Working From Home: Office Set Up
Working from home has advantages and challenges. Whether it’s a world wide event causing you and your coworkers to work from home (*thanks for nothing COVID-19), or a flexible work environment that offers work-from-home perks, here are our tips for creating a work space that promotes productivity.
Find a Dedicated Space
And claim it before someone else does!
A space that promotes productivity is one of the key elements for effectively working from home. If you have an alcove or nook that can house a dedicated desk, a freestanding desk and comfortable chair is a great place to start. If you’re planning on working from home and you have young ‘co-workers’ at home as well, managing to find a space where you can have privacy and the occasional quiet moment is a huge benefit.
Declutter & Organize
You can mess it up again later
They say a messy desk is a sign of a creative brain, but starting with a space that is free from other home clutter and is organized for success helps with productivity. With kids and dogs and other added distractions of the at-home work place, having a clear work space to start each day helps with focus and energy. Go ahead and get creative. At least you’ll be able to find your favorite tools for doing so.
Adequate Lighting
… but natural lighting is our favorite
Layers of light are an important element in any room. Bonus points if you have natural lighting in your home office work space, especially if your view is of nature! (It’s called biophilic design and we love it). If you’re finding your lighting levels are lacking, added task lighting such as a directional desk lamp is essential. Well placed ceiling fixtures and adequate recessed cans complete the added layers of light required for most office tasks.
Get Creative
with folding, wall mount and stand up desks
If you’re a little tight on space, we love the creativity behind Rustica Hardware, with their folding and stand up desks. Not only are stand up desks great for your mobility and posture, they generally have smaller footprint than the traditional home office desk complete with filing cabinets and printer trays. (Aren’t we all paper free by now anyway?) And if you’re truly on board with minimalist desk spaces, they even offer a wall mount desk that can tuck away against the wall at the end of the work session.
Use Time Blocking
… and sound proofing if you have ‘coworkers’ at home
Anyone who has had to mute a ZOOM call due to barking dogs and screaming kiddos understands the importance of time blocking your calendar and sound proofing your space. While we’re under stay at home orders for COVID-19, my family has posted notices with everyone’s conference call times and ‘do not disturb’ requests. If you can’t find a totally kid free zone inside, change the scenery and take a call outside. (Although this did prompt a client on a recent group conference call to ask us “who is calling from the jungle?” I guess there are a lot of birds in my yard.)
Add Something Beautiful
Or something that makes you happy!
Whether it’s a plant or fresh flowers, a favorite piece of art, or a photography wall, creating a beautiful setting for your work space can help create a sense of calm and wellness. And a sense of wellness is what we’re all seeking, isn’t it?