If you are a parent of a remote student you’ve likely set up a successful space for their distance learning. But what about your workspace? Fortunately, as many of us pivot to creating home work environments, there are a few simple tips that can make the transition both effective and fun:
1. Stake Your Claim: If you have the space, find an area in your home that you can dedicate to your work environment. Maintaining a work-life balance is more important now than ever, and one way to achieve that balance is to separate your home office space from your home living space. Convert a guest room, adapt a garage, or even re-purpose a rarely used dining room for your new home office. By creating a workspace that is separate from high traffic areas in your home you can minimize noise and other distractions and focus on the tasks at hand.
2. Get Connected: A strong WiFi signal is a must. Often the more private areas of our homes are also the least centrally located and may require WiFi extenders to bring a strong signal to those areas. Relatively inexpensive WiFi extenders can be purchased online or from your wireless internet provider. Armed with a strong wireless signal video meetings and essential print jobs will be a breeze!
3. Get Comfortable: Think about your prior set-up. Chances are that whatever worked for you there will work for you at home. Some companies are inviting their employees to pick up their office chairs, table lamps, floor mats, and office supplies for use at home. If that is not an option for you, focus on the things that matter to you: a good chair, table, computer monitor, and lighting. For those that prefer to stand, adjustable desks and tabletop monitor platforms can help minimize back and neck strain that often accompanies sitting in place for too long.
4. Stay Cool: Unlike many office buildings, a home office gives you the opportunity to control your own room temperature and airflow. Fresh air is always a plus, as is a reliable heating and air conditioning system. Or, add a fan. Most ceiling light fixtures can be converted to a ceiling fan that will not only keep you cool during hot summer months but also add a nice design element.
5. Personalize It: ‘Office-distancing’ from your home’s main hub doesn’t mean that you need to de-personalize the space. In fact, do the opposite: add family photographs and a cozy sitting area. Bring in some plants and plug in a portable Bluetooth speaker to play background music when it suits you.
Home will always be where the heart is, but with a little thought and creativity, it can serve a multitude of purposes.