Just a few years ago, only a select few had the opportunity to work from home. But a variety of factors have now made a home office not only a possibility, but a necessity. For those who look to be productive in the comfort of their own abode, the environment is key. Designing a home office to meet your privacy, ergonomic and practical needs will go a long way to your successful transition to working from home.
The Rise of the Home Office
Until recently, the Sarasota area was not necessarily considered a business destination, but was more a popular vacation and retirement town. Those looking to start business careers often headed to Tampa or Orlando. But times have changed. Both technology and entrepreneurship have driven the number of people working from home up exponentially. As more businesses realize overhead cost savings as people work from home, and more individuals take on the challenge of their own business – the traditional “working from the kitchen table ” is becoming less and less feasible.
While many home floorplans include a home office space, very few people think to custom design the room which will become the headquarters for earning income and getting things accomplished. Here are just a few thoughts as you embark on your new home construction, to make sure your home office is as functional and streamlined as possible.
- Provide Separation: Most people new to the idea of working at home vastly overestimate their ability to tune out distractions. Whether the TV in the next room, a crying baby, or even a fully stocked pantry only a few feet away – one of the hardest things for work-at-homers to adjust to is separating home from work. Your home office should be as separate as possible – a door is best. However, if this is not possible, erect bookcases or decorative screens to provide a barrier. Establish boundaries with everyone in the home and remind them that when the door is shut, you are not to be bothered.
- Fit Your Furniture: Given how much time you will likely spend in front of the computer or on the phone, be sure to pay close attention to ergonomic furniture. While many think grabbing a chair from the dining room will suffice, they soon find that desk height, ergonomic chairs, and proper ergonomics are critical to a good day at the office. Spend a little extra to furnish your office to suit your needs.
- Illuminate Accordingly: One of the best things you can do for your mood, for productivity and for your health is to flood your home office with natural light. Choose a room which has a few windows and even a skylight; you can always install blinds and shutters if the late afternoon light becomes too glaring. Natural light is best to ward off eye strain and fatigue, and will give you an extra boost through the day. Install energy efficient lighting that can be adjusted on cloudy days, and position your computer screen accordingly. Glaring light on your monitor will wreak havoc on your eyes.
- Love your Layout: A place for everything, and everything in its place. Disorganization is the enemy of productivity, so be sure to lay out your home office effectively. Keep things you need most often well within reach, and provide yourself with plenty of storage for those files you only reference occasionally. Whether you utilize bookcases, shelving, file cabinets, or hidden storage, make sure that anything you don’t need on a daily basis is in its place. The neater your space, the easier it is to work. Studies have shown that lack of storage space is one of the most frustrating aspects for home entrepreneurs – so take care of that up front.
Most importantly, construct a space and a schedule that fits your style and meets your needs. By taking a few hours upfront to design the perfect office space, you will enjoy years of ergonomic productivity.
If you are designing a new home office or an entirely new custom home, Lindahl Construction has the expertise and skill you need. Call us today for expert home renovations and innovative home construction on Longboat and Siesta Key, and throughout Sarasota.