Over the past several years, the number of people telecommuting from home, as well as
entrepreneurs
making use of home offices, has increased dramatically. For these
workers, it is essential to create a space that is comfortable but also
functional. With the right setup, staying focused and productive can be
easy.
Consider Office Needs
Prior to designating a home office space, make a list of everything
needed to be efficient for daily operations. While there will be ongoing
needs, this list consists of things deemed “critical.” Some of the key
items include a desk and chair, workspace, filing cabinets, a computer,
shelving and so on. If possible, also take into account any possible
growth or expansion needs in the near future.
Choose a Designated Area
A designated area of the home must be determined and respected. This
space becomes off limits to other people in the house and is used solely
for job purposes. The space should be quiet and private, especially if
there are small children around or roommates living
close by. A basement area or spare room are great options to consider.
Think about Storage and Working Requirements
Dealing with limited space can be a big challenge, but organization and
productivity depend largely on how well maintained a home office is.
There needs to be a separate table for work and sufficient space for
filing cabinets. In extremely small living quarters, filing cabinets can
be stored in another area as long as it provides easy access. However,
vertical shelving can also be used for binders and other items typically
stored in a filing cabinet. Defining both storage and workspace
requirements make it easier to come up with a good office layout.
Choose Appropriate Lighting
A home office with plenty of natural light is ideal, but if the space
does not offer much in the way of windows, access lighting becomes
essential. For starters, good overhead lights that illuminate most of
the office space are highly recommended. For illuminating smaller areas
within the office, a desk lamp, task lighting or even a floor lamp work
well. It is important to have a well-lit area but one without direct
light on the computer screen to reduce computer glare and, therefore,
minimize eyestrain.
Invest in the Right Communications
To stay focused while working at home, experts suggest investing in a
separate phone line. Typically, a dedicated office phone is inexpensive
and easy to have installed. For obvious reasons, a home office phone
creates a more professional environment. For instance, while on an
important call with a client or potential client, there is no risk of a
teenager in the home interrupting to ask how long before the parent gets
off the line. A dedicated home office phone can consist of a landline,
cellphone or
VoIP phone, which is Internet based.
Purchase the Right Office Equipment
Setting up the perfect home office involves buying the right type of
equipment. Unless your employer or a client pays for your equipment, you
will have an initial
financial investment;
however, it is easier to stay productive when using the right equipment
so you should recoup the money within a short period of time. Even if
on a tight budget, it is important never to skimp on equipment. That
does not mean buying the highest priced items available, but you should
expect to invest in a comfortable office chair with proper back support,
a computer with adequate memory and appropriate programs, a high-speed
Internet connection and so on.
Separate Personal from Professional
To stay productive, personal life has to be kept separate from
professional life when working at home. Sometimes, this can be a
challenge, but having the right office setup certainly helps. At no time
should anything personal be kept in a home office. Personal documents,
checks and other items not related to work need to remain separate. This
makes it easier to keep track of expenditures, taxes and other
important items.
Establish Policies and Procedures
For a one or two-person operation, having a 60-page rulebook is not
necessary, but there do need to be some well-defined expectations that
are easily accessible. Regardless of what job someone in the office
performs, processes and expectations should be clearly defined. This
includes keeping track of business trip mileage, client luncheons,
record keeping, bill paying, scheduled lunches and breaks, etc. In
addition to a more organized space, policies and procedures promote
accountability.
Determine Hours of Operation
Sticking to set hours while at home is also challenging for some people.
However, to stay motivated and focused, there should be pre-defined
hours of work. Although there will be occasions when work extends beyond
normal business time, having set hours reduces distractions from family
members and establishes expectations for clients.
Amber Castonguay
Direct: 920-988-0048
Text: 920-988-0048
Fax: 866-211-2826
RE/MAX Realty Center
357 W Wisconsin Ave
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Office: 262-567-2455
If you have Family, Friends or Neighbors that are struggling with their mortgage there are options! Contact Amber Castonguay, your local CDPE & SHORT SALE EXPERT to see what your options are!
