A home office is a major asset. A home office is great for staff working from home and business owners as an extra business space for all occasions. It will need to deliver all the functionality of a business, with good décor, and above all, be easy to work in.
From a purely business perspective, a home office is a very versatile, adaptable acquisition. Whether you’re a staff member or a business owner, this is your workspace which can be used for just about any purpose. You may also be surprised to learn that you can effectively replicate your business office in a home office, efficiently and cost-effectively.
Home office setup basics
Every home office is by definition a bit different. Types of business and business needs dictate what’s required. You may need special equipment, a range of peripherals, and perhaps specialised software and hardware for your work.
Remember also that if you’re seeing clients in your office, the aesthetics really do matter. Always keep in mind that your office could be an image of your business, from the technology to the general appearance of the office. Be prepared to invest in some good furniture, proper storage, and keep this space looking great.
A cramped space is likely to be highly inefficient, and uncomfortable as a place to work. It also sends the wrong message to your clients about your business and your work. Choose a room which will definitely provide the space you require.
Setting up a home office – The critical space issues
The process of setting up a home office is basically a checklist. Consider it a procurement profile for your business
- Define and declutter the office space. If something is not going to be part of the office, it has to go. Good décor can stay, but out of the way of the working spaces.
- Measure the space. You will need space for a desk and other furniture, computer, peripherals, and extra spaces for work materials, etc. Make sure you can move around the room with space to spare.
- Make sure your furniture looks good and is durable. It’s easy to get good office furniture. Surfaces should be preferably laminated to be easy to keep clean and fresh. Make sure the furniture is comfortable! It’s healthier ergonomically and creates a friendlier environment for clients. Chairs should have a good comfy back, so clients are able to relax and talk business.
- Storage is very important. Built-in storage is excellent, saves floor space, and allows you to organise everything well. If you can’t use built-ins, try slimline higher storage to save space.
- Cabling and wireless setups need space, too. You can use ducted cabling or a dedicated space for your Wi-Fi gear. Make sure to keep these spaces clear for easy access when required.
- Natural light is healthy. A so-called “dead space” with no natural lighting should be avoided. This type of environment is generally considered to be poor value for business presentation and as a work environment. Natural light reduces eye strain and the effects of glare from artificial lighting and screens.
Equipment for your home office
A home office is great, but there are some possible practical issues to be considered. You need to have these potential problems solved before you start:
- A dedicated phone is a good idea. Keep it simple. Use a standard business-only phone to keep separate the personal calls and the business calls.
- Dual screens? Laptops? A business-only laptop logged in to your business system is an absolute must. Dual screens are also a good option for high-data access.
- Standardising home offices for employees. For employers, best practice is to use a standardised setup for the home office(s) of staff. This is a home office which is tailored to your business needs. Procurement costs are reduced, and the home office setup is greatly simplified using this option.
The professional look in a home office
Decisions need to be made. Don’t spend a cent until you have a clear picture of your home office setup. If you’re not sure, you can get some expert help with your office acquisitions. This will save you a lot of time and money, and avoid unnecessary expenses.
What image do you want your office to convey? You’ll need to think about this. A few pointers:
- “Bland and boring” is definitely not the look you want. It’s a negative image for the business. An instantly unimpressive, forgettable space will have no impact at all.
- A basic modern office style is always a good safe option. This is about as close to One Size Fits All as you can get for a home office, and it’s easy to acquire everything you need for this look. These offices are great for staff, have everything you need, and very low-maintenance.
- The formal look is ideal and very popular for professional practices like accounting firms. It can be more expensive, but it’s always impressive and it does look good at all times. You may need a more solid desk, bigger chairs, and similar fittings, but that’s no problem if you have space.
- Awards, qualifications, licenses, brand logos and similar personal identifiers are a good look for any office. Always keep in view that your personal touches are about you and your business. Be highly selective, but add some Wow factor for the best look.
Getting a vision of your home office?
Do you have a clear picture of your home office for you and your staff? Does it look right? Is it the sort of place you’d like to work? Is it the sort of place you’ll be happy to entertain clients? These are the real practical criteria for setting up a good home office.
We hope you’ve found this information useful. If you’re also looking for some help and support for acquiring equipment required for a home office or for your business, MaxIT is here to help. We can help you with your business equipment procurement, security, backups, and more, including all the latest current generation technologies and support.
Contact us for all the services you need, anytime. You’re always welcome to talk to our team about business solutions, problem-solving and more.
