The so-called “gig” economy is thriving in the UK. More and more people are realising that they can perform their job on a self-employed basis for individual clients. This new breed of self-starter often works from home, which means they need to devote an area of their house or flat to work.
If you’re setting up your own home office for the first time, there are a few simple tips you can use to get you started.
1. Set up your desk ergonomically
You’re going to be spending a lot of time at your desk, so take a little time setting it up the way you want. Invest in a comfortable office chair, and spend some time calibrating it for your body shape and posture. Arrange your desk according to your needs, but try to keep it as clear as possible. Also, set your monitor up so the top of it is level with your eye level. If you’re constantly looking down to read the screen, your eyelids will close a little — moisturising your eyes, thus reducing fatigue and eye strain.
2. Make use of natural light
When you’re reading, using a computer screen or simply trying to concentrate, nothing invigorates the mind like natural light. The best set-up involves working with your shoulder to a window, so light floods across your desk. If this isn’t possible, invest in a good desk lamp.
3. Plan your storage
You’re likely to accumulate paper, files and a range of office paraphernalia during the course of running your business. However, it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that you’re working in your home. Do you really want stacks of paper and company documents scattered around your living room? Use bookcases, chests and closet or wardrobe space to create inventive storage solutions.
4. Make things comfortable
One of the advantages related to working from home is that you get to relax properly when you get spare time. There’s no stressful commute or fighting for the office microwave at lunchtime. To make the best of your situation, add a comfy chair to your workspace. Don’t be afraid to get creative when it comes to the addition of accessories such as throws and cushions. Anything you can do to make your home working environment more relaxing could have positive effects on your productivity.
5. Keep unsightly items out of view
Few things in a home are more ugly than a web of tangled cables, so it’s important to organise yours from day one. Invest in some cable piping, which can be painted the same colour as your walls. Also, you may not want an ugly printer or monitor to become a focal feature in your home. If possible, store away office equipment when you pack up for the day. There are some very good office desks with shutters on the market today, which can hide your entire home office in a matter of seconds. Check out some examples on Pinterest for some inspiration.
6. Blend
Working from home might make life easier for you, but it could annoy other members of your household. Do everything you can to blend your working space with the rest of your home. Don’t buy your furniture from an office supplies store; buy it from a furniture or homewares store. Use colour, photos and homely materials to create an area that looks a cosy, natural part of your home.
7. Keep things organised
It’s important to draw the line between your home and working life — both in terms of your downtime and the impact your working space has on your family life. It is vital that, from day one, you keep your workspace organised. The more your home office encroaches on everyday life in your home, the more stressful things will become. Friends, roommates and family may start to resent your presence, and that could spell disaster for your relationships.
Plan your home office space carefully, and there’s no reason why you can’t become one growing number of successful home workers driving the economy forward.
