A Basic Guide to Creating Your Home Office

Guest article by Carla Lopez at carla.lopez@boomerbiz.org.

Have you transformed your spare bedroom into a productive working office? Since the pandemic, there has been a rise in the number of new businesses and entrepreneurs. In turn, there has been an increase in the number of home office venues.

Research shows that the working environment has a direct impact on productivity. Working from home demands a little bit of extra effort to declutter the room, add more light and decorate professionally.

To help you appoint your office so that it fits your work, The Side Hustle Journey shares the following advice.

Safety First for In-Person Visits

It’s been almost two years since the pandemic became a reality for countries around the world. By constantly evolving, it continues to be a concern when conducting business. With this in mind, there are a few steps that you can take to protect you, your clients, and your home office space.

● Increase ventilation by opening windows and letting air flow freely.
● Wear a face mask and reduce the risk of contamination by up to 65%.
● Install UV in the HVAC system and improve air flow by eliminating allergens.
● Introduce non-contactable technologies, such as invoicing and payment software, to reduce physical contact.
● Invest in ergonomic furniture to boost productivity and improve posture.
● Consider fire safety by preparing an evacuation plan and having an extinguisher nearby.
● Keep hand sanitizer readily available to disinfect as needed.

Each of these small adjustments can make a big impact on creating a safe and professional space. It shows care and consideration for both your own health, as well as the health of your clients.

Tips for a Professional Virtual Setting

The rise of virtual meetings has become the brunt of several jokes and memes. Awkward meeting moments include cats walking across the screen, children running around in the background, and thinking that the camera is off when it’s actually on!

Here are a few tips to help set a professional stage for your next virtual meeting.
● Focus on lighting and ensure that you are well-lit throughout the meeting.
● Make sure to set up your camera at eye level to make yourself appear friendly and approachable.
● Make an effort to look your best by dressing well and doing your hair neatly.
● A tidy backdrop will produce a professional appearance and demeanor, so avoid clutter and mess.
● Decor should strike a balance between personal expression and professionalism.
● Test the technology before logging on for the meeting by running an internet speed test and a sound test. If your internet isn’t up to par, research other options to ensure faster load times and less lag.
● Inform the rest of the house when you are online to avoid disturbances and
unnecessary noise.

Have You Got Legal Protection for Your Home Office?

Working from a home office creates an undeniable connection between work life and personal life. Avoid blurring the lines and make sure that your personal assets are protected against litigation.

One of the best ways to limit your personal liability is by establishing a limited liability company (LLC). The process is easily done with the help of a formation service that can help navigate various state requirements - without paying hefty lawyer fees!

A Fully Functional Office Boosts Value … and Productivity

Whether you’re a DIY hobbyist or prefer hiring the professional help of contractors, it’s important to take before and after photographs when transforming your office. A fully functional home office can increase your home’s appraisal value by a significant amount. Photographs help to quantify the increase in value.

Consider too how these changes can ensure your productivity levels stay high. The right atmosphere and light will make it easier to stay focused and alert. To that end, think about ways to add more natural light. This can be swapping out blinds for sheers or something more involved like having your windows professionally cleaned. Look online for residential
window washers near you to find a local pro who can make your windows sparkle.

Your home office is your hive of creativity and effort. When you look after your home office space, it will look after you and your business!

Image via Unsplash