Working from home seems like a dream come true. Relaxing in your pajamas with your coffee, laptop, and pet at your feet sounds like the perfect work environment right? The harsh reality is that working from the couch or dining table isn’t quite as comfortable as you think it would be.  To be a successful remote employee, it’s best to create a dedicated workspace that’ll accommodate your needs. Here are a few things to think about when planning out your work from home space.

What Do You Need From Your Space?

Figuring out how much space you require depends on the type of work you do and what your workday entails. For example, if you’re a photographer, you’ll need a studio space as well as a desk and computer for editing. If your job entails online meetings and multiple phone calls, you’ll need a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted or disturbed by outside distractions. Before you claim the kitchen table as your workspace, make a list of your daily duties, requirements from your employer, as well as the furniture and equipment needed to do your job successfully.  Once you’re clear on the necessary requirements, choosing a location for your work area will be easy.

Choose a Space

Now that you’re clear on what you’ll require in your home work space, pick a location. Ideally, you’ll want to choose a space that will give you some privacy, especially if you’re sharing your home with others. If you don’t have a spare bedroom, consider setting up a space in your basement, a sunroom, or perhaps even convert a portion of your garage or shed into an office space. No matter what space you choose, be sure to have the proper amount of outlets, a WiFi connection, a door for privacy, and a window so you don’t go stir crazy.

Proper Lighting

Lack of proper lighting will lead to eye strain and headaches, so be sure to have plenty of lighting in your office space. Windows allow exposure to natural light which in turn allows you to be healthier and more productive. Enhance the natural light with artificial light such as an overhead or lamps as needed. As an added touch to improve your health and well-being, adorn your space with a plant or two, add some photos and pillows – essentially, create a space you want to go to everyday.

Comfortable Seating

If your job requires you to sit for long periods of time while making calls or responding to client emails, as many jobs do, an absolute must is a comfortable chair to conduct business from. It can be something as simple as a chair like one would see at an office, or you can get creative and use a makeshift desk from your favorite cozy armchair. It just depends on how you do your business best. Whatever you decide, make sure it’s a space that you’ll be able to work for long periods of time and won’t get uncomfortable in.

 

Working from home has many advantages – no stuffy cubicle, no traffic and commute time, and no boss literally breathing down your neck. However, being successful while working from home does require a space that will allow you to be functional and efficient in a non-traditional work environment. Once you’ve created your home office, you won’t want to return back to the traditional.