Guest Author: Tina Martin | Image via Unsplash
Is Your Home Office Ready for A Productive 2021?
It is the New Year! If you’re fortunate enough to work from home, you understand the importance of having a dedicated home office that allows you to be productive. In fact, the ability to create your own workspace is one of the greatest advantages of running a home-based business. Of course, there’s also the fact that you can choose your own hours, pay less overhead, and eliminate your commute time, among other benefits.
Nonetheless, building a great home office takes work. Not only do you have to make sure that you have the right amount of space, but you also must design an office that meets the needs of you and your customers/clients. Whether you’re looking to build a new home office or improve your current one, these tips will come in handy along the way:
Time for a new home to support your new business?
If there isn’t adequate space in your current home to fit your business, you might need to consider purchasing a new home. If you go this route, however, it’s essential that you do it the right way so that you can avoid a bad investment. You’ll need to get an experienced real estate agent to help you through the process, calculate how much house you can afford, get pre-approved by a lender, and have a professional home inspection done before agreeing to a deal.
Invest wisely in your chair and desk.
Two of the most important elements of your home office are the chair and desk you use. Remember, you will be spending almost all of your workday using one or both of these items. That’s why you shouldn’t skimp on these purchases. Find a comfortable, attractive chair that you can sit in for hours. Find a desk that complements the office and enables you to spread out like you need to. It’s also important that your chair and desk allow you to work ergonomically (meaning your arms and upper legs should be parallel to the floor).
Consider any other equipment you need.
Along with a quality chair and desk, you will need to think of other items your office needs. For instance, whether you’re writing, coding, designing, or doing other types of work on the computer, a good mouse and keyboard can make extended use more comfortable. Also, consider getting an extra monitor so that you can multi-task and keep your work more organized without having to constantly switch windows.
Furthermore, depending on the type of work you do, you might consider getting a printer, fax machine, filing cabinet, and so on.
Invoke productivity.
The atmosphere of your home office has a lot to do with fostering productivity and preventing health problems such as eyestrain. If you have windows in the office, position your desk and other workstations so as to capitalize on the natural light flowing in, and make sure you have a good desk lamp and any other lighting necessary to help you focus at night.
Paint can also be a game-changer. Bright neutral colors (e.g., white, light gray, light cream, etc.) can help you avoid distractions, and throwing in vibrant accents (e.g., orange, green, blue, etc.) can add a touch of character.
Make it welcoming to your clients.
If customers or clients will be coming to your home office, you need to make sure it is inviting and professional. This might mean adding some extra chairs and side tables, an area rug, some magazines, snacks, and anything else that will help clients feel comfortable when they walk in or wait for you to meet with them. Moreover, feel free to display credentials (e.g., degree, awards, certificates, etc.) that can assure customers/clients that you’re up for the task.
Creating a home office you like to work in is a critical part of running a home-based business. Be sure to follow the necessary guidelines if you’re purchasing a home. Invest in a quality chair and desk, and outfit your office with all the other equipment you need. Decorate and furnish the office so that it meets the needs of you and your customers/clients. Before you know it, you’ll have the office of your dreams right there in your home.