How to Create the Ultimate Home Office for YOU

We have seen home office popularity grow over the past decade and, now with COVID19, it has exploded into a necessary part of the office culture. Social distancing is easy with all the technology that we have at our fingertips that can be employed in a home setting. A study by Flexjobs finds that 65% of workers are more productive working remotely. There are fewer distractions, less commute time, less noise, and more personal space.

5 most important considerations for the perfect home office.

To get started on the ultimate space for you, let’s consider these 5 important considerations:

1) Equipment, speed, and efficiency. Your space needs to be wireless, so you can work anywhere within that area–standing or sitting. I would recommend a separate phone line to avoid personal calls during your work schedule. Depending on your exact needs, you should be capable of messaging, conferencing, and speaker. This will assist in enhancing creativity and thinking ability.

2) Lighting. Good lighting is essential, which should include natural, white light. Daylight is the best natural balance of white light. You will want to include a mix of general and task lighting. Dimmers on the task lighting are recommended to give you absolute control over the amount of light. Lighting that is low has a depressing effect and creates eye strain. Do place the lighting to avoid glare on your computer.

3) Privacy needs. The successful home office needs to eliminate as much noise and interruptions as possible. Plan your office space to have some privacy from surrounding home activities. A separate room would be the ultimate option but you can create some privacy with a portable screen or a divider wall such as a bookcase. Several other suggestions to create the illusion of privacy would be to use white noise that can muffle other disrupting outside noises. These could include a fan or music. Another idea that might be a reminder to any family members that are home would be a quiet please sign.

4) Layout / Organization. Let’s consider what you need in your space to be efficient, comfortable, and creative. What space do you need for the desk of your choice? You will need enough flat surface to accommodate your computer and other necessary equipment to do your job. Being organized is extremely important for the overall success of your office. Consider room for a pencil cup and other office supplies, files, paper flow… Do take a little time to consider everything you need and want at your fingertips.

5) Ergonomics. For your health, safety, welfare and SANITY, chair choice is critical. You need the best for your mental and physical support. The Keilhauer Humanscale Technology has been studied–invest in the best that fits your budget. In the end it will be worth it. Consider foot rests also. Another office feature that is getting very popular that will promote your health is a standing desk. And here too, make sure it is sturdy enough to take the weight of anything you might place on it.

Do you have some ideas where you can place your office within your home? Do you have an extra room that you can convert? Can you make space in your guest bedroom?

The other option is to make a space within your main living area. Look for an area where you would be away from distractions. A location near a window is very important. If you expect to have clients or co-workers enter, a convenient location near an exterior door would be prime. Your choices might be very obvious or you are going to need to walk through and consider every option.

Let’s get some measurements to get an idea if a certain area will work. I work in my office space only part-time, as I travel to work with my clients in person most of the time. My office is not large but efficient.

Measure out space, 7×9′ would be a good, general area to consider. The smaller the space you have available, the more organized and creative you are going to want to be. Do remember, you will want space somewhere to store supplies. Back up supplies can be in another location in the home.

5 common home office mistakes

I hope this information gives you some things to think about, consider and implement to make your ultimate home office. I gave you the 5 things you need to take into consideration, below is a list of items you do not want to do:

1. Thinking you can just shut out distractions. You will not be your best if you are in view of the television or in the center of your home activity hubs and high traffic areas, such as the kitchen and dining area.
2. Having inadequate storage. You need space for additional supplies from printing paper to file storage.
3. Lack of reference material space. Whatever you need at an arm’s length to support your office duties, you need to plan for that. Create a flow of materials you can get at without even having to think about it. This could be anything from pencils to your printer.
4. Slow, inefficient equipment. It is one thing to have a slow printer or wifi connection for your basic, personal needs. But for your business, you must run at high efficiency. You do not want buffering or a slow connection to interfere with your online activities. You will be more confident and efficient with professional surroundings. Your clients count on it.
5. Inadequate wire management. When selecting your home space make sure you have adequate hookups. Managing all the wires for our electronics is important, do not have them running across your desk or where you will trip on them on the floor. This is something that many of us would rather not think about managing the cords helps keep you organized and productive.

Look for future information on all aspects of your office. Let’s make a space where you can enjoy your job. Be creative and productive. And stay healthy. Talk soon.

Any questions, please let me know how I can help.