Lockdown and the need to work from home came as a shock to many people.
Some were fortunate in already having a designated area to accommodate home working be it an extra room, study, office, or outside building. However, I am acutely aware that for many people their homes have barely enough room to accommodate themselves and their families. Space is a premium and finding a quiet place for working effectively seems to be impossible.
So how can you create a personal space?
Hopefully the following tips will be helpful but please note these are suggestions as to how to cope with temporary home working.
Let’s take a typical scenario where there is only one living room – probably an open plan kitchen and /or lounge/ diner. A noisy busy area lacking privacy and subject to frequently interruptions from family.
Firstly, you will need to recreate a similar space to that of your main workplace.
Start by ‘Zoning the room. This will possibly involve re-arranging the current layout e.g. swapping dining and living room areas. Turning the sofa to face the opposite direction (e.g. from fireplace to kitchen). Re-positioning the dining table across the room rather than along one wall and sit with your back to the kitchen. Identifying an additional space for storing papers files and Laptop / Tablet.
Workspace - basic needs: Light /air /comfortable working temperature/shading from bright sunlight A table or desk arrangement A supportive chair Somewhere for keeping files and IT equipment securely Something to cordon off your working space A small picture to motivate you and a coaster for a drink.
Let’s take these one at a time
Climate To maintain good health you must be able to work in a temperature that is comfortable for you, enjoying fresh air where possible or heating during colder days. In order to benefit from natural light, the ideal working position is seated at ninety degrees to a window. Blinds or curtains are necessary to reduce glare from strong sunlight.
Table / desk It is vitally important to maintain a good working posture. Any table must be at a height to enable you to sit comfortably with your back straight and forearms resting on the table at ninety degrees. A dining table is generally the most suitable. Coffee or fold up tables are rarely suitable as working from these invariably involves bending forwards and will result in backache or spinal strain.
Chair This does not have to be specifically an office chair, but it must support your spine and enable you to sit comfortably with your feet firmly on the floor. To avoid ‘slumping’ try positioning a pillow lengthwise along the length of the chair back.
Storage Files and papers can be stored in lockable suitcases and /or hand-luggage. These can be stacked and if necessary disguised by covering with material.
Cordoning off space It is important to reduce your visibility and availability to others. Creating a barrier will help to avoid interruptions, maintain privacy and clearly define your work area. Office screens are costly and difficult to store so a folding screen or a windbreak are ideal solutions. These can be purchased cheaply on -line or handmade. (NB for safety be careful to secure them!).
Picture & Coaster Important for motivation refreshment and hydration. If you are in this situation, I hope the above tips are helpful. Perhaps you have devised alternatives that are working well for you? I would love to hear from you so give me a ring Tel: 0117 3790049 or 07557309466.
Happy Home Working!