Whether you work for a company remotely full-time, use the hybrid model, or operate your business from home, having the right space to let your talents shine is vital. Your home office should be the one zone where your creative juices flow and your productivity levels skyrocket.
Considering how much time you’ll be spent in it, your home office needs to be inviting, comfortable, and suit your needs. Here is a brief guide on how to create a home office that’s practical and functional.
Choose the Right Location
Home offices come in all shapes and sizes. Some people designate an entire room for theirs, whereas others use a quiet corner to work. With that said, location is everything when creating a functional home office. For busy mums, a kitchen desk area may be the perfect spot for your central command post. Professionals on the other hand may prefer an area away from the hustle and bustle of home life.
Some people use their conservatory as a home office. However, it may get chilly during the colder months, which can dampen productivity. To make your conservatory useable and comfortable all year round, Rosy Roof Conservatories specialise in insulated conservatory roofing. They can help you design a conservatory that remains at a comfortable level temperature-wise at all times.
Allow Enough Space
Above anything else, you will want a home office that’s spacious. Should you work in a cramped environment, this isn’t going to do wonders for your work performance. There are questions you need to ask yourself, such as whether you’ll be able to move easily from side to side or be able to stand and sit back down from your desk.
The best place to start is by measuring the space. Doing this will help when searching for furnishings and equipment for your home office. Remember, if the space looks and feels too cramped, it’s best to pick somewhere else to house your home office.
Select a Desk and Chair
Picking the right chair and desk for your home office is crucial. Your desk needs to be wide enough for your computer and anything else you need to perform your role. Also, make sure you have enough room so you can take notes.
Regarding your chair, comfort is key. Remember, you’re going to be spending many an hour sitting down, so pick your chair wisely. The last thing you want is to get stuck into a mountain of work and find you’ve got back pain. Ergonomic chairs are popular home office additions. They can boost blood circulation, productivity, and provide posture support.
Think About Storage
Storage is a component that’s often overlooked when creating a home office. Should you cut corners and not take storage into account, this can hinder productivity. You need to make sure you’ve got places where you can house work essentials, such as paper. Why not look into installing shelving? This is especially useful for small spaces. Those who have lots of room could invest in filing cabinets.
You need to have zones where you can house your work belongings in a neat and tidy fashion. Being organised is everything when working in a home office. If you’ve got bits of paper flying around, this is not only going to look messy, but you’ll find your productivity levels wane.
Bring in Natural Light
Good lighting is a must for any home office space. Pick an area that offers natural light and a view if you can. It’s recommended to position your desk to face the window or in a zone where your computer screen won’t be affected.
The more natural light you can get in your home office, the better. There’s a good reason for it. Natural light can improve your sleep pattern, lower stress, and help you get more work done. Don’t choose a space that doesn’t have any windows. If you do, you’ll feel claustrophobic soon enough!
Add a Personal Touch
While you will be in work mode in your home office, that doesn’t mean you can’t add a personal touch to your space. Doing so can help make your home office feel more relaxing and potentially boost productivity levels.
Maybe you could put up a piece of artwork you like, or a photo of your kids? Focus on a colour scheme so everything blends well together. These personal touches can brighten up your day and match the space with the rest of your home.
Whether you spend the full working week there or just a couple of hours, it’s essential your home office aligns with your needs. Once you’ve sought out a suitable location and invested in the right kit, you’ll be left with a space that keeps productivity levels up and ensures your work is done to the highest standard.
