Are you headed back to the long commute, or will you remain working from a home office? Whether you’re going hybrid, or will still be working at home, it’s time to get real about your working space. Did you know that ordering an oak home office from Monarch Oak is not only simple and effective, but a home improvement that could add value to your property, too? Let’s take a look at how to set up a home office you can be proud of!
Setting up an effective home office
You may have got by sitting at the edge of the kitchen table for a while, but it’s time to take your home office seriously. When you work at a ‘proper’ workstation, you can focus properly and you will find your productivity considerably boosted. But what goes into finding your perfect workspace?
Location
If you had an empty room in the house, it probably seemed like a no-brainer as an office space. Yet sometimes it’s not actually the best bet! And for others, you may not even have the space to consider. A home office location needs to be bright, with plenty of natural light, and roomy enough for you to work in comfort, something you can’t always guarantee having ready-made at home.
But let’s put that aside for a moment, as we’ll look at other factors in a minute. The ideal office space is one where you don’t have to pack everything away every day. Not only does that waste time, but it breaks your flow and eats your personal time away.
Privacy
Talking about disturbing your flow, how private is your chosen office space? We love our families deeply, but having them wander in and out of your home office is just not tenable. And it’s incredibly difficult to explain that you need privacy. Even adult household members think they can ‘just’ ask you this or chat about that. If you have young ones at home, that door will swing open like a cafe door at all hours. Privacy can also be about your ability to do your job, too. If a room is sitting right on the street and there’s traffic noise all day, your ability to Zoom or phone is going to be severely mitigated even if you live alone.
Others
It’s not just about who is going to affect you, however. A good home office also reduces your impact on other members of the family. If you have an aspiring musician who needs to practice for hours, the person responsible for vacuuming wants to get the job done, kids have homework, or other people need to use a home PC, then you’re going to be in their way, too.
Investing in yourself
Formalizing your working space, in the era of hybrid work and work-from-home, is an investment not only in your career, but also in yourself and your family. It helps you stay professional at work and draw the boundaries with family you need to work efficiently. In turn, this helps you look professional in front of your boss and peers. But it also helps you create a better work-life balance, and helps create a routine where work can be left behind when it’s family time.
This means it’s worth investing in your office space, too. Ergonomics shouldn’t be just a buzzword! While crafting a home office means you can add a little personal style to the place, don’t let it be at the expense of the basics. Your office should have:
- A comfortable, ergonomic, and supportive chair.
- A desk at a comfortable height for you.
- The equipment you use the most within easy reach.
- A professional look to serve as the backdrop for Zoom meetings.
- Sufficient light to both help you think and stay motivated as well as work with ease.
- An overall look you enjoy, so that the space feels uplifting and conducive to working efficiently.
That last point is pertinent to location, as we mentioned earlier. Some of us do have to make do with whatever private space we can carve out at home. Working in a dark, smelly, tiny room you hate is not going to help you achieve at work, however. It’s time to think outside of your home!
The benefits of an oak home office
Imagine skipping the commute, but skipping the cramped space too? An oak home office brings you warmth both literally and figuratively. The insulative nature of wood makes for a warm and cosy space, while the natural lustre and attractive look instantly makes the room seem upbeat, attractive, and welcoming. As you typically place them in the garden, you also ensure natural light and an attractive, soothing vista, too. After that, all you need do is decorate- and make sure you have the only key for the door during working hours!
The very best thing about an oak home office is that it’s a relatively simple home improvement project. You can go from deciding to install one, to having the project finished, in record time. And because it creates an additional space in the home- and an attractive one at that- it will also add value and curb appeal.
It’s time to take your work from home game from surviving to thriving! With an oak home office in your corner, working from home has never been easier. Balance work and life, and keep things professional in the office- all while comfortably enjoying your new room. Monarch Oak are happy to set you up with your new oak home office today!