How to make home office working a success – Growing Family

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The concept of home office working has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more businesses allowing employees to work from home. This is due in part to the benefits of home office working, such as the flexibility to work remotely and the convenience of being close to home. 

However, setting up a home office is no small feat. It requires careful planning and consideration to ensure that the space is comfortable, functional, and inspiring. In this article, we will look at the different options for setting up a home office, as well as the tools and design elements needed to make it a success.

Home office location options

When it comes to setting up a home office, you have a few different options to choose from. Depending on the size of your home and the space available, you may choose to convert a bedroom, spare room, or garden office into a workspace. Alternatively, you may choose to build an extension or use an existing space, such as a kitchen table or basement.

Bedroom

If you’re short on space, converting a bedroom into a home office may be the perfect solution. According to a survey by the Office of National Statistics, almost one in five people in the UK work from home at least once a week, and many of these people use the bedroom as their workspace.

The bedroom provides a comfortable and private atmosphere for working, away from noise and distractions. However, it’s important to make sure that the bedroom remains a place of rest. If possible, try to keep bedroom furniture separate from home office furniture, to avoid any temptation to work in bed.

Spare Room

A spare room is a great option for a home office. A survey by the University of Leeds found that the majority of people in the UK who work from home have a dedicated workspace. A spare room provides plenty of space to set up workstations and storage solutions, while allowing for a comfortable and quiet atmosphere. With the right furniture, a spare room can be easily converted into a functional and inspiring office.

Garden Office

If you have a garden, a garden office can be a great way to create a dedicated workspace. A garden office can be built from scratch or bought pre-made, giving you the opportunity to customise the space to suit your needs. It can also allow you to enjoy the outdoors while still having access to all the amenities of an office.

Purpose-Built Extension

A purpose-built extension is a good option for those who have enough space and the means to extend their home. This can be a good way to create a dedicated office space that is separate from the rest of the home. It is also ideal for those who want to make the most of natural light.

Kitchen Table

If you don’t have the space or the funds to build an extension, a kitchen table is an easy way to create a home office. It’s a convenient solution, as it can be easily moved when not in use and is unlikely to take up too much space.

Basement

For those living in a basement apartment, the basement can be a great option for a home office. According to statistics from the UK Government, around 2% of properties in the UK have a basement. It provides plenty of privacy and can be easily set up with the right furniture and organisation.

Home office setup

Once you have selected the right space for your home office, you need to make sure you set it up correctly. This includes selecting the right furniture, organising the space, and ensuring that it is ergonomically friendly.

Furniture

When selecting furniture for your home office, it’s important to choose pieces that are comfortable and ergonomic. A survey by the British Chiropractic Association revealed that almost a fifth of all UK workers have experienced back pain while working from home. 

Your desk and chair need to be positioned at the right height for you, and that you have enough storage for files, documents, and office supplies.

Organisation

Organisation is key when it comes to home office working. Invest in storage solutions such as filing cabinets, drawers, and shelves to keep your workspace tidy and organised. This will help reduce distractions and make it easier to focus on the task at hand.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is an important factor to consider when setting up a home office. The desk, chair, and other furniture must be ergonomically friendly and provide the right support for your body. Invest in an ergonomic chair and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and back pain.

Home office design

When it comes to designing a home office, you should aim to create a space that is comfortable, inspiring, and secure. Decorate the office with artwork and plants to bring life to the space, and choose furniture and decor that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Decorating

Decorating the office is a great way to create a workspace that is both functional and a reflection of your personality. Choose artwork, plants, and furniture that reflect your own style, and remember to keep the decor in line with the rest of your home.

Security

When you’re working from home, security is paramount. Invest in a filing cabinet or other secure storage solutions to keep confidential documents safe, and make sure that all technology is password protected.

Technology

Technology is an essential part of any home office. According to Mintel, the cloud computing market was worth £41 billion in 2022, with a forecasted growth to £59 billion in 2024. Investing in a good quality computer and making sure that your internet connection is reliable are both vital elements of home working. Consider investing in a laptop to give you the freedom to work from anywhere.

Home office productivity

Once the office is set up, it’s time to make sure that the space is conducive to productivity.

There has been a trend towards home and remote working in recent years; this is the topic of the infographic below:

Space

Make sure that the office is well-lit and well-ventilated to create a comfortable remote working atmosphere. In an article published on the Harvard Business Review, the results of a study revealed that 78% of employees believed that natural light improves wellbeing, and 70% reported improved performance at work where natural light is available.

If possible, try to position your desk near a window to make the most of natural light.

Inspiration

Surround yourself with inspiring objects and artwork to help boost motivation and creativity. This could include a motivational quote, a photo of your family, or a painting of your favourite landscape.

Ideas

Look for new and creative ideas to make the most of your home office. For example, you can add a plant to your desk to make the space more inviting, or choose a standing desk to encourage movement throughout the day.

Conclusion

Setting up a home office can help to increase productivity and allow you to enjoy the flexibility of working from home. With the right setup and motivation, you can create a dedicated workspace that is comfortable, functional, and inspiring. This includes selecting the right location, setting up your office with the right furniture and organisation, and decorating it to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

By following these steps, you can make the most of your home office and create a workspace that is conducive to productivity and success. Make sure to take regular breaks, stay organised, and accessorise with inspiring artwork and decorations to keep your workspace energised and productive.

Do you have any tips for setting up a home office?