The number of people working from home – either hybrid or full time means millions of us are now choosing to sit at our desks (onesies optional) homeworking is on the rise. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t create a professional and calming office environment or scrimp on style
I READ a story recently about a homeworker working on skype who had dressed for the part above the waist, but only remembered after getting up to fetch paperwork giving her emeeting attendees a fetching view of her pyjama bottoms.
Perhaps alongside the lack of commute, flexible working hours and some quality time with your slippers working from home has many advantages – but it has its downsides – there is the occasional jealous officebound colleague who is convinced you are watching Loose Women when you should be tied to your desk 95. And as a homeworker myself – On the contrary, I often find office hours are extended beyond the classic work day, as the temptation to just pop on the computer for a minute on a Sunday afternoon, Thursday night or while you are making that first cup of morning coffee at 7am is more likely. Think of how much time you spent on your smartphone outside the office, and then multiply it by having all your work needs available 24/7. Not that I’m complaining (did I mention the nine metre commute from my kitchen?).
But all this aside, its vital that your home working space is as fit for purpose as your employer is required to make it if you work in an office – but better still you can pander to your own aesthetic tastes, beyond bringing in your own office mug and a plant struggling to survive the recirculated air and ceiling lights overhead.
Home working in style
Starting a new job in an office, you would probably be slightly disconcerted if they led you to a small dark cramped space or shed out in the parking lot, so why accept these conditions when working from home. For many homeworkers the office is combined with other uses, guest room, dining room or even the hallway are pretty common. Consider what space you need – and ensure there is plenty of storage to hide things away and return the room to relative normality when you are not working. Shelving and desks with drawers will also help you maintain that Friday feeling.
Hey goodlooking
Next up is to create a pleasant working environment. Although you might feel that it is work not please, your office space is still part of your home, so decorate and accessorize accordingly.
Safety first
Companies spend millions making sure they protect the health and safety of their workforce – but working from home, we can tend to forget some of the basics. If you work in an office environment, you should ensure chairs, laptops and so on are supporting your health – you can find out more here: acas.org.uk/homeworking and hse.gov.uk/toolbox/worker
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