As hybrid and remote work remains popular, having a dedicated, functional home office is crucial. Creating this workspace can improve work-life balance whilst boosting productivity. Here is our guide to setting up an office space at home, which includes tips for balancing hybrid work and saving money.
A Step-by-Step to Creating Your Home Office
Step 1: Determine Your Needs & Choose the Right Room
Decide what you need from your home office based on your job role and daily tasks.
A quiet space is perfect if you require high levels of concentration and confidentiality. On the other hand, those who frequently hold virtual meetings may require a space with good lighting and sound insulation.
Ensure your chosen room has easy access to power outlets and adequate lighting.
Step 2: Plan Your Layout to Maximise Space
A well-planned layout not only boosts comfort but also productivity. Start with the desk and ensure you choose one that is best suited to your workstyle and space. Compact and functional furniture, such as wall-mounted shelves and corner desks, are excellent for maximising space.
Step 3: Prioritise Ergonomic Furniture
Ergonomic furniture is key to long-term health. Invest in a high-quality office chair which can be adjusted and offers lumbar support. It is also important to ensure your desk is at a comfortable height and your monitor is at eye level.
Step 4: Optimise Lighting
Once you have found a room in your home with good lighting, you can optimise the lighting in the following ways:
• Try to position your desk next to a window to reduce eye strain. However, placing a workstation opposite a window can be counterproductive as it can cause glares or shadows.
• Introduce ambient lighting, such as desk lamps, to allow you to direct light where you need it and reduce eye fatigue.
• Install a dimmer switch. These allow artificial lights to be modified depending on the time of day or the tasks at hand.
Step 5: Setting Up Equipment
Reliable equipment and high-speed internet are key for a home office space.
A high-resolution monitor, ergonomic keyboard and mouse will make daily tasks easier, whilst reliable audio and video equipment will enhance virtual meetings.
Fast internet is particularly important for employees reliant on video calls and large file transfers. If your current connection is slow, upgrading to a faster option will improve your experience of working from home.
Step 6: Organise Accessories
A clutter-free workspace enhances focus and promotes a productive mindset.
Start with cable ties to ensure wires are neat, tangle-free and don’t get damaged. This also reduces tripping hazards. Use draw dividers or desk organisers to arrange stationery so they are easily accessible. For physical documents, consider a filing tray to keep them organised.
Step 7: Personalise the Space
Once all the essentials have been set up, you can personalise your space. Adding touches like plants and artwork will make your workspace comfortable and welcoming. Small items allow you to customise the space whilst maintaining a professional appearance.
Hybrid Working - Home Office Vs. Serviced Office
Hybrid working allows employees to split their time between working from home and working from the office. A balanced approach will help you make the most of each space effectively. These are our tips for managing this setup and creating an efficient work routine.
Designate Specific Tasks for Each Location
Home offices are ideal for tasks requiring focus and privacy. On the other hand, a serviced office provides a flexible plug-and-play option that allows you to work from an office whenever it suits you. These workspaces offer the best environment for hosting clients or team collaborations.
Ensure you track your productivity when working from home and the office. Regularly assess which tasks best suit each location and adjust your routine accordingly.
Take Advantage of Serviced Office Amenities
Serviced offices have valuable amenities such as meeting rooms, dedicated reception facilities and printing/scanning services. These spaces are perfect for making a good impression when meeting face-to-face clients.
In addition, business centres provide networking opportunities and a sense of community, which can reduce feelings of isolation when working from home. The environment allows you to share ideas and expand your network with other professionals.
Set a Weekly Schedule
To provide routine and structure, decide which days you will work from the office and which days you will work from home. Let your team, and possibly clients, know your schedule so they know where to reach you.
However, remain flexible. Stay open to amending your schedule based on home dynamics or office needs.
Utilise Cloud Storage
Cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox will ensure you can access all documents and files regardless of where you work. This makes the switch between home and office work seamless. It also saves on clunky filing cabinets in the home.
Additionally, cloud documents can help keep your data secure in case of a hardware failure.
Keep Essentials in Both Locations
Items such as chargers and stationery should be kept at both locations to avoid packing and unpacking. Investing in extra items helps to streamline your routine, prevents forgotten items and reduces set-up time regardless of where you’re working from.
Budgeting Tips When Setting Up
Save Money on Furniture
Look for affordable office furniture at second-hand stores or markets, or you could even upcycle by taking old items and repurposing them for your office. Multifunctional pieces such as desks with built-in storage can help you save money and maximise your space.
Prioritise Essential Equipment
Start with the basics like a desk, chair and lighting to keep costs low. This will prevent initial overspending and ensure your workspace is functional.
Once you are acclimatised to your new workspace, you will know what works for you (and what doesn’t). After working from the space for a while, you may find that you need additional items such as wireless chargers or mobile phone holders.
Include Homemade Items
Creating your own items is an excellent way of cutting costs. Examples include:
• Laptop Stand: Using a stack of books or a sturdy box can elevate your laptop to eye level and improve posture.
• Stationery Organisers: Repurposed jars or small boxes are ideal for storing supplies on your desk.
• Cable Tidies: Attaching clips or twist ties to your desk can help to keep cables tidy and within reach.
Bonus Tips for Working from Home
Prioritise Comfort & Health
Comfort and health are vital for long-term productivity. When working from home, take regular breaks to stretch and prevent eye strain.
Adjust your chair, desk and screen to ensure good posture and reduce strain on your back, neck and eyes.
Ergonomic tools such as wrist pads and footrests can significantly enhance comfort to keep you focused throughout the day.
Maintain Work-Life Balance
It can be challenging to maintain a work-life balance when working from home. However, there are ways to make it easier.
If you have limited space, use room dividers or reposition furniture to clearly define where work ends and home life starts.
Establish a daily routine, set specific working hours and stick to them. This will help you to mentally switch off and avoid overworking. Clearly communicate these hours to members of your household to minimise interruptions and maintain focus throughout the day.
Implement Backup Plans for Internet & Electricity
Reliable internet and power are essential when working from home. Keep a mobile hotspot as a backup in case of internet issues.
To protect your electrical equipment, use surge protectors and safeguard your equipment from unexpected power fluctuations.
Data security should also be prioritised. Ensure your data is encrypted and your antivirus software is up to date.
Putting in the effort to set up a home office can boost your productivity, health, and work-life balance. By following our steps and tips, you can create the perfect workspace which is professional and flexible.
