There are times when a drive can calm the nerves, settle a problem that has been ruminating in the back of your mind or get you to an environment meant to relax and recharge. Then, there are the daily commutes, the to and fro work commute, the traffic to get to soccer practice and the infamous rush hour drive times. With the adoption of working from home that rose to prominence during the pandemic, the option of being further away from your boss and office is a reality for many and has folks looking for areas and homes that fit their new office requirements.
Homes with dedicated home office environments will continue to be a hot item even after we’ve conquered the virus. Why? Because the opportunity to work from home provides all of us a much better chance to achieve our optimal work-life balance, and in the long run, may be a less expensive alternative to office buildings for corporations around the globe.
If you are taking inventory of your current home and want to make a few changes this list is a great place to start, depending on how far you want to take your home office experience.
- Plan carefully – Don’t just think this is about buying a desk and chair. Your workspace needs to be functional and practical. How this is achieved will depend on the type of desk work you perform. Do you need multiple screens? Lots of storage? How much desk space is really required, and what else has to fit into the room?
- Get ergonomic – Purchase a good quality chair to ensure your comfort and wellbeing. Focus on the height of your desk, especially as it relates to the keyboard. Some desks have a lower shelf for the keyboard, as this helps keep your back straight and avoid back pain. Line up the screen so your eyes meet it two-thirds the way up. A desk that also allows you to stand may also be a good idea.
- Seek advice – Some employers will offer to undertake an ergonomic audit for you and may even provide appropriate equipment. If this is available to you, then take up the offer. If not, then consider asking for help.
- Prioritize tech – You’ll need a good internet connection. If you can’t connect to a data cable and your Wi-Fi is weak, then buy some extenders to overcome this problem. Make sure your choice of desk can accommodate a decent screen and any peripherals you use. If you have a PC, don’t put it on carpet, as it will collect dust and overheat. It must be placed off the ground.
- Avoid clutter – Promise yourself that you’re going to keep the workspace neat and tidy. Invest in cabinets, modular cubes or baskets and shelves to achieve this goal. This will ensure work doesn’t spill into the rest of the home.
- Light bulb moment – Position your screen away from any natural light, as this produces glare on your computer screen. The best lighting is directional, such as a desk lamp and overhead halogens that can be dimmed if necessary.
- Blend in – If space is tight, then select furniture that matches the rest of your home. This will ensure the office doesn’t appear awkward or badly designed.
- Divide and conquer – If you don’t have a separate space to convert into an office, buy a divider so your work doesn’t have a 24×7 presence in your life. Find a screen that you can decorate with fabric or a color that matches the rest of the room.
If theses items bring more questions then answers, I am happy to be of service and see how I can help or find the right people to help out and turn your ideas into a home office reality.
