The 2020 COVID-19 crisis has created a big need for efficient and usable office space within our homes. Perhaps you already did work from home, or now will intend to continue in some form or another? There are key features required for ensuring a comfortable and productive area. And why not take the time to make your home office look good too?
Where?
OK so you are going to work from home and the first consideration is to identify where will your space or desk be? You do not need to have a beautiful library lined study, but I guess if you do then that’s great. However, most of us will use a spare room or bedroom, a space within a room such as a dining room or bedroom, or a cubby hole on a landing. A recent trend, if you have space outside, is a home office in a converted shed, office ‘pod’ or garden retreat building if budget allows.
When selecting your space think about:
• is it big enough for a desk, small or large?
• can you fit in an appropriate chair with space to walk by if needed?
• is there good natural light and/or socket points to add good task lighting with no trailing wires?
• can you be there all day or is it a multi-use room that means you may need to move?
• what other equipment will you need… printer, drawers, bookcase?
• will the area give you privacy and quiet when needed?
• ergonomics – this in simple terms means, designing your home office and the systems you use (i.e., computer) so that you will be comfortable, safe, and effective while at work.
• chair – this should ideally be adjustable to achieve the correct height and good posture ensuring the lower back is supported.
• desk – ensure this is roomy enough to fit your knees and legs underneath. Support or lift feet to aid the correct posture.
• screen position – there needs to be 45-70cm between your head and the screen. Your eyes need to be level with, or a little lower, to the top of the screen.
These are just some of the key factors when setting up your home office. I would always encourage you to research or consult a health specialist in order to achieve the correct posture for your particular circumstances if you have any concerns. Many companies will offer a Health & Safety check for your office if you are required to work from home. Being comfortable and safe is paramount.
Style
Your home office style can be marvellously creative once you have chosen your space and set up the right working environment.
Vintage, retro, traditional, industrial, uberchic, contemporary and more…. many styles can be used to make your space a place that you feel happy to work in. Time taken will give a valuable return on your investment, making you productive, efficient and increase your wellbeing and work/home balance.
Colour for your office or around the office space will also impact on your productivity depending on what you need ….
I have yellow predominantly in my office. Yellow promotes happiness, health, energy, and confidence.
Light blue evokes thinking, communication and creativity.
Green is great for achieving balance and harmony. Too much green though could be so calming that you could be asleep on the job! Plants can be the perfect addition to create harmony and wellbeing.
I can help you, from finding the right space and setting up the best environment, through to finding your office style, design, and implementation. Give me a call or complete my contact form and together we can work through the best solutions for you and your family. Change can happen one step at a time.
#interiordesign #homeoffice #employeewellbeing #wfh #winslow #aylesbury #buckingham #bicester #brackley