The pandemic has changed the way Americans work. More and more people have found the working from home creates a better work-life balance; experience less stress without the need to commute; job opportunities aren’t restricted by geography; savings of about $4,000 per year; a reduced carbon footprint; office ergonomics, increased productivity and performance.
If you’re building a new home, it’s the perfect time to include a designated at-home workspace. Carefully think through your work needs before settling on the location of your in-home office. Options for the location include a detached space, loft area, or carved-out space. It’s crucial to consider traffic flow in your home and your tolerance level for distractions. Do you work best in the thick of activity, or should your office be tucked away in a quiet space? The location of your office should be quiet yet easily accessible.
If clients or customers visit you at your home office, you’ll want to make sure it is private, with sufficient seating, and can be reached without having to pass through personal areas of the house.
Be sure to include windows that will allow plenty of natural lighting in your office. It has been shown that natural light has positive psychological impacts, which will improve your productivity and mood. Ambient light is also crucial since you may want to work in the evenings when natural light isn’t available. Adjustable lighting allows you to set the tone for the work you will be doing and decrease eyestrain.
Create a designated break space where you can step away from your work. Working at home means you won’t have co-workers to interact with. Setting up a deck area with a small table allows you to take a break without getting involved with family drama.
Pre-wire your workspace for the fastest possible internet speeds. Working remotely means that you will need to be able to participate in virtual meetings, access, and dissemination. You’ll want wireless connectivity so that you can move around in your space and use cellphones, laptops, and other electronic devices.
Equally important is the placement and inclusion of power supply options. With an ever-increasing reliance on technology, you’ll want to have the flexibility to access power in all areas of the room. You may wish to also consider a built-in backup generator. That way, no matter the weather or other power outage issues, you’ll be able to keep right on going.
Contact Harbor Classic Homes for suggestions on how to build the perfect house with space for you to work from home.