Making your Home Office to Work for You

It is back to school time, and this year is far from the normal of years past. After months of 2020 working at home, many people are realizing that they will be working from home for the long haul. If working from home (WFH) is your new reality, the kitchen table may no longer be a suitable solution. 

Many things functionally contribute to a working space. However, it is still your home first and foremost, so you deserve to have it blend into the decor and not interfere with the coziness you want heading into the fall. 

Add to that; many families are also needing to consider learning spaces for their school agers, highschoolers and post-secondary students who are potentially also working from home. 

Here are some simple "puzzle pieces" to consider while you puzzle out how to make your home become a productive working and learning space without compromising your home sweet home feel. 

Increase your comfort, lessen your pain

The first place you will feel the home office impact is your seating. Kitchen chairs were never intended for excessive use. Health professionals are finding that the wave of working from home is escalating the need for chiropractic care, physiotherapy and medical appointments related to back or shoulder pain. It is no wonder! If you are spending an 8 hour day using a kitchen chair or sofa designed for totally different functionality, your body will be letting you know! There are ergonomic chairs at all price points and styles to suit your needs and will be worth the investment if you are working from home. 

Have a designated space to spread out

Dropping your laptop onto the corner of a kitchen table, basement end table or on your lap for work is a recipe for distraction, amongst other problems. Finding an actual space to slide a desk area dedicated to office work will go a long way to dividing your roles in the day. Separating your work area from your living areas is both psychologically and physically essential. Regardless of how much paper you do or don't spread out around your space, there is value in supporting a workspace with an unwavering station that will accommodate your beverage and electrical components and any ergonomic or personal items to heighten your workflow and preferences. Even if you work entirely digitally, most of us find productivity strengthened when we can spread out and have a suitable space. 

Protect your Home 

More time at home means more trips to the kitchen and added utilities, which may mean higher bills. Be intentional to maintain your home spaces to continue being affordable and free of distractions. Protect your flooring with a good chairmat and investing in wheel casters to avoid dents and scratches on your floor. Ensure your internet connection is optimal for all working family members. 

Remember your Wellbeing

There are mixed reviews about how people feel about working from home, but the main point is that it is undoubtedly an adjustment. Thoughtfulness and consideration is heightened if you have parents working and students all learning from home. Come up with strategies and review progress regularly. If you don't have a window view to provide natural lighting for your workplace, ensure you invest in lighting that will help you avoid fatigue, headaches and unnecessary stress. When the workday is over, try to leave that workspace, unplug and unwind. Above all else, make sure you take time for self-care and support from others to navigate this new reality. Celebrate moments of collaboration and cooperation as a family. 

There is no doubt that if you are thinking about selling during a WFH time, there are added challenges to maintaining your home for showings without stress. If you are curious about navigating real estate staging and selling while working and learning from home, reach out! We can help.