How To Create The Best Home Office Setup For Productivity
Working from home will be the new norm for many business professionals so what is the best home office setup for productivity?
Hi Trish Davies, here, founder of TrishDaviesInternational.com. Today I am going to get more practical but in a fun way and look at your home office set up. The situation this year with Covid-19 has forced many people to work from home if their role allows.
Unfortunately, there has been a dramatic increase in people all around the world losing their jobs completely. With alternative choices being very limited they have been forced to look in a completely different direction. Maybe learning new skill sets to enter different industries or chosen to set up their own home business.
Whatever the reason a home office environment is fast becoming a necessity for people to earn a living. Now I don’t know your situation, it could fall into the scenarios that I have mentioned. What I do know is that this must have crossed you mind to land on this webpage and learn about the best home office setup for productivity.
This topic is very relevant for me at this moment in time as I have moved from mainland Australia to Tasmania. The home office environment is essential for my to operate my many business ventures and corporate training role.
So, I find myself in the position of creating a new home office at my home here ins Tasmania. Keep reading to the end as I have shot a quick video to showcase what will become my new home office.
Before I do that I want to share with you some tips on setting up your own home office.
Best Home Office Setup For Productivity
In sharing this best home office setup for productivity, I am going to concentrate on two main aspects. I am going to look at the tools of the trade so to speak, what you will need to fully kit out your home office.
Also, I am going to cover what I feel is the most important aspect for the home office. That is the environment itself after all this is where you are going to be spending the majority of your working day.
I will be sharing some tips on setting the scene so that you feel comfortable to be as productive as you possibly can. Then as promised I will let you into what will become the hub for my business.
A huge area that over the coming weeks will be transformed giving me that clear separation from my home, albeit just the other side of a door. It is very important to have that work and life balance, a place to work and then a place to unwind.
What To Include In Your Home Office Setup
I am going to give you an overview of what I think are the essential things you need to kit out your home office. These are in particular order, but I am sure that you can work out what you need which relates to your business. Generally, though this is what you will find in most home offices that you go into.
Office Desk
You need a main workstation which is your desk. Now it all depends on the space you have and the budget you have access to. If you need a lot of surface area then get the biggest desk you can as this will help you keep things tidy.
If space is at a premium then consider a corner desk or maybe a standing desk. The most important thing to consider is getting one that is fit for purpose. A place where you can have everything you need close to hand.
Office Chair
Probably the most important thing to get right as you must be comfortable. You may be spending 8 hours a day in one position, so comfort is of the essence. It is important to consider if you have any back problems make sure it has plenty of support.
Connectivity
Working from home will require you connecting with the outside world so your internet connection must be good. Get the quickest and most stable connection you can as it will pay dividends.
The last thing you want is when you are on a conference call or transferring data and the connection slows down or stalls.
Computer Hardware
Really there are two options for computer hardware. It is either Apple or Microsoft. I personally am a Mac user, but you will have your preference. So, you have desktops, laptops or tablets which could be dictated to by the amount of desk space you have.
Then you have the accessory items such as monitors, printers, keyboards. Again, this may be governed by the space you have available but also think about what position you will have it on your desk. Also, the hight of the monitors so they are at eye level to stop you stooping or stretching, you must think of your posture.
Video Conferencing Equipment
If you are anything like me you will be spending a lot of your time on platforms such as Zoom. Therefore, you need some kind of high definition web cam, maybe a digital SLR camera. Also, you will need to have a good quality audio microphone, so you are clear when you converse with people on the other side of the screen.
Lighting
I will cover this in the next section regarding the environment, but you will need some lighting on your workstation. There will be times when you are working at night or possibly you don’t have any natural light. Therefore, a good quality desk, or floor lamp is vital so you can see what you are doing.
General Sundries
Although we live in a digital world there is still a requirement for traditional office supplies. Paper for your printer, pens, pencils, staplers, post it notes and whiteboards. Make sure you regular do a stock check so that you never run out because it can be super annoying.
Storage
Your place of work must be tidy so make sure you have enough storage as possible. Cupboards, filing cabinets etc are a must especially if like me you have multiple business ventures running.
Creating The Right Working Environment
No, you have an idea of the equipment you need for you home office you must make it a nice space. Now I know that sometimes having a dedicated room is not possible. You may have to allocate a space in your lounge, maybe your kitchen.
The important thing is that it is a dedicated working space so it must be a pleasant environment. So, the first thing to do is identify where in your house your home office will be.
Then look at the following aspects to create the best home office setup for productivity.
Lighting
As regard to the lighting I mean the overall lighting of the dedicated space. Try not to have it to harsh to the point you need sunglasses. It has to be mellow and soothing but also light enough to work in.
To improve the overall lighting maybe consider painting the walls a light and neutral colour, especially if it is a small space.
Natural Light
Ideally you want to have an environment which allows natural light to flow in through windows. This gives you the sense that you are not cut out from the outside world and it gives you a constant flow of fresh air.
Curtains
Aesthetically this gives your home office a cosy feel and makes it feel homely. Also, they have many other purposes such as shutting out the light if you are doing video using green screen as background. Additionally, they act as insulation during the colder months.
Temperature Control
Obviously in the winter you want to be warm and summer you want to feel cool. Depending on where you are in the world you will have your preferred heating and cooling system. The point is that you want to always feel comfortable whatever the season is.
Soundproofing
If you are doing video then you may want to consider having your home office soundproofed. The last thing you want is when you are recording the neighbours dog is barking or the kids are playing in the garden.
So, there are a few tips on how to create the right environment for your home office. Now as promised I am going to let you into my world and the environment I am creating in my new home. Here is a video that I have just shot outlining the plans that I have for my new home office.
Home Office Renovation Ideas | Home Renovation Ideas On A Budget
Well I think I have just about covered the best home office setup for productivity. If you like the video then head over to my YouTube channel by clicking here. I regularly create videos on all aspects of home business so please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell.
A life of freedom and choice
Trish Davies
Trish Davies International
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