5 Tips for Building the Perfect Home Office Space

June 15, 2020

Even before the recent pandemic came into the picture, working from home was becoming increasingly popular. The great thing about this is that you experience a kind of freedom and flexibility that you won’t get in a traditional workplace. On the flip side, your productivity could dwindle since you’re not in a structured working environment that stimulates productivity. It can equally limit you in more ways than one.  

However, there is a solution, you can set up a designated space for work that gives you the best of both worlds. If you don’t already have a home office, then this is just what you need to steer you in the right direction. In that vein, here are 5 great tips for building the perfect home office space. 

1. Planning and budgeting

One of the first steps you need to take to build the perfect home office space is to plan and budget. Planning at this stage typically involves going over your home office needs, and if the need arises, involve an architectural firm, much like Scenario Architecture, to help you decide if you need to restructure a part of your house to accommodate your home office. 

Once you’re done with the planning process, the next thing you need to do is budget. Your budget should include all the materials and furniture your need to complete your office space. Needless to say, once you have a budget, ensure that you stick to it.

2. Buying furniture and equipment 

Buying your office furniture and equipment is usually the most exciting part of building a home office. Consider some of the things you’ll need to work effectively and comfortably. One thing that is an absolute must-have is a comfy and ergonomic office chair. Since you’ll be spending a good amount of time in this space, make sure that there’s a comfortable chair in the mix. Other things you need to buy include a desk as well as notes, pens, and folders. 

3. Lighting and ventilation options

As you work, two major requirements are good lighting and ventilation. Your office lighting can actually affect your productivity, which is why you need good lights. Try shopping online to find some good but affordable office lights. In the same way you need good lighting, you also need a proper source of ventilation. 

Remember when we mentioned employing the services of an architect? An architect will be more qualified to tell you how to restructure and renovate your office space so there is maximum ventilation and natural light. 

4. Dedicated office phone

As you purchase your office equipment, it is equally important to purchase an office phone. If you use your personal phone as your office phone, you’ll definitely ger distracted. So, an office phone is necessary when you’re working, so you don’t have a chance to reply to all those DMs and IMs. Make sure you share your office phone number with your coworkers, employees and/or clients so they can reach you during working hours. 

5. High speed internet

This is an absolute must-have in any office, whether it's a regular office or a home office. High speed internet allows you to keep on task with no hitches along the way or distractions. If you’re battling with a slow internet connection, consider getting an alternative internet provider or installing a separate office Wi-Fi router. 

Mark Asquith

That British podcast guy, Mark is co-founder of Captivate.fm, the world's only growth-oriented podcast host. A Harvard, TEDx, Podcast Movement and Podfest speaker (amongst many more!), he's a wildly approachable Brit and Star Wars/DC Comics geek.

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