Your home has always been your retreat. Now, for many of us, it's also where the workday happens. The pandemic has accelerated a long-term move toward remote work, and whether you're a seasoned work-from-home pro or setting up a desk at home for the first time, it's worth creating a space that helps you do your best work.
The shift is a big one. Global Workplace Analytics estimates that 56% of U.S. workers hold jobs that are at least partly compatible with remote work. Major employers including Twitter, JPMorgan, Facebook, Capital One, Amazon, Microsoft and Zillow have extended their work-from-home policies. With that in mind, here's my guide to building a home office that supports both productivity and well-being.
Start With the Essentials
A Real Desk and a Supportive Chair
Working from the couch might feel cozy for a day or two, but it won't do your back any favors over time. Invest in a proper desk and a chair that supports you, and arrange them with good ergonomics in mind.
A Reliable Internet Connection
Nothing is more frustrating than freezing mid-sentence on a video call. A quality router makes a noticeable difference, and a mesh Wi-Fi system like Google's can help spread a strong signal throughout your home.
The Right Technology
Think about the tools you relied on at the office and recreate what you can: a second monitor, access to a printer, a good headset. If your remote setup is going to be long-term, these upgrades are well worth it.
Get Creative With Your Space
Set Boundaries
If your workspace doesn't have a door, face your desk toward a wall or window to cut down on visual distractions. Let your household know when you have meetings so they know when to keep things quiet. For a bit of separation, try an accordion-style room divider or a desk with a tall hutch to create your own version of a cubicle.
Look Polished on Camera
If your office is also your living room or bedroom, a virtual background on Zoom can keep the focus on you. Free options range from a sleek boardroom to famous TV living room sets, and plenty of roundups online, including one from Good Housekeeping, list free choices.
Build a Routine
At the office, you had natural rituals: arriving, settling in, saying good morning to coworkers. Create similar markers at home to signal the start and end of your workday. Keep the items that anchor your habits close by, such as a notebook, a favorite pen or the book you're reading. And take an actual lunch break; put it on your to-do list or set a timer if you have to.
Switch Up Your Scenery
Spending part of the week working on a patio or other outdoor space can help you come back to your desk refreshed. It also helps to have a couple of different work spots, like a comfortable chair or small sofa, so you can move around during the day the way you would at the office.
Design Around How You Work
In most offices, you didn't get much say in your setup. At home, you do, so build the space around your style. If you need quiet to concentrate, consider some soundproofing. If you're on calls all day, position your desk for flattering light and invest in a comfortable headset with a built-in microphone. If a view keeps you inspired, turn your desk toward a window.
Make It Yours
Personal touches make a workspace feel inviting. Add family photos, a favorite quote, a few plants, a fresh paint color or décor that motivates you.
Stay Flexible
Working from home comes with real perks, like skipping the commute and having more control over your surroundings. It also comes with interruptions: kids, a barking dog, the doorbell ringing with another Amazon delivery. Your office might be nothing more than a corner of a room, and that's okay. A little flexibility goes a long way as everyone adjusts.
Need More Inspiration?
Design galleries like Architectural Digest's collection of home offices are full of great ideas worth browsing.
Want a Home With a Dedicated Office?
If carving out a workspace in your current home just isn't working, it may be time for a place with room for a true home office. Reach out and I'll help you find a home that fits the way you live and work now.