A Home Office Designed
for Success
More and more people are working
from home these days making a
home office a vital part of living in
the 21st Century. With online
banking and other web-based
activities, having a home office
is now a necessary feature in many
homes today. If you work from
home, a proper home office is key
to getting the job done. Even if
you’re a budding novelist, having a
workable home office is a real plus.
Too many people who work from home either try to cram their office into an unused space or don’t really make the effort at making themselves a real office.
Actual office space should be treated like a real office
If you have the luxury of a room for your office, then it’s important to treat that space like a real office. Moreover, if you’re actually making your living out of your home, then it’s even more important to have a bonafide workspace. That means card tables or plywood and saw-horse desks have to go. A real office should have real office furniture.
My husband and I both work out of our home and both have our own offices. My husband’s company gave him a furnishings allowance so he was able to purchase office furniture. If you’re working for a company that allows you to work out of the house, check to see if they have a furnishings allowance that will help you outfit your office properly.
If you’re like me, and work for yourself, you’ll have to foot the bill. However, think of buying office furniture as an investment. I was amazed at how my productivity went up once I had adequate storage and filing spaces, a place to sit and read work-related articles, an executive chair, and other elements that go with real office spaces, such as desk lamp, printer/copier, and a supply storage area. All these things are elements of what any “real” office would have.
Another thing to consider is your desk. There are two types: Desk units and executive desks. The desk units often include a wall unit, filing, and other kinds of storage. These are assembled and often face a wall or are turned at the wall. The executive style desk is a single desk that is designed to sit out in the room so that you can face the door, or it can be turned to face the wall.
Determine how you will position your desk
Should you go with wall or door-facing? Go with the style that you like best and whichever arrangement works best for you. My husband and I both prefer the executive styles, where our desks are turned to face the door and sit in the room a la Donald Trump. Most people – in fact, I’d guess a full 90% -- turn their desks to face the wall. That’s because it’s easier to connect wires and cords this way.
When your desk is turned in true executive style, it requires you to run wires under the desk. However, the wires can be covered up by a rubber cover specifically made to keep wires from becoming a trip hazard. It’s important to us that we can see the door and to feel in command and we don’t want to be staring at a wall 8-9 hours a day, so we don’t mind the $20 dollar investment in a cord cover.
Borrowed space can create an office in unusual places
If you don’t have an extra room for an office, then consider carving out space for yourself in an out of the way place. You can do this in a closet, for instance; those with louvered doors are easiest. You can also take over a corner of the dining room. Or, there are now office armoires that contain computer work stations in a neat, compact piece of furniture. You may also have room in a rarely-used guest room, attic, or basement. Avoid having an office in the bedroom if at all possible so the bedroom will still be your retreat. Home offices in the kitchen will help you keep an eye on the kids’ Internet surfing.
Organized, functional and decorative office will improve your work life
A home office that works for you, is attractive, and is functional will help you be more productive – and help you to enjoy your time in the office more. That’s why it’s important not to skimp and cut corners. Get a desk arrangement, desk, and chair that are comfortable and work well for you. Then, take care of the incidental items such as having a place for copiers and fax machines, storing office supplies, files, and books.
Don’t forget to make sure you have good lighting and an appealing environment. This means you should make the investment in decorating your office attractively, including paint, plants, artwork, and other furnishings, such as a reading chair. Outfitted this way, you might find you enjoy going to work and won’t want to leave the office.
© 2007 Kathryn Weber, all rights reserved
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Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Everydayclean.com Cleaning Calender, that calender that puts you in control of your home by ending the power struggle. For more information log on to http://tinyurl.com/d9rh5.
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©2001-2007 Kathryn Weber
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