It goes without saying; COVID has been a major factor in how our world has changed over the past couple of years. These changes are seen in several areas of our lives. From our kids going to school and how they take part in extra-curricular activities, to how and where we are able to work.
Several companies have needed to change the way they view the workplace. More than ever, they are trying to provide safe and productive places for their employees. With this being the case, an increasing amount of employers are offering the option for their workers to work from home. While this is not always possible for everyone, those who are able to work remotely have needed to adjust.
Working from home may seem ideal for the majority of workers. However, it does take a few changes and life adjustments.
To Move Or Not to Move? That Is The Question.
While working from home, the amount of space needed to work properly and efficiently varies from person to person. Factors such as the technology used, your storage needs, and who you’re sharing the space with, are just a few of the things you need to think about. Before you even agree to work from your current home, ask yourself:
- Is your entire living area large enough to house you, your loved ones, and everything you need for work?
- Will you be able to focus all day without interruptions? If interruptions are unavoidable, will your co-workers be understanding?
- Can you make it through a Zoom call without distractions?
- Will you need to open your living space to clients?
- Can you afford to move at this time? Useful sites like Mortgage Calculator can help you see the bigger picture on what your budget should be and what you can afford.
Overall, even if you’re only moving to the town over, it’s still a big decision. As long as it is what is best for you and your family, the rest will fall into place, one piece at a time. Moving can be exciting, fun, and a wonderful way to have a fresh start. It may even become one of the best decisions you make.
Create a Conducive Space for Working
The space in which you work may be 100% different than anyone else’s workspace. Far are the days from working in a cookie-cutter cubicle!
Whether you decided to move, or you’re staying put and making the most of your current situation, assess your living quarters. Take a look at the layout of the space available to you. Are you able to have a full room dedicated to work? Will your desk area be part of the living room? Is the kitchen counter the only spot available to work?
Hopefully, that last scenario isn’t your only option for your working space; especially if you’re inviting clients over.
Remember the feeling you had as you left your place of work for the day? That feeling you could only get from officially “clocking out”? If you begin to work from home, and you don’t create a work area in contrast to a space for relaxation, your home will begin to feel like work- constantly. It has been proven to take its toll.
Having a space in your home separate from the rest of your living area can help you stay focused, remain productive and is actually better for your overall health.
Use Proper Lighting
We’ve all experienced the throbbing headache that is the result of staring at a computer screen for too long. It’s important to get up, stretch, and have a change of scenery. However, we have all stayed up well into the night working at one point or another. Whether it’s due to an unexpected deadline popping up, or a project is simply taking longer than expected; all-nighters do happen.
This is why it is important to have proper lighting. During the day, use the sun to your advantage by letting its light shine in. According to Eco-Business, workplaces with good daylight had a 3%-40% gain in productivity and sales! This shows just how substantial the importance of proper lighting is, whether it’s natural sunlight, or ambient lighting fixtures.
Add a Splash of Color
Introducing certain colors into the room can inspire different reactions and emotions. For example, blue can provide a sense of security and trust, while green is associated with health, tranquility and nature. This also depends on which shades you choose, and which part of the room you place them.
Do you prefer darker shades, or lighter hues? Will you change the color of the ceiling? Or, will you paint solely the walls? Which colors would help your productivity?
For more information regarding the correlations between colors and their effects, read this article. Which color will you choose?
Add Some Greenery
This is a tip that some choose to avoid because they believe taking care of a plant will simply add work. Don’t fret! You don’t need to have a green thumb, or an open schedule, to take advantage of this idea.
There are several different plants to choose from. From Spider Plants (my favorite), to something that sounds more exotic like a Madagascar Dragon Plants, there is something for everyone. If you want something low maintenance, here are 10 self-watering plants.
See also: Best Indoor Plants for Your Home or Office
Use Wall Space
We already spoke of the importance of your choice of wall color, but what about all of that wall space? The walls in any home office can be used in several ways. Will yours be inspiring, or simply aid you in being more productive? What you decide to do can depend on the layout of your room, and the existing pieces that may already be in it.
The goal is to use your walls to your advantage, without them looking messy or crowded. This can be done with the help of hanging filing systems and shelves.
With the help of simple office supplies, you can create a place for:
- Calendars
- Motivational Words, Phrases and/or Photos
- Dream Board
The options are endless, but as long as the space is used logically or inspiringly. For the amount of time you’ll spend in your home office, it will be worth taking the time to create.
Carpeting versus Hardwood Floors
When it comes to the flooring in your home office, it is best to keep in mind who will be visiting this room. This is where you will be working and possibly meeting clients or coworkers. This leads you to thinking of how hardwood floors with perhaps one small rug might be best. However, what about the other residents of your home?
Will your family members be allowed in your office? Children? Pets?
What about how clients or your family gain access to the office? Is there a separate door they can use from outside, or must they go through the house?
There are many things to consider when deciding on the type of flooring you wish to have, so take your time. No matter what you decide, be sure to at least have space prepared for those wishing to remove their shoes and/or coats. Such as, a nice chair or bench for them to sit on, and perhaps a closet or coat rack for them to store their outer layers.
Weigh The Pros and Cons
Overall, there are several projects you can do to make a home office work for you, your clients, and your family. However, as you can see, there are many factors to consider. It’s important to look at what makes the most sense for you and your family.
What will be best not just for our present times while handling COVID, but also for in the future? In the long run, would it be more cost-effective to move elsewhere and find new work? These are unprecedented times for many, and no answer should be seen as the “wrong” answer. Trust your instincts, and make the best of whatever it is you choose to do.
If you’ve had to adapt to working at home, I would love to hear the ways in which you set up your home office! Please leave a comment below; any and all tips are welcome, and appreciated.
