"The priority when creating a work space is to figure out how to physically separate home life from the mental work process."
Jo Aldridge of Stacks Property Search says, “All too often, home workers 'make do' when it comes to creating an office space. But we frequently view houses where home-working owners have been more creative. This is appealing to buyers who have a home office need, or even for those who are attracted by a space for home study or general administrative paraphernalia.
Some of the best arrangements I've seen include a converted stable a few paces from the back door; a 'his and hers' garden room with one half dedicated to office space, the other half an artist's studio; a brilliant transformation of a large cupboard allowing space for a desk, shelves for files, computer, printer and coffee machine.
The priority when creating a work space is to figure out how to physically separate home life from the mental work process. The least effective arrangements are using the kitchen or dining room table and regularly having to clear everything up. It's much healthier if you can shut a door and not look at your 'office' between working hours.”
Jo Aldridge's Top Tips to effective home working:
1. A small ergonomically-designed dedicated work space is better than a larger space that has to multi-function.
2. Take a leaf out of today's pioneers of office design such as Google and Apple. Invest in a good desk and chair, comfortable time-out area, and nice things to look at - whether that's a great view, or some fabulous wall art. Make your work space somewhere you feel comfortable, not the 'scrag end' of the house.
3. Try and avoid constant distracting trips to the kitchen by installing a water and / or coffee machine, small fridge, kettle, and biscuit tin.
4. If you only use the dining room or spare room once or twice a year, then scrap it and turn it into your office. On the few occasions it needs to revert to its original function, then you can give it a temporary makeover, but don't compromise by leaving a bed or dining room table in the space.
5. Have a dedicated office telephone line, whether that's land or mobile, so you can ignore or screen work calls when you've 'left the office'.
6. Resist the temptation to pop into your office space in the evening or at the weekend. And discourage clients, customers or employers from ringing at all hours because they know you're technically always in the office.
7. Be strict with your family. Your office is an 'invitation only' sanctuary, and under no circumstances is it a space they can annexe when they need somewhere to do their homework, make a model for DT, or play Minecraft on a computer with a better operating system than theirs!
8. One of the most often cited disadvantages of working from home is the lack of human contact, so find yourself somewhere to go when you need a change of air. Local cafes are good for coffee or lunch break, and you will often find other stir-crazy home-workers gather at certain times of the day and will welcome you with open arms.”
