Working from home is increasingly commonplace as many companies in response to COVID-19 restrictions have had large numbers of their employees working remotely.
Regarding a home office: it’s important to have the proper protocols set up for IT and Managed Network; that’s a topic that we will address in greater detail in other blogs. As crucial as that topic is (and it’s vitally important!), there is a lot additionally to consider for the employee or business owner who works remotely.
First and foremost, a home office needs to be functional. For the business people who occasionally work from home, a kitchen table or corner of the living room may suffice for the evening or weekend project. But the reality is, when you contemplate a more permanent home-work environment, a kitchen table just isn’t a sustainable solution.
Begin by taking a good long look at the space that may be your remote work station for the next three to six months and plan how to optimize it.
Here are a few points to consider.
- Pick an area that can truly be “yours.” Avoid shared spaces where possible (i.e. living room, kitchen). If there is no choice other than a common area, consider adding some portable dividers to create a greater sense of privacy. These dividers will also serve to shield outside noises which can be distracting to your concentration.
- The better option is to use a room – whether it’s a den, spare bedroom, or even a room in the basement. One of the goals again is to have an area where you can concentrate relatively free of distractions.
- Evaluate how you can make the home office function efficiently. Do you have strong Internet and wireless (cell phone) signals? If not, contact your IT provider to find what you can do to boost these signals. Both will be crucial to your success. Consider, also, the option of a VOIP plan for your business phone, which will assure continuity.
- Plan to equip the room properly to give it the look and feel of an office environment. What furniture will you need to work productively? While it may be tempting to let budgetary considerations guide your choices, remember that you may be working from this location for an extended period of time. Choose a desk that is sturdy and functional. Don’t buy something you may need to replace in a year. Similarly, a chair should have a height adjustment, 360-degree swivel base, adjustable backrests and arm rests, and lumbar support. Be sure that you have file cabinets that can store the files/folders you will need for your ongoing work.
- Make an inventory of all the “little items” you normally use during the course of the day –paper clips, pens, folders, for example, and make certain that you have what you need.
If you team up with a reputable IT (Managed Services) firm, as well as a company that sells office furniture and office supplies, you should be able to get what you need delivered directly to your doorstep.
Good luck! If we can help you with your home office, give us a call – and check out our website, http://pulsetechnology.com.
