The year 2020 threw us all a curve, to say the least. For those who were not formerly working from home, the challenge of setting up a home office was just one more item in a sea of adjustments to our daily routine. Today we’ll discuss how to create an efficient home office that works for you and your household.

The obvious choice, if possible, is a spare bedroom, study, etc. However, we don’t all have this luxury. If you need to create a home office, keep these pointers in mind:

Find the quietest area you can in your home—a corner of your bedroom, living room, dining room, etc. You may have a dedicated mud room that has a spot, or an area of a basement, if you have one. The key is to figure out a space where you can section off an area so you can concentrate. 

Next, if you don’t have walls to surround you, invest in a room divider, or make one. If you’re looking for an economical avenue, you could use drapes, tension rods, etc. to section off your space. There are many dividers available through retailers. Perhaps you know someone with some carpentry talent who can make a divider for you.

Once you have an adequate space, find a desk and office chair. Be sure they are comfortable, not hard on your back, etc., as you’ll be spending your time there. Consider a mat for your chair to roll on to keep your flooring in good shape. If you’ve found a corner space, finding a corner or L-shaped workstation can maximize your space. If you need a printer set up, be sure to find a surface for that.

When considering your equipment, you may want to invest in a pair of noise cancelling headphones. Many use ear buds these days, but you may want to consider the more comfortable over the ears headset type. Look for ones that professional transcriptionists use as they have great quality and are comfortable for long periods of time.

Your laptop, tablet, etc. will most likely be provided by your employer. Be sure the antivirus program is secure, and connect via a VPN your employer has set up, or through a secure modem/router in your home. Make sure all your connection equipment is in good running order and you’ve got a stable connection. Consider a hotspot WiFi in the event of internet outage.

Now that you’re set up equipment wise, the next thing is to create an environment conducive to working. You may be currently at home with children who are learning virtually. Or, you’ve had to find office space in a high traffic area in your home. Be sure the whole family is in agreement of how you can each concentrate and have as little interruptions as possible. 

You may need to restructure a typical work day. For instance, you may need to set aside specific times for your breaks/lunch (if not directed by your employer) in order that you can get up and hopefully get outside for a stretch and breathe some fresh air. It is very easy when working at home to just plant yourself in your home office and not give yourself adequate breaks. It may be your office, but it’s still your home, and you should separate the two as much as possible. When your workday is over, leave the area until the next scheduled working time. When you are on work hours, avoid getting distracted by things like household chores. Creating the work/life balance can be especially tricky from a home office, but with a plan in mind, you can find the systems that work best for you.

Finally, you need to be meeting ready. You will still be communicating with work colleagues throughout the day. Before your work day starts, be sure to have a routine to get ready just as you would if you were going into the office. Have coffee/breakfast, get dressed and ready for your day following your normal routine. This is very important as it keeps you in the workflow you are accustomed to, and when the inevitable Zoom meeting pops up, you’re ready to go. Be just as professional as you would while in the office—and make sure other household members respect this.

In summary, this transition is one that many have surprisingly found to be worthwhile and even enjoyable. If you’re typically commuting and sitting in traffic, think of the time you just added to your day. If you work better solo, without office chatter and distractions, you will really appreciate a different environment. On the other hand, you may miss the socialization and will have to find ways to keep in touch with the outside world through phone calls, video chats, etc. In time, you will learn how to manage this new way of working and make it a rewarding experience, leading to greater efficiency for you and the organization you serve.