And other new-world issues…
Working from home.
It sounded glorious until you needed to spread out and have uninterrupted peace and quiet to actually get something DONE!
Kids, pets, spouses. TV in the background, slow internet. Everyone has had to deal with home office dilemmas. Some saw no end in sight and took a huge step and went under contract for a larger home. Others sucked it up and took over spare bedrooms or unused basement areas with little or no modification. There are sheds being built and garages being converted even as we write this blog…
The sofa, kitchen table, or bed was fine for the first few weeks of the stay-at-home/safer-at-home mandates, but as more and more people are finding out that they need to make arrangements to continue to work from their residences, something has to change.
An attractive and functional home office does not necessarily have to be a separate space. An area divided to keep your “work focus” can suffice if done with consideration. A skilled contractor might be able to offer ideas and advise on how to create separation through a small remodel, without the need for all-out house warfare.
Working from home can be great. But maintaining focus with all the distractions daily life brings is a problem that needs to be solved by many very soon. Additionally, home workers often have a hard time separating work hours from non-work time unless they have a way to “shut the door and walk away”. Obtaining a balance becomes critical as these working conditions appear that they will linger on.
Since it’s been proven that maintaining a professional schedule (we’re talking 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. stuff) and performing from a desk in an office environment helps to keep your state-of-mind on business, you need to get your daily work time and space defined.
Here are some areas to pay special attention to when creating your perfect homework environment:
STORAGE – There’s nothing more frustrating than having to pack up and put everything away – like when you’re working at the kitchen island and it’s time for dinner! Make sure your new office has storage that makes sense for items you need to organize (files, office supplies, etc.) and secure (important papers, computers, etc.).
Shelving, storage boxes, and baskets and magazine files are a great way to organize office clutter.
INSPIRATION – If your cubicle at work leaves a lot to be desired, now’s your chance! A rug, artwork, plants, and special momentos can now be displayed so that your office is truly homey feeling (how ironic that statement is these days!)
LIGHTING – Science has proved that natural lighting improves mood and productivity so don’t settle for an office in a dark corner of your basement.
Additionally, you’ll sleep better and have higher concentration levels if you incorporate some natural light in your office space.
A desktop or task lamp can help relieve eye fatigue if you work on a computer for long hours. Make sure that the bottom of your lampshade is just above the height of your computer monitor.
TECHNOLOGY POSITIONING – Computer monitors should be just below eye level and about 20 inches away – about an arm’s length. Now might be a great time to invest in a desktop that can be raised so that you can stand while working during the day.
Also, remember to do a trial ZOOM meeting to make sure what’s behind you looks professional and business-like. Look at the lighting on your face – natural is best, but make sure you aren’t sitting in shadows. Check the audio too, confirm it sounds clear and not hollow.
DESK and SEATING – Make sure that your desk and seating are compatible. Having your desk too high will cause shoulder ache. Having it too low will cause neck pain. And feet should be able to be comfortable on the floor without scooting forward or leaning back. An adjustable office chair might be the best and easiest solution!
Darin Goldy of Copper Creek Construction offered this advice, “Talk to a good, trusted contractor before you make your final decision. They might have ideas on how you can add elements to your existing square footage to make your current surroundings work better for your new work normal. And, if you yearn to have a separate structure that you can lock the world out and call your “home office”, that’s very doable – both quickly and affordably. A backyard office oasis might be just what the doctor – or your boss – ordered!”