home office

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Advances in technology, demands for a better quality of life and more flexible working hours, mean that more and more people are working from home. There is an increasing desire to have an efficient and well thought out room or space to house a desk, computer and enough space for files and books.

Home OfficeChoosing your space

It is essential to allocate a specific space to work in your home in order to achieve a clear boundary between work and home life. The best way to achieve this is to have a room dedicated for the sole purpose where you can close the door and leave your worries and desk as it is at the end of the day.

If you haven't got space, consider creating an extra room e.g. shed at the end of the garden, or converting a cellar or attic space. If that is not possible set up a work area in part of another room - usually a living room or bedroom. You will spend a lot of time there so choose a space that is light and welcoming and separate an area off with a screen, a curtain or a shelving unit.

Storage

Decorative aesthetics and practical organisation are of equal importance in your office space. As well as computers, there are printers, speakers, cabling, fax machines, and scanners which all should be housed cleverly, plus enough shelf, drawer and filing space. A desk in a cupboard is a good solution as you can close the doors behind you at the end of the day. Or a wall of built in shelves that will fit plenty of filing and storage boxes is ideal. The ability to tidy and put away clutter is a discipline you will have to get used to especially if your work area is part of another room.

Furniture

The comfort of your desk and chair are very important. Your chair must be supportive and should encourage a good working posture and your desk should be solid, of the right height for your legs to move freely beneath and be big enough to fit the minimum of equipment all at easy reach - telephone, working files and computer.

Lighting

Make the most of natural light when setting up your desk area, though be careful about direct sunlight hitting your computer screen - slatted blinds can control the intensity of the glare. An adjustable desk lamp is essential to avoid eye strain - opt for a classic design such as the anglepoise.