its sight across infrared wavelengths which are not visible to human eyes and even ones that are invisible to Hubble. Complex telescope algorithms are being developed to take advantage of its massive light-gathering power and Earth's rotation.

For more ideas about free printable check out our previous post: 18 top free printables to help you organise and decorate

---

Discover our latest articles

What’s the best professional ring light?

Are you looking for a ring light for your work from home desk setup? Here’s our pick of the best ring lights available to buy on Amazon right now.

What is a ring light?

A ring light is a circular shaped LED light that’s used to brighten and lessen shadows on the subject it’s pointed on. You can get small ring lights to go round your phone camera (it’s the tool that all the cool Tiktokers, Instagrammers and Kardashians use), or a larger one that you can position on your desk to improve your appearance on webinars and work calls. Professional makeup artists and photographers also commonly use them.

If your desk is in a dark spot in your home office, and there are huge shadows being cast on your face a ring light is a must - especially if you’re filming for work. Not only will the footage look much better, a brighter appearance on camera is a great pick-me-up when you’re constantly staring at yourself on your computer!

Most professional ring lights are USB powered, so you can plug them straight into your computer (or a USB adapter for a MacBook like this one). They often have a variety of colour settings too, including bright white, warm white and warm yellow, and you should be able to change the brightness of these easily - so play around and find the best setting for the environment you’re in. Lots of ring lights are designed for use with mobile phones rather than laptops, as they’re great for taking selfies, but you can adapt their use for your WFH desk easily.

What should I use a ring light for?

Ring lights are good for Zoom calls and other video conferencing solutions, blogging, photography, live streaming and much more, like TikTok videos, Instagram Stories, Instagram Reels and YouTube videos.

Do ring lights really make a difference?

Many content creators and home workers have noted how much impact a ring light has on their setup. For those working from home making conference calls or webinars, a ring light gives a professional look, and helps to even out tone and shadows caused by lack of natural lighting or harsh room lighting. Content creators rely on 10-18 inch ring lights to smooth their appearance and/or help focus on the objects they are discussing in their content. Once you get your ring light, play around with the position and brightness/colour settings until you find your desired effect.

---

5 of the best professional ring lights

Disclaimer: Product links on our website are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Learn more here.

GreenSun 12” Ring Light - Amazon

The GreenSun offering is a 12 inch LED ring light that’s primarily designed to light up around your phone for a well-lit selfie. It comes with an adjustable tripod stand (which you can have from 3.15 inches to 74.80 inches tall) and a range of accessories you can set it up for your needs. If you didn’t want to use this for your phone, you could use the tripod to hold the light on your desk behind your laptop or webcam.

Size: 12 inches, with extendable tripod from 3.15 inches to 74.80 inches

Colour settings: 3 colour modes available, with adjustable brightness settings

Power: USB powered with an added Bluetooth remote control

---

Neewer 14” Ring Light - Amazon

Neewer is one of the most popular names in ring lights, and this offering comes highly recommended on Amazon for its ease of use and range of brightness options available. This 14-inch LED ring light is a more robust option if you’re going to be filming lots, but thanks to the light aluminium stand, is still easy to move - complete with carry bag.

Size: 14 inches, with 61 inch aluminium stand

Colour settings: White and orange colour filters, with adjustable brightness settings

Power: Hot shoe adapter and charger

---

Neewer 12” RGB Ring Light - Amazon

This Neewer ring light is another great ring light option. It’s highly versatile, thanks to its extendable tripod that you can place on your desk or on the floor and the 2 rotatable phone clips that it comes with, which allow you to have your phone either in the middle of the LED light itself or just below it. You also get to choose from 16 colours in the ring light itself, making it a particularly fun option if you’re filming TikToks or Instagram Reels.

Size: 12 inches, with extendable tripod from 16 inches to 54 inches

Colour settings: 16 colours with 4 modes available, with adjustable brightness settings

Power: USB powered with an added Bluetooth remote control

---

YMCRLUX 6.3” Ring Light with Suction Cup - Amazon

The YMCRLUX LED ring light is much more compact than many other ring lights available, so it’s ideal for those who split their time between working from home and from their office. It’s a much smaller light too, at just 6.3 inches, and it features a suction cup to adhere to a surface - like the back of your laptop or a mirror - instead of requiring a tripod.

Size: 6.3 inches, with suction cup stand and tape pad

Colour settings: 3 light modes available, with 10 adjustable brightness settings

Power: USB powered

---

AIXPI 10” Ring Light - Amazon

The AIXPI ring light is a great choice for YouTubers, live streamers and TikTok content creators with its phone holder functionality in the centre of the light. You can also place a DSLR camera there. The tripod also allows for 360° rotation, which can be particularly helpful for content creators - although it still offers everything you need for professional conference call lighting too.

Size: 10 inches, with desk tripod stand and phone holder

Colour settings: 3 light modes available, with 10 adjustable brightness settings

Power: USB powered with an added Bluetooth remote control

---

Want more tips on working from home? Check these posts out:

Follow these 5 easy steps to spring clean your home

When the weather starts to warm up and the days begin to get longer, many of us start thinking about giving our homes a good deep clean. Spring cleaning is a tradition that dates back centuries, and there's a good reason why it's still popular today.

A thorough clean can make your home feel fresh and new again, and it's also a great way to get rid of any dirt, dust, and grime that's been building up, especially as we’ve all been working from home a lot more since 2020.

It’s time to start gathering your cleaning supplies

Before you start your spring cleaning, it's important to gather all the supplies you'll need. This will make the process go much more smoothly, and it will help you avoid having to stop in the middle to run to the store for something you forgot.

Here are a few of the essential supplies you'll need for spring cleaning:

• Vacuum cleaner - Recommended Shark Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

• Dusting cloths - Recommended Microfibre Cloths

• Mop and bucket - Recommended Vileda Turbo Microfibre Mop and Bucket Set

• Window cleaner - Recommended Karcher Window Vac

• All-purpose cleaner - Recommended Method Anti-Bac Cleaner

• Bathroom cleaner - Recommended Ecover Bathroom Cleaner

• Carpet cleaner - Recommended Vax SpotWash Carpet Cleaner

• Steam cleaner (optional) - Recommended Karcher EasyFix Steam Cleaner

 When you have all the supplies you need, you're ready to start cleaning! Begin by working your way from the top of your home to the bottom. This will help you avoid missing any areas, and it will also make it easier to clean up any dust or dirt that falls as you're working. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Start with the ceilings and walls

Dust can accumulate on these surfaces quickly, so it's important to give them a good cleaning. Use a dusting cloth or a vacuum with an attachment to remove any cobwebs and dust from your ceilings and walls.

2. Clean your floors next

Vacuum all of the carpeted areas in your home, and mop any hard surface floors. If you have any areas of your floor that are particularly dirty, you may want to use a cleaner with a scrubbing brush to get them really clean.

3. Don't forget the windows

Over time, windows can become dull and stained. Give them a good cleaning with a window cleaner and a lint-free cloth.

4. Your carpet

Vacuum your carpets thoroughly. Be sure to go over each area several times to pick up all the dirt and dust.

5. Finally, deep clean your bathrooms and kitchen

These are the two areas of your home that get the most use, so they can benefit from a good deep cleaning. Scrub your tubs, showers, and sinks with a bathroom cleaner. Wipe down all of the surfaces in your kitchen, including the stovetop, countertops, and cabinets.

Why do people spring clean?

There are a few reasons why people choose to do spring cleaning. For some, it's a way to freshen up their home after a long winter. Others use it as an opportunity to declutter and get rid of items they no longer need or use. And for others still, spring cleaning is simply a yearly tradition that helps them start the season off on the right foot.

Whatever your reason for spring cleaning, there's no doubt that it can be a helpful and satisfying process. Not only will your home look and feel better afterwards, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that everything is clean and in its proper place.

If you're ready to give your home a thorough deep clean, we've got all the tips and tricks you need. Follow these simple steps and your home will be looking and feeling brand new in no time!

Article written by Kazafi from chairndesk.com

---

Want more tips on working from home? Check these posts out:

Working from home tax relief has changed - here’s what you need to know

Can you still claim working from home tax relief?

Right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the UK government encouraged the public to work from home where possible. This guidance was followed by some new rules on claiming tax relief, helping to combat the inevitable rise in household costs that stemmed from working from home instead of the office. Energy costs in particular increased for home workers, with one 2021 study by Nottingham Trent University showed that they could pay up to £45 more a month in energy costs (source). And that’s before the Ofgem energy price cap increased in April 2022.

The working from home tax relief was claimed by more than 3 million people for the 2020/21 tax year (source).

However, as more workers have returned to the office permanently - or are embracing hybrid working - the rules have unfortunately changed as of April 2022. Even if you have previously made a successful claim, you might not be able to claim the deduction for the 2022/23 tax year.

What has changed with the work from home tax relief?

UK workers, you might be familiar with the fact that you could claim some tax relief if you worked from home some or all of the time in 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, you could claim tax relief on £6 per week without any evidence.

However, as of 6th April 2022, this stance has changed slightly. Now, you can only make a claim if you have to work from home, not if you simply chose to.

Who is eligible for work from home tax relief?

You can only claim tax relief if you have to work from home and you’re not receiving expenses directly from your employer to cover the extra costs of working from home. Reasons for this could include:

• Your job requires you to live far away from your office

• Your employer does not have an office

• There are no appropriate facilities available for you to perform your job on your employer's premises

So, if you work from home simply because of COVID-19, your contract is flexible on whether you work at the office some or all of the time, or your office is sometimes full so you choose to work from home, you can’t claim work from home tax relief for the 2022/23 tax year.

I’m no longer eligible, but I was last year and didn’t claim. Can I backdate my tax relief claim?

Yes, you can backdate your claim for up to 4 years, which is helpful if you began working from home back in March 2020 and didn’t made a claim at the time, even if you are no longer eligible under the new rules.

5 April 2025	Deadline to claim for the 2020/21 tax year working from home tax relief.
5 April 2026	Deadline to claim for the 2021/22 tax year working from home tax relief.

How much tax relief could you be entitled to?

The amount you get depends on what rate taxpayer you are. Here is what you could get:

Basic rate taxpayer (20%)	Claim £1.20 per week or £62.40 per tax year
Higher rate taxpayer (40%)	Claim £2.40 per week or £124.80 per tax year
Additional rate taxpayer (45%)	Claim £2.70 per week or £140.40 per tax year

You can also claim the exact amount of extra costs you’ve incurred above the £6 a week amount, but you’ll need evidence such as receipts, bills or contracts to do this.

What can you claim tax relief for?

You can claim working from home tax relief for things that help you do your job, such as gas and electricity, metered water, business phone calls and internet access, and potentially even on equipment you’ve bought, like computers, desks and chairs.

How do you receive this tax relief?

Once your application has been approved, your 2022/23 tax code will be adjusted, so you’ll receive this tax relief directly through your salary.

Related: see all the 2022/23 tax dates you need to know.

How to claim

1. Check you can claim on the GOV.UK website here.

2. Follow HMRC’s questions to make your claim.

3. You might need to create your Government Gateway ID, if you don’t already have one. If you need to do so, you’ll need your NI number and a form of ID (your P60 or valid UK passport will work here).

4. You’ll also need evidence like receipts and bills to hand if you’re looking to claim an exact amount for costs.

---

More work from home advice…

Hybrid working: the best co-working spaces in London

You're working from home, you're enjoying the freedom to work in your comfy PJs, and you’re feeling super productive. It's all great until the inevitable… you need some human interaction! That’s where hybrid working comes in.

Hybrid working - where you choose to work from home somedays, but in an office on another - is on the rise. In fact, according to our working from home statistics, 85% of employees currently working from home want a ‘hybrid’ approach of both home and office working in future.

If you're tired of working at home or at work all week long, there are some stylish yet functional co-working spaces available with great packages.

London has some of the best co-working spaces around - if you know where to look! You might be familiar with some of the main contenders in this space, with Fora and WeWork offering multiple co-working locations in the capital. But there are some independent hidden gems to discover too.

Why choose a co-working space?

If you’re having a co-working space vs traditional office debate, then here are some points to consider:

• Co-working spaces typically offer more flexibility, as you won’t have to commit to a long-term lease. Often, you can choose a rolling month package.

• Your bills (electricity, WiFi etc.) are often covered in your co-working space fee.

• A co-working space offers you ample opportunity to network with other business leaders, and you could even find yourself making new clients or advocates there!

• You can begin working there right away. It’ll be fully equipped from day one, with desks, chairs and internet connection. Just bring yourself, your laptop and your lucky houseplant and you’re good to go. 🪴

• But, bear in mind you’ll have to share your space and communal facilities - toilets, coffee machines, dishwashers etc. - with others

• You’ll also have less privacy than if you had a dedicated office space.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Only you know which workspace is best for you and your productivity. If you choose to go down the co-working route, review our picks below, as this guide highlights some of the finest co-working spaces in London that you can consider if you want a fresh change from your current home-working environment.

---

---

Looking for a co-working space in London? Let’s get started…

Uncommon, Borough

Image from uncommon.co.uk

Address: 1 Long Lane, London, SE1 4PG

 

What it says: “Uncommon Borough is housed in the vibrant South London - just a few steps away from the Northern Line and a short walk from key area highlights like London Bridge, Borough Market and Bermondsey High Street. It’s the perfect spot for teams that are looking for a stimulating and inspiring area to work from and explore.”

Reviews include: “If you need a co working space, this would be your first choice!”

“Very lovely co-working space with great staff! Love the bike storage available, and a great cafe downstairs.”

“Great location, great working spaces and terrific views of London from the roof terrace. Great atmosphere and a buzz about the place.”

Perks include: On-site cafe, rooftop terrace, wellness areas, dog friendly, showers and bike storage.

Ideal for: Creatives who love working alongside nature. There are plants a-plenty, and many comfy breakout areas to work in. The rooftop terrace is a bonus that not many other co-working spaces can boast!

Cost: A dedicated desk starts from £499 + VAT per month.

---

Central Working, White City

Image from centralworking.co

Address: 84 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ

 

What it says: “In partnership with the wonderful Imperial College Think Space, our incredible White City location offers flexible workspaces featuring light and spacious offices and facilities designed to support businesses of all sizes - from young start-ups and fast-growth companies to established biotech and scientific research organisations. Situated next to the well-connected Westway and plenty of tubes lines, as well as the Westfield Shopping Centre, this Central Working site is the place to stay 'business-connected'.”

Reviews include: “I have worked at many co-working spaces, and visited even more. I prefer Central Working because it feels just great and simple, I really like the aesthetics of the space/the company's visual identity which are super nice and inspiring.”

“This place is more than a co-working space! Absolutely fantastic team of people who make it their business to help the members make meaningful connections that facilitate business growth.”

“The space is great and the staff are very friendly and accommodating.”

Perks include: On-site cafe and restaurant, 24 hour access, private phone booths, meeting rooms, discounts for local community facilities, showers and bike storage.

Ideal for: Tech start-ups or more established firms that want to benefit from working alongside likeminded companies in a support yet flexible environment.

Cost: Get in touch with Central Working for a bespoke quote.

---

Fora, Old Street

Image from foraspace.com

Address: 71 Central Street, London, EC1V 8AB

 

What it says: “On the nexus of Old Street’s tech hub and Clerkenwell’s design district, this beautiful workspace is designed to instill productivity and wellbeing.”

Reviews include: “Hands down the nicest co-working space in the area!!”

“Really great people! 24 hour work spaces with a focus on wellness. Professional. I love that the cofounder is a woman.”

“Friendly reception team. Always there to help and nothing is too little. Cleaning staff are always on point.”

Perks include: Stocked kitchen, 24 hour access, events programme, wellness facilities, concierge service, showers and bike storage.

Ideal for: Cool media, art, fashion and tech start-ups who prioritise health, wellbeing, and stylish spaces.

Cost: An owned desk starts at £475 + VAT per month.

---

Idea Space, Clapham

Image from ideaspace.london

Address: 83 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5QL

 

What it says: “Idea Space is your local, creative and friendly co-working space where you can get all the necessary tools to work on your project whilst enjoying super fast wi-fi and a nice cup of artisan coffee!”

Reviews include: “Idea Space is one of the most comfortable places I've ever been to. Its high-end office furniture, top-notch broadband, friendly community, and down-to-earth staff make it the perfect place for anyone tired of WFH or in a busy office.”

“I had been struggling to find somewhere in London that offered quality co-working space at an affordable price until I found Idea Space. The staff are super friendly and helpful, and the workspace itself has always been immaculately clean, with great facilities including the free coffee!”

“Great place for solitary workers, and to have meetings.”

Perks include: Open office space, private phone booths, meeting rooms, day pass options.

Ideal for: Those looking for an affordable, pay-as-you-go, friendly co-working space with a range of membership options.

Cost: Hot desk from £300 + VAT per month.

---

WeWork, City of London

Image from wework.com

Address: 2 Minster Court, London, EC3R 7BB

 

What it says: “Surrounded by cultural attractions, new architectural designs, and historical points of interest, our City of London office space blends modern workspace with down-to-earth community. Collaborative floor plans inspire casual conversations with your team, while sleek private offices, light-filled lounges, and comfortable conference rooms help drive focus.”

Reviews include: “Such a lovely place to work: the office is bright and airy, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. There's everything you need to get the job done, plus the good vibes and the great view :)”

“It totally changed my view for wework... The best place I have worked in London. My company was moved here for two months, and really wished we stayed for longer. The place is always very clean. Wework offers loads of activities throughout the week and loads of perks, like a coffee barista for the communal area, free beer after 15:00, great coffee machines , cookie jars (always full), great selection of tea. The working space is great, well designed and placed in every floor. A well lighted building (natural light I mean) Communal area is spacious and modern.”

“We've been in a couple of different WeWorks before, 2 Minster Court is hands down the friendliest and great communal space! The area itself is also very nice. We highly recommend it!”

Perks include: Stocked kitchen, barista, outdoor space, wellness room, dog friendly, mother’s room, event space, showers and bike storage.

Ideal for: Seasoned WeWorkers who want to try a well-regarded space in the heart of London’s financial district.

Cost: Dedicated desks not available here, but monthly membership for all locations starts at £299 + VAT per month.

---

Work.Life, Soho

Image from work.life

Address: Waverley House, 9 Noel St, London, W1F 8GQ

 

What it says: “Enviably central, find our new Soho space nestled in one of the hottest postcodes in London town. There’s plenty of natural light to go around in our bright and airy Soho space, with our impressive entrance and spectacular floor to ceiling windows. This incredible ground-floor space has all you need to be your most productive self, with brain-fuelling breakout spaces, posture-improving standing desks and private phone booths for those all important conversations.”

Reviews include: “This is a fantastic, vibey gem in the world of boring grey office spaces.”

“I've been a member of work.life for about three years- and I have been to most of their locations in London. Soho is definitely my favourite- in terms of location- 15 seconds walk from Oxford Street, close to the large M&S near Oxford Circus, so in the space of 10 mins walk you have good transport connections.”

“Great office space, really friendly staff and a perfect place for creative thinking.”

Perks include: Stocked kitchen, private phone booths, dog friendly, yoga classes, event space, showers and bike storage.

Ideal for: Entrepreneurs seeking a relaxed yet cool and creative office vibe, with the buzz of the West End on your doorstep.

Cost: Hot desk from £325 + VAT per month.

---

Don’t forget to grab your free coffee if you’re out and about in London!

Of course, if you do prefer to work from home, we have a ton of guides and resources to help making working from home work for you.

---

More working from home tips:

Common signs you have Zoom fatigue (and how to combat it)

It’s been over 2 years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in that time, Zoom has dramatically changed the way people work from home in a range of industries. Perhaps before March 2020, videoconferencing was a rarity in your job, or you might have been communicating with colleagues and clients this way for a while.

However, one thing’s for sure: Zoom - and other videoconferencing tools like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, GoToMeeting, Skype or WebEx - have never been used as much as they have in recent years.

In fact, by April 2020, there were 300 million daily users of Zoom compared to just 10 million in December 2019 (source).

For many businesses, apps like Zoom and Teams have been a lifeline. For others, the feeling of “Zoom fatigue” or “cybersickness” has been slowly creeping in, as their businesses have heavily adopted videoconferencing apps into their working processes.

What is Zoom fatigue?

Jena Lee, MD of the Psychiatric Times defines Zoom fatigue as the “tiredness, worry, or burnout associated with overusing virtual platforms of communication” (source). Many users of Zoom - and other video conferencing apps - say that Zoom fatigue is real, having described the feeling of Zoom fatigue in similar terms since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

What causes Zoom fatigue?

Why does Zoom fatigue happen? Researchers at Stanford University have outlined some common causes of the phenomenon that is Zoom fatigue:

• When communicating via video chat rather than face-to-face, it takes longer for us to process non-verbal gestures. We often also end up overcompensating for this with lots of over-exaggerated movements like nodding, shaking our heads, waving and thumbs up.

• Despite the over-exaggerated movements, our movement feels limited when on a video chat. For example, in real life, you might be inclined to walk around during a conversation, but you can’t do that in quite the same way when chatting on Zoom, so you can feel unnaturally restricted.

• Having lots of faces appearing to stare at you constantly is intense - and it can even feel intimidating, especially when you’re not actively talking. As humans trained predominantly in face-to-face conversations, this can feel really uncomfortable.

• Likewise, having to see your own face a lot isn’t much fun either and can make us feel critical of our appearance. It’s like walking around with a mirror all the time.

(source)

What are the symptoms of Zoom fatigue?

Symptoms of Zoom fatigue or cybersickness can vary, but if you notice any of the following in yourself, or in your colleagues, then it’s worth taking a look at what you can do to improve your situation,

• Feeling burnt out after a day working from home

• Feeling extra self-conscious about your appearance

• Anxiety when joining calls

• Wanting to constantly cancel or reschedule calls

• Physical feelings of sickness, muscle pain or insomnia

• Difficulty concentrating at work

Tips to combat Zoom fatigue:

Luckily, there are some things you can do to help you deal with the feelings of Zoom fatigue, such as:

1. Click the “hide self-view” button so you don’t see your own video on calls (source)

2. Do fun things on Zoom - or other video conferencing apps - like talk to family and friends to help you associate the app with positive interactions (source)

3. Reduce the size of the video chat application on your computer screen so it’s not on full-screen mode (source)

4. Try an audio-only call, or having a portion of the chat in audio-only mode, to give you and others a break from recognising and registering visual cues (source)

5. Could you have a phone call instead? Assess the situation beforehand to decide whether your upcoming meeting could happen in a different way (source)

6. Take short breaks if you can, especially during long calls (source)

7. Try some mindfulness practices before your meeting, like breathing exercises (including essential oils) or moisturising your hands (source)

8. Create distance from yourself and the screen or camera where possible by using an external keyboard and mouse (source)

Zoom’s vital statistics

How many users downloaded Zoom at the start of the pandemic?

In February 2020, there were just under 5 million downloads of the Zoom app (on iOS and Android) globally. By March 2020, this had surged to 26.9 million downloads, according to Prioriti Data (source).

What were the leading videoconferencing platforms used in 2020?

1. Zoom - 50.3% of respondents

2. Microsoft Teams - 12% of respondents

3. Facebook Live - 9.4% of respondents

4. Instagram Live - 7.3% of respondents

5. GoToWebinar - 5.8% of respondents

6. YouTube Live - 5.2% of respondents

7. On24 - 4.7% of respondents

8. WebEx - 1% of respondents

At the onset of the pandemic, Zoom was by far the most used videoconferencing platform compared to similar counterparts, like Teams and WebEx (source).

Read more WFH tips:

• What’s the best professional ring light?

• What’s the best way of making coffee?

• Choosing the right automatic coffee machine

• 18 free printables to help you get organised

• Key tax dates 2022/23

• The best office chair to buy for working from home

---

More work from home advice…

Aeropress vs V60 vs French Press: the best manual coffeemakers to up your home brewing game

Coffee connoisseurs rejoice! When you’re thinking about the best way to make coffee at home, do you think about buying an automatic coffee machine or a manual coffeemaker? A manual coffeemaker gives you ultimate control over the coffee you make, and there’s a huge range of makers available.

What’s the best manual coffeemaker?

Making great coffee at home doesn’t need to be hard. While it may seem daunting, anyone can brew delicious, fresh coffee at home with the right equipment and clever pour-over methods. If you’re looking to step up your brewing game, you can take your coffee from mediocre to magnificent with a manual coffeemaker and a little know-how. Read on to learn more about the best manual coffeemakers available, so you can make barista-style coffee at home.

Disclaimer: Product links on our website are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Learn more here.

French press/cafetière

If you’re looking for an easy pour-over-style method of coffee brewing, look no further than a French press or cafetière. If you’ve ever used one, you know it takes several minutes (but only about 4-5 minutes) to brew a pot of coffee with one.

This is your typical “immersion brew” method - as your ground coffee is immersed in water, and is loved by coffee drinkers for the ease and speed of crafting a beverage.

Did you know you can make more than just coffee in your cafetière? Read our French press hacks.

---

Chemex

The Chemex is a wonderfully retro-looking pour-over glass coffeemaker. It works by infusing - or dripping - water through coffee grounds that sit in a filter to the glass chamber's bottom half.

Chemex filters are typically thicker than ones used for other devices, like the V60, so the brews are slower - but often richer in flavour. Overall, fans love the coffeemaker because it’s known for delivering a smooth cup of coffee.

---

Hario V60

Like the Chemex, the V60 is an infusion-based (or drip-brew) pour-over manual coffeemaker. However, it’s a lot more portable than the Chemex, thanks to its teacup-shaped design. Because you place it directly above your cup, it’s also a convenient choice, for a quick clean up.

The V60 works by inserting a filter paper into the v-shaped cup, which is placed directly on top of your drinking cup, adding your coffee grounds, and then slowly pouring hot water on top.

---

Aeropress

The Aeropress is a cross between a pour-over, a French press and an espresso machine. How? You pour water on top of your coffee grounds, you plunge just as you would with a cafetière, and it relies on the element of pressure, which is crucial in brewing espresso.

Just like the V60, the Aeropress is a manual coffeemaker designed with convenience in mind. You can take it with you and brew it directly into your cup of choice, with the pressure of the plunging motion forcing the water through to extract the coffee flavour and oils.

Liked this post? You’ll love:

• What’s the best way of making coffee?

• Choosing the right automatic coffee machine

• 3 easy French press coffee hacks

• Where can I find free coffee in the UK?

---

More work from home advice…

Key 2022/23 tax year dates, deadlines & thresholds

Whether you’re working from home as a self-employed individual or an employee, it’s always helpful to know the latest tax year dates in the UK, which came into force in April 2022. 

Here are the self-assessment tax return dates, VAT return dates and thresholds for income tax, NI and minimum wage in 2022/23.

Want to know the dates for 2021/22? Check them here.

When does the 2022/23 tax year start?

The 2022/23 tax year begins on 6 April 2022 and ends on 5 April 2023. 

---

Self-assessment tax return dates 2022/23

Here are your Self Assessment tax return dates, and other important deadlines for individuals and self-employed in the 2022/23 tax year:

5 April 2022	2021/22 tax year ends
6 April 2022	2022/23 tax year begins
31 July 2022	Second Payment on Account (POA) for Income Tax for 2021/22
5 October 2022	Deadline for Self Assessment registration to notify chargeability of Income Tax/Capital Gains Tax for 2021/22
19 October 2022	Deadline for postal payments of CIS, Class 1 B NICs and PAYE to HMRC
22 October 2022	Deadline for electronic remittance of CIS, Class 1 B NICs and PAYE to HMRC
31 October 2022	Deadline for postal submission of Self Assessment tax returns for tax year ended 5 April 2022 to be received by HMRC
30 December 2022	Deadline for online submission of Self Assessment tax returns for tax year ended 5 April 2022
31 December 2022	Due date to file company accounts with Companies House for limited companies with 31 March 2022 year end
14 January 2023	Income tax due date for CT61 period to 31 December 2022
31 January 2023	Deadline for filing Self Assessment Tax Returns for tax year ended 5 April 2022 and 2021/22 Capital Gains Tax Balancing payment of tax due for 2021/22 and first Payment on Account for Income Tax for 2022/23
5 April 2023	2022/23 tax year ends
6 April 2023	2023/24 tax year begins

Deadlines for submitting VAT returns 2022/23

The deadline for submitting your return is 1 month and 7 days after the end of the VAT period, whether you pay your VAT monthly or quarterly. 

Here are the key dates for submitting VAT returns in the 2022/23 tax year:

7 April 2022	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 28 February 2022
7 May 2022	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 March 2022
7 June 2022	Deadline for VAT returns and payment Accounting Quarter period ending 30 April 2022 if filed online
7 July 2022	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 May 2022
7 August 2022	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 30 June 2022
7 September 2022	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 July 2022
7 October 2022	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 August 2022
7 November 2022	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 30 September 2022
7 December 2022	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 October 2022
7 January 2023	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 30 November 2022
7 February 2023	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 December 2022
7 March 2023	Deadline for VAT returns and payments of Accounting Quarter period ending 31 January 2023

---

PAYE tax rates & thresholds 2022/23

• Employee Personal Allowance: £12,570

• Basic Rate Tax Band: 20% on income between £12,571 and £50,270

• Higher Rate Tax Band: 40% on income between £50,271 and £150,000

• Additional Rate Tax Band: 45% on income above £150,000

National Insurance Contributions 2022/23

• Class 1 National Insurance threshold: £9,568 per year

• If you earn below £9,568 you will not pay any National Insurance contributions

• If you earn between £9,568 and £50,720 you will pay NICs at 12%

• On earnings above £50,720 you will pay National Insurance at 2%

National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage 2022/23 

From 1 April 2022, the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage is increasing. The minimum hourly wage depends on worker status and age:

• For employees aged 23 and above, the minimum hourly rate is £9.50

• For employees aged 21 or 22, the minimum hourly rate is £9.18

• For employees aged between 18 and 20, the minimum hourly rate is £6.83

• For employees under 18 years old but above compulsory school leaving age, the minimum hourly rate is £4.81

• For apprentices of all ages, the minimum hourly rate is £4.81

More information is available at gov.uk. 

Read more working from home tips & guides:

How can you claim tax relief for working from home?

Did you know that you can claim tax relief if you’ve had to work from home?

It doesn't matter whether you work at home all week or just part of it, you’re able to claim tax relief on £6 per week. However, you can’t claim tax relief if you choose to work from home, so this is best suited to office workers who had to work from home this year and last year due to COVID-19.

What’s more, you can even backdate your claim for up to 4 years, which is helpful if you began working from home back in March 2020 and not yet made a claim.

What can you claim tax relief for?

You may be able to claim tax relief for gas and electricity, metered water, business phone calls and internet access, and potentially even on equipment you’ve bought, like computers, desks and chairs (which you can do here).

Again, note that you can’t claim for the whole bill, just the part that relates to your work.

How much tax relief you can you claim?

You can claim tax relief on £6 a week from 6 April 2020 without requiring any evidence like invoices or receipts. If you claim tax relief on £6 a week, you’d get £1.20 per week in tax relief if you pay the 20% basic rate of tax, which works out at £62.40 a year. Higher rate taxpayers who pay 40% can claim £2.40 per week in tax relief, which means you can claim £124.80 a year.

You can also claim the exact amount of extra costs you’ve incurred above the £6 a week amount, but you’ll need evidence such as receipts, bills or contracts to do this.

In total, you can claim up to £125 per year.

How do you receive this tax relief?

Once your application has been approved, your 2021/22 tax code will be adjusted, so you’ll receive this tax relief directly through your salary.

Related: see all the 2021/22 tax dates you need to know.

How to claim

1. Check you can claim on the GOV.UK website here.

2. Follow HMRC’s questions to make your claim.

3. You might need to create your Government Gateway ID, if you don’t already have one. If you need to do so, you’ll need your NI number and a form of ID (your P60 or valid UK passport will work here).

4. You’ll also need evidence like receipts and bills to hand if you’re looking to claim an exact amount for costs.

---

More work from home advice…

Can your employer force you to go back to the office?

What are your rights if your boss asks you to come back to work?

Here is some guidance to help you understand your rights about returning to work after a period of working from home. However, please do note that this advice does not constitute legal advice, which you should always seek from an HR executive or legal professional.

What is the latest advice from the Government?

In the UK, the Government’s working from home guidance ended when many other COVID-19 restrictions did on 19th July 2021. This means that workers are no longer advised to work from home, so it’s likely that employers will start plan for members of staff to start returning to work.

However, many companies are keen to keep a “hybrid working” or “flexible working” structure in place since lockdown, with employees working partly at home and partly in the office, including big businesses like Google, Uber and Microsoft. Some businesses have even locked up their office doors and have moved to a complete remote working structure.

So, what if your boss has asked you to come back to the office, either permanently or on a part-time basis. Do you have to?

Depending on the terms of your contract, the likelihood is that you should return to work if your manager asks you to do, as a “reasonable management request”. Many contracts will stipulate that your work is to be carried out in your office.

You can, however, legally request “flexible working” if you have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks. Your employer will have to deal with your request in a “reasonable manner”, whether that’s assessing the pros and cons of your requests and having a meeting with you to talk about your requirements. They should also let you appeal their decision if you don’t agree.

If you already have a flexible working agreement in place, then your employer can’t change this without your consent first.

More information on requesting flexible working is available here.

What if you don’t feel safe working in an office?

Your employer should be doing all they can to keep your office a safe place to work. This includes:

• Completing a health and safety risk assessment, considering adjustments needed for all staff

• Making sure there’s plenty of fresh air in indoor spaces by providing adequate ventilation (a CO2 monitor can help)

• Having the office cleaned more frequently

• Providing hand sanitisers

• Ensuring those who have any COVID-19 symptoms do not come to work and instead self-isolate

• Encouraging the continued use of face coverings, particularly in crowded indoor spaces.

Read more about this here.

Speak to your employer or HR executive if you’re not happy with the safety precautions that are (or indeed aren’t) in place, or you can contact Citizens Advice or Health and Safety Executive.

---

More advice can be found at:

• Citizens Advice

• Working safely during COVID-19 - UK Government

• Health and Safety Executive

---

Discover our latest articles

Best tips for working from home

How to survive and thrive working remotely

Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or just getting used to working from home, productivity and efficiency can be tough to manage - as can your wellbeing.

So, from our own experience working from home, and from our research seeking advice from remote workers just like you, we’re sharing our best advice, our secrets, and tried-and-tested tips and tricks to make working from home work for you.

You might even enjoy working from home more than you thought you could!

---

In this guide:

• Create a morning routine

• Have a designated workspace

• Get rid of distractions

• Don’t wear pyjamas

• Eat away from your desk

• Keep in touch with colleagues

• Have an end of day routine

---

Create a morning routine

Start your work from home day in the right mindset with a morning routine. Instead of getting out of bed and scrambling to your work desk 5 minutes before you logon for the day, establishing a routine will help you wake up and get in the zone.

What could your morning routine look like?

Many WFHers love nothing better than starting with a workout or yoga session - as exercise is a great way to boost your endorphins - or you could have a selfcare moment by brewing your favourite coffee and journaling. Whatever you choose, make it a habit that you’ll be happy to do every day - no matter what the weather and how busy your work schedule looks.

Have a designated workspace

…but feel free to move around too. Just as you would at work, it’s essential that you have a dedicated place for working at home, especially if you’re likely to be remote working for a long time.

Take this from me: your bed might be super comfy for an afternoon, but your posture won’t thank you if you treat your bed as your desk! Even if your work desk doubles up as the dining table or your makeup desk, allowing yourself unrestricted access to that space during your day will help improve your productivity massively. And if you do start to feel unmotivated in that location, consider moving around during the day for different tasks, or try moving your desk into another room for a period of time.

From personal experience, I moved my desk from my lounge to my bedroom and instantly felt much more productive by doing so. When I feel my energy dwindling, I might move to my dining table for a couple of hours, before returning to my base. It works for me!

---

Get rid of distractions

We hear you - it’s so easy to be distracted at home. Whether it’s the TV, pets, family members or a combination of all 3, working from home can be a challenge.

What can you do to stay focused on your work? A good place to start if you’re able to is to leave your phone in another room. Or you can try using your phone to help you stay on task, as there are a range of apps available for this very thing! The Forest App does this well.

For more tips, take a look at our pick of the best productivity books - they each have tons of tips like these!

---

Don't wear pyjamas

You know that old saying: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Does that still count if you work from home? If you want to boost your productivity, then yes it should!

There’s definitely no judgement here if you do want to work in your favourite PJs, but wearing a clean, fresh and presentable outfit can work wonders for your motivation, even if you’re not planning on being on camera that day.

Related: for extra professional points, invest in a ring light so you shine on your next client call!

---

Eat away from your desk

I stand by this statement, whether you’re working in an office or at home. A study by Bupa revealed that over a quarter (28%) of workers never take a breather of any kind during their working day, so are likely to eat at their desk. Not only does this reduce productivity, but it could also lead to mental wellbeing and physical health issues.

So, no matter where you’re working - and how much work you have on - make it your priority to carve out a proper daily lunch break away from your desk. Give yourself a chance to refresh and relax during your day.

---

Keep in touch with colleagues

If you’re not a freelancer, then chances are days (or even weeks!) could go by without speaking to a colleague. While one of the perks of the home office life is the time to get on with your work without interruptions from fellow workers, all too often it can get a little too quiet.

Keeping up regular communication with your colleagues will stave off feelings of loneliness and could even help boost your creativity, especially if you’re struggling with a task you might have.

If you don’t currently do so, book a time into your teams’ calendars each week where you get a chance to talk - and make it clear that it doesn’t need to be work related chat! Not only will this benefit you, but this could prove to be a real life line for a colleague that you might not know is struggling too.

---

Have an end of day routine

This tip isn’t one to underestimate! Having that distinct moment when you finish working every day is difficult when you work from home. It’s all too easy just to keep on working, and before you know it, it’s 9pm and you haven’t given yourself a chance to switch off! But, by creating an end of day routine, you can make sure you help your mind rest and recharge for tomorrow.

Easy wins: close your laptop lid or turn off your monitor and don’t touch it again until you start work. Create a to-do list for the next day at the end of the day, so you don’t spend the evening worrying about your schedule. Go outside!

---

Want more work from home tips?

What are the best productivity books?

Feeling a slump in productivity working from home every day? You’re not alone.

When you’re at home every day, especially if you’re on your own, it’s almost impossible to keep your productivity levels high. Although you might not have the same distractions around you if you were working in an office environment, I’m sure you’ll agree there’s still plenty fighting for your attention at home. Your dog, your neighbour’s dog, that washing up piling up in the sink, your bed…

Enter 2021’s answer to the self-help book: the productivity manual.

Follow the examples of leaders in their fields and learn a tip or two from the productivity experts. This list of books will help you manage your time more effectively, organise your tasks in a way that suits your lifestyle and could even help change your mindset when it comes to working - from home or at the office.

Here’s our pick of the best productivity books available to buy on Amazon right now. Oh, and if you find you struggle to make time to read a book, don’t worry, most of these can be enjoyed in just a few sittings!

---

5 of the best productivity books

Disclaimer: Product links on our website are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Learn more here.

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich

Timothy Ferriss

Think working on a beach, think Tim Ferriss. The 4-Hour Workweek has practically developed a cult-like status since its launch in 2011. If you dream of working the freelance life somewhere sunny, then Ferriss’s book will be the inspiration you need to get planning, as he is the true proponent of the laptop lifestyle. This book features his advice and stories from his own experience, with some great insights in effective time management.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5

Buy it here

---

Eat That Frog!

Brian Tracy

Ever wondered what could actually be causing your productivity slump? Brian Tracy explores root causes in Eat That Frog! But if that wasn’t enough, he then shares his tips on managing your work time effectively. This is a great pick-me-up for those new to time management techniques.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5

Buy it here

---

---

The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results it stand out

Gary Keller

What’s the one thing you want most? Gary Keller’s mission in The One Thing is to help you achieve it, whether that’s working fewer hours, get more energy, increase your focus

Multitaskers and entrepreneurs will love the affirmations that Keller shares, and many readers find themselves coming back to this book when they need to reignite that focus on goal setting and business planning.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5

Buy it here

---

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Guided Journal

Stephen R. Covey & Sean Covey

Over 30 million copies of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People have been sold since its first publication more than 30 years ago, and is loved by CEOs and world renowned entrepreneurs alike. This Guided Journal version is inspired by its predecessor, and includes a selection of worksheets, journal prompts and exercises for those who enjoy an interactive, modern approach to the principles outlined in the original. Both books provide anecdotes, examples and tips that’ll will help you assess your own values, beliefs and behaviours, backed by the concept that your personal life influencers your professional life - and vice versa.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5

Buy it here
Or take a look at the original 7 Habits here.

---

Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams

Matthew Walker

OK, so perhaps Why We Sleep isn’t an overt productivity book, but I bet that one of the causes for your productivity slump is a lack of energy. Matthew Walker’s book explores just how detrimental poor sleep can be to our wellbeing, mentally and physically, and provides tips on how to improve not just how long you sleep - but the quality of it too. It’s backed with stories and tons of scientific research for a compelling read. After all, according to Walker, sleep offers a three-fold boost in creativity and problem solving.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5

Buy it here

---

More productivity hacks:

If books weren’t enough for you, check out these posts:

• 18 free printables to help you get organised

• Key 2021/22 tax dates

• 5 best professional ring lights

• And if you’re really stuck, try making a great cup of coffee at home!

---

Discover our latest articles

18 top free printables to help you organise and decorate

Reducing desk clutter is proven to help you work and startup companies are finding innovative solutions to help solve the issue. But, it’s also amazing what works of art, calendars and other goodies are available online, especially when all you need to do to claim it is press ‘Print’! There are tons of useful free printables to be found, for yourself, your children or even your home office. I have scoured the internet to find my favourite 18 printables that you can use for FREE, from cool retro posters to stylish calendars. Just click on the ones you want and print!

Free Printable Calendars

• Office/basic calendar: Calendarpedia have a range of basic calendars in a range of formats and templates.

• Minimalistic 2021 monthly calendar: Great for at a glance, these month to a page calendar sheets make a stylish addition to any desk.

• Minimalistic weekly planner: This cute and colourful weekly planner has lots of room for each day, plus a checklist for goals and to-do’s at the bottom. Print one for each week or print one and laminate to reuse with dry erase markers.

• 2021 at a glance calendar: No room for writing but handy for seeing the year on one page.

• Multicoloured perpetual calendar: A 2 month per page decorated calendar with 1 line per day. No year so can use to plan ahead. Great for using as a birthday calendar.

Free Printable Invitations

• Pretty green wedding invitations: Featuring an elegant green design, you can download the invite, then use an image editing app or handwrite to add those all important details on top.

• Unisex baby shower invitations: Whether you know your baby’s gender or want to keep it a surprise, this selection of invites have something for everyone. Either use photo editing software to type onto these or print and handwrite the details.

• Princess Party Invitations: A very popular birthday theme, these free invites are pretty and pink. Just print and handwrite the details.

• Pirate Party Invitations: Another popular party theme, there are pirate invitations for both boys and girls, as well as free bunting and banner printables!

• Don’t forget to check out Canva for free invitation templates too - there are thousands of designs for all occasions, including weddings, baby showers, Christenings, birthday parties, and much more.

Free Printable Posters & Wall Art

• Space Tourism Posters: NASA have created these fantastic posters based on the possibility of space travel in the future! These would look fab framed in children’s bedrooms or to decorate your lounge.

• Retro Pixar Posters: Pixar created 8 free posters for the release of their movie Up, but their retro theme makes them look pretty quirky and great for decorating a room.

• Vintage Travel Posters: If you only look at one free poster resource, make it this one. They have a whole host of popular vintage travel posters, with locations within the UK and beyond, so you’re sure to find your favourite hotspot!

• Botanical Wall Art: Not 1, but 12 different botanical prints to decorate your room. These would look amazing printed and displayed altogether just as they would with the odd 1 or 2 prints.

Free Printable Colouring Pages & More

• Free Workout Cards: Darebee have created tons of brilliant workout cards, all featuring instructions and diagrams to perform each routine, with workouts to suit all levels. Simply print, cut to size and take anywhere you fancy getting fit!

• Free Origami: There are over 50 free origami activities here with detailed instructions. Keep your children entertained for free through the traditional Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes.

• Free Colouring Pages: Crayola have hundreds of pages for your children to colour in here in countless designs. All you’ve got to do is choose the designs you want to colour in and print.

• Free Mandalas: Join in the mindfulness trend of colouring in, and de-stress by colouring in these beautiful mandala designs for free.

• Free Kids And Adults Colouring Pages: The Natural History Museum have a cool collection of colouring pages on their website, perfect for kids and adults alike! Featuring prehistoric reptiles, dinosaurs, mini beasts and more.

---

Love free stuff? Then don’t miss our guide to finding free coffee in the UK - great for when you’re taking a well-earned break from working at home! ☕️

---

Discover our latest articles