Chattanooga is known as Gig City and for connecting its residents and businesses to each other and the world at lightning speed, so working outside a traditional office setting is now a viable option for many in our area.
If you work remotely or are planning to do so in the near future, it’s important to customize a separate space in your home for maximum productivity with minimal distraction. If you need ideas to spruce up your home office or if you’re designing a space for the first time, consider the following tips.
Create a well-lit space
Experts recommend plenty of natural light for your workspace. As you’re setting up an area for your home office, consider placing your workspace near a window or skylight. Direct sunlight might create a glare on your screens or devices, so setting up your workstation near natural light is preferred. If you have a different lighting preference, adjustable lamps can help you place your lighting source exactly where you need.
Add greenery
Plants in your home are not just decorative; research shows they can help purify air, as well. If you’re adding greenery to your home office, make sure your plants can have enough airflow and sunlight.
Successful home office plants include spider, snake, peace lily and fern. These plants are low maintenance but do require some upkeep, so consider what type of care they need before purchasing.
Select a storage solution
For optimal productivity, you’ll want to make sure your space has all the items you need to complete your task within reach. Bookshelves are ideal for reference items and manuals. Filing cabinets can help you organize and store loose papers. If you’re completely paperless and use only electronic devices for your job, make sure you have a sufficient amount of outlets for various connection cords.
Design an ergonomic space
When you select your home office furniture, try not to focus only on design – think about function, too. Sitting at a desk and typing for an extended period of time can be painful for your back, neck or wrist. An ergonomic space, designed to increase comfort and efficiency, is key for any work area. To help you stay comfortable in your home office, make sure your computer monitor is at least an arm’s length away. Your chair height should be adjustable with your knees to support your spine.
To find the best professional who can help you create a new home office space contact, visit the online directory of the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at www.HBAGC.net.