Make a Successful Home Office
Organizing, Ergonomics, Equipment and Supplies for Telecommuters
Telecommuting, self-employed or work-at-home mom -- find out how to create a workspace for personal success and efficiency.
Thousands of people work at home, either in their own business or as telecommuters for another boss. It's green-friendly, but can be daunting -- requiring tons of motivation, direction and tweaking. If you’re jumping off the corporate treadmill to start a business, or you just became a mom, or your boss thinks telecommuting is the way to go, take a look at some tips born of 30 years’ experience.
- Be kind to yourself. Make your workspace appealing. If you’re lucky enough to claim an entire room for your office, fill it with things that inspire, relax or uplift you. Chose colors you love. Add plenty of light, preferably some natural. If your office is carved out of a smaller space, softening and beautifying it means you’ll work better .
- Put your professional foot forward. Get a separate business phone line, or a less costly distinctive ring option. You could also designate your cell number for business calls. Some people simply answer differently during business hours; try stating your name in a pleasant tone. A fax line is helpful, but check out online providers like Myfax that rent fax privileges – in and out – for a monthly fee.
- Make the best use of computer equipment. Maybe replace the old desktop computer with a newer laptop to conserve physical working space. Check out all-in-one ink-jet printer/copiers – many have a space-saving small footprint. You won’t believe the efficiency of an all-in-one right on your desk.
- Buy a fine quality chair. Good ergonomics are essential, especially if you spend lots of time sitting. New chairs have tags that give you bodyweight ratings and tell you how many hours you can spend in them without fatigue. This is the best investment you might ever make.
- Stock necessities. Even if you only work in your home office part-time, have what you need at hand. Nothing’s more annoying than wasting time searching for paper clips, the stapler, or postage stamps when you’re in the zone getting things done. Make a list of everyday supplies and take an unhurried trip to the office supply store. Or find an online source and let your keyboard do the work.
- Light up your life. Effective task lighting makes the difference between meeting a tight deadline or burning yourself out with eyestrain and a headache. Choose non-glare lamps or lights. Avoid strong color casts and arrange your desk so light doesn’t reflect into your monitor.
- Create work/family harmony. If you want job success, teach your family desk-time is serious. Take breaks to touch base with them. Try this with your first grader or older: Sit down to work. Hand her paper and markers. Tell her you’ll meet her in 30 minutes. In the meantime, she can colorfully jot down anything that doesn’t involve blood, fire, or other extreme emergency. She gets your full attention to review her notes at the appointed times.
- Define work time. Make yourself unavailable to distractions when you’re working. Schedule your start, stop and break times. Sign in, if it helps. Ignore personal phone calls, instant messages online, housework, the doorbell or anyone who attempts to lure you with coffee cake or a quick run to the mall.
- Vary your activity. You’ll be more productive if you switch tasks from time to time. Work at your desk for an hour or two, then change to large muscle activity -- 15 minutes of filing or something. Make a few phone contacts or catch up on relevant reading to break up the day, too. Do five minutes of stretches or jumping jacks. You’ll be healthier and less tired.
It takes a special personality and work style to carry off a work-at-home gig. Distractions abound. Isolation grates on your nerves. But if you can do it, and these tips will help you, the rewards are huge. At day’s end, you’re the only person who can guarantee a successful mix of business and comfort at home.
The copyright of the article Make a Successful Home Office in Home-based Businesses is owned by Maryan Pelland. Permission to republish Make a Successful Home Office must be granted by the author in writing.
