Working from home is something most of us are doing much more of lately. The reality is that this change is likely to be here for at least the foreseeable future if not becoming something permanent we will all need to build into our working life. The flexibility forced by the recent pandemic and circumstances means that in some cases, people will be working from home full time, or what is more likely is a blend of working from home and from an office space. This will allow for the best of both worlds – all the benefits of the productivity and improved work life balance that working from home can bring, but also the collaboration and human interaction that comes with heading to an office.
So if you are going to be one of those who makes the shift to regularly working from home more permanent, you’re going to need a working environment that supports it. So take a look at our advice on how to set up the perfect home office.
- Define a dedicated space
This can be harder than it sounds, especially if your home is mostly filled with your family! A corner of the dining table or a makeshift desk in a spare room might have been satisfactory for a short period of time but you will need something more robust longer term. Instead of looking inwards, you could look to your outer space and consider utilising some of your garden area. This has become an increasingly popular trend over the past year; so much so the BBC have even picked up on it! At Home and Garden Offices, we have a complete solution which will allow you to create a full office on your land at incredibly cost-effective prices…it’s known as the Chatsworth Home Pod. A pod that is 2.5m x 2m with a single door and two windows, fully installed will start from £5,955 plus VAT. It’s a highly affordable way of creating an office space that is just right for you.
- Employ an experienced designer
Whilst you will be the one working in the office and will have a good idea of what you want, it is important to use the services of a professional to maximise your designated space. There are storage solutions to consider, a natural flow, different set ups to create a natural flow or an ergonomic lay out which will best support your needs (think left- or right-handed, back problems and so on). They will consider the correct lighting, including natural light and will give you options which you might not have thought of yourself.
- Ensure the office is fit for purpose
Your office, especially if you choose an outdoor structure, will need to be properly insulated and wired to support your business needs. A Chatsworth Home Pod includes the right type of insulation in the walls, roof and floor that will have the dual purpose of keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. You’ll have double glazed uPVC windows to help with the heat and they will also provide an element of soundproofing. Furthermore, an electrical fuse board is included in every pod we install in order to make sure you can have all the electricity and connectivity you require. Guttering and secure locking also come as standard. If desired, we can include extras such as instant hot water taps and WiFi / smart office technology too and you’ll soon have a set up that might even exceed the standards of your company office!
If you need a more permanent office space at your home, give us a call at Home and Garden Offices on 0114 419 1974 and we’ll be happy to discuss your individual requirements.
