How to Design a Home Office
With so many people working from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, I thought it might be useful to re-post this blog from a few years ago on designing a home office. It should offer some helpful tips for those transitioning from traditional offices to virtual workplaces.
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There are many reasons to consider designing a home office when configuring space in your home. For some of us (myself included) there is the lure of starting a small business after years in the corporate world. For others, telecommuting is becoming more the norm. Even if never intending to use the office to operate as a business, a dedicated space is helpful when writing correspondence or paying bills.
Here are some tips on how to design the perfect home office.
Privacy. Make sure the space you choose gives you enough space to work without being distracted or distracting others. I have to admit, I’ve learned this the hard way. In one home, the office was in the basement next to the kids’ playroom. During a ‘playdate’ it became impossible to get any work done. In another home, the office was converted from a 2nd floor bedroom. This wasn’t ideal when other family members were trying to sleep.
Layout. The room layout should allow sufficient space to get from door to desk without going around a lot of things. Space for storage is essential in order not to drown in paper and reference material.
Light. Plan for a combination of natural (if possible), general and task lighting. Consider the location of computer screens and lighting in advance to reduce opportunities for glare.
Ergonomics. To promote well-being and avoid work-related problems like RSI or carpel tunnel syndrome, invest in good quality furniture. The very first thing I did when I went out on my own was to invest in a used office chair, the very same as the one I had in my corporate office. Check on Kijiji or Craig’s List (be careful of course.)
Decent equipment. Without breaking the bank, ensure that your computer, printer, telephone system is up to the task. The lack of IT support has been a pain point for me. Avoid the mistakes I made by learning about your equipment so you can trouble shoot any issues without calling Dial A Nerd every day.
If you have any additional thoughts on designing a home office, please let me know in the comments.
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There are many reasons to consider designing a home office when configuring space in your home. For some of us (myself included) there is the lure of starting a small business after years in the corporate world. For others, telecommuting is becoming more the norm. Even if never intending to use the office to operate as a business, a dedicated space is helpful when writing correspondence or paying bills.
Here are some tips on how to design the perfect home office.
Privacy. Make sure the space you choose gives you enough space to work without being distracted or distracting others. I have to admit, I’ve learned this the hard way. In one home, the office was in the basement next to the kids’ playroom. During a ‘playdate’ it became impossible to get any work done. In another home, the office was converted from a 2nd floor bedroom. This wasn’t ideal when other family members were trying to sleep.
Layout. The room layout should allow sufficient space to get from door to desk without going around a lot of things. Space for storage is essential in order not to drown in paper and reference material.
Light. Plan for a combination of natural (if possible), general and task lighting. Consider the location of computer screens and lighting in advance to reduce opportunities for glare.
Ergonomics. To promote well-being and avoid work-related problems like RSI or carpel tunnel syndrome, invest in good quality furniture. The very first thing I did when I went out on my own was to invest in a used office chair, the very same as the one I had in my corporate office. Check on Kijiji or Craig’s List (be careful of course.)
Decent equipment. Without breaking the bank, ensure that your computer, printer, telephone system is up to the task. The lack of IT support has been a pain point for me. Avoid the mistakes I made by learning about your equipment so you can trouble shoot any issues without calling Dial A Nerd every day.
If you have any additional thoughts on designing a home office, please let me know in the comments.
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