SETTING UP A HOME OFFICE THAT WORKS
Working from home is not everyone’s cup of tea. A lot of people get too distracted by one thing or another. Whether it’s the kids, pending home repairs or temptations that range from your bed to Netflix, you’re bound to find something to do, other than work. However, these days with the lockdown still in effect and the likelihood of it being extended, most people are forced to work remotely. This means we’ve got no choice but to roll up our sleeves, hunker down and just get to work…at home. If you are in anyway the kind of person just described do not fret. There are ways to set up your home office so that it works just how you need it to.
The first thing you need to do is identify a space that is most conducive to your work. You can convert any room that’s not frequently used into an office. A den, a rec room, library or a spare bedroom would work well as an office. If your space is limited you’ll need to be more creative. You could pick a wall against which to put your desk or use the space under an open staircase. A wide enough hallway would also be a workable location for a home office. If you’ll be spending a lot of time in your home office it would be good to have a window with a view. If you’ll be engaged in a lot of video conferencing, make sure your background is not too cluttered with personal belongings. A bookshelf with books and some simple décor, a bare wall or one with a painting, or even a window with simple curtains or blinds will suffice.
After you’ve designated your work area, map out what you’ll need to be able to work comfortably and efficiently there. Does yourspace have sufficient temperature control or good ventilation? Does it need an air-conditioning unit or will an electric fan or an open window be comfortable enough for you? If it’s too hot in your home office with no options to cool it, you won’t want to stay there at all. Whether it’s on the warm side or the cold side or anywhere in between, the temperature in your office should be comfortable enough for you to work in for long periods.
Another important element of your home office is lighting. You should have proper lighting to reduce eye strain. Having a window is a great source of natural light but it’s also good to have other light sources so you can work longer and safely. You should have adequate light over your reading area or on the computer and behind you so there’s no reflection off the computer monitor.
Of course, what is an office without a desk or your work surface? This is the most important piece of furniture in your home office. Whether you buy a new one or repurpose an existing table as your desk, it should be the right height so it doesn’t strain your back. It should also be big enough to hold all your work equipment and paraphernalia. Have a shelf or drawers nearby so your immediate supplies are within easy reach instead of taking up space and cluttering your desk. Too many things on your work surface or in your home office can be very distracting and reduces efficiency so only have what you need on your desk. While you have your frequently used supplies nearby, supplies that you don’t use as often can be stored in another area in your home. For safety and security, be sure to have your power surge protectors right beneath your desk where your computer is and store your backup disks in a different part of your home. If you are using a desktop computer instead of a laptop, try to get a desk that has a slide out keyboard holder or if you are the handy type, install one so working on your computer is comfortable. Make sure too that your mouse is in a comfortable spot for your reach and place cushioning for your wrists.
The second most important piece of furniture in your home office is your chair. It must be nothing but comfortable. Be sure it’s the right height for you and your desk. If you can get one that is ergonomic and provides good back support do so. If you’ll be moving a lot in your chair then it would be good for it to have wheels and on a hard surface so it’s easy to roll around without ruining your floors. If you like to put your feet up then keep a foot stool, around 10 inches high, under your desk.
Feel free to decorate and add personal touches and color to your home office to make it more inviting. By setting up your home office space, organizing it and decorating it the way you like, you’ll enjoy it more. You’ll be able to work comfortably and efficiently. You’ll also appreciate being at home and get to savor your work-at-home lifestyle.
