When you set up your home office for the first time there are five simple things you should take into consideration. These things are space, quiet, lighting, office tools, and security. Taking care of these five things can make your office more enjoyable and help you work more efficiently by eliminating distractions. A home office can be a space where you work full time, pay your bills, or finish the work from the office outside your home. No matter how you use your home office it has to function in the same way. Below is a detailed description of the five most important things to consider when setting up your office.
Space
Space is very important in the sense that the amount of space we have to work in can create certain feelings and emotions that can affect the way we work. If you have ever worked in a small office cubicle any number of times, you have probably felt caged or cramped at least once in your time there. Feeling cramped can impede your work by distracting you from the task at hand. For most of us, we enjoy enough space to stretch our arms out in front, out to the side, and of course above our heads. You need space to move from your desk to the filing cabinet or bookshelf. You don’t have to have a spacious cathedral-like room to work in, but definitely enough space to be comfortable in.
Quiet
Your office should be a peaceful area where there are little to no distractions. You wouldn’t want your office next to your child’s bedroom, where they are hollering or blasting their favorite music. You wouldn’t want to be disturbed by Barney’s laugh or carton sound effects from the television. If your office space is to be used for work, you need quiet for concentration and focus that will allow you to complete your tasks effectively and efficiently. If you have a choice, try putting your office in the room furthest from the family room and your children’s rooms.
Lighting
Lighting can be seriously important for your morale and for the health of your eyes. Poor lighting can cause blurred vision and serious headaches. If you are forced to squint or sit absurdly close to your screen due to the level of light, then it is time you invest in a desk lamp. If you prefer natural light, then place yourself near a window to satisfy your need for an outdoor view.
Office Tools
If there is one piece of office equipment to invest in it is a comfortable office chair. So many people suffer from back and leg pains due to sitting in a poor office chair. You want to have enough cushions for your bottom, proper support for the back and the arms as well as a chair that can be raised and lowered for proper leg fit. Purchasing a comfortable chair can make hours in the office much more comfortable. And when you are done working for the day, you can leave the office behind instead of taking the pains with you.
Security
When running a home business you want to be extra cautious of your home’s safety and security. With office equipment such as computers and fax machines, you want to protect these from thieves. Also if you do any work from your home office that contains private or personal information, you want these files or documents protected. You may want to speak to an insurance agent for additional coverage. You may also want to invest in a security system or at least have your home surveyed by a security system company to evaluate your safety risks. In the day and age we live in you simply cannot be too careful.
If you pay attention to these five areas when designing your home office you will be saving yourself a lot of stress and frustration. If you feel comfortable and happy when you walk into your home office you will work more effectively and efficiently. Eliminating distractions such as clutter and noise will let you focus on the task at hand and work to the best of your ability.
