Factors to consider when planning a home office

FALLBROOK – As technology has made working remotely easier, more and more professionals are working from home. Working from home can help working parents save money on childcare costs and help all workers avoid rush hour traffic jams and the costs of commuting to and from the office.

The right working environment is essential for men and women who work from home. An environment that's conducive to work can help people increase their productivity and make their employers more likely to allow more employees to work from home. Professionals who are new to working from home may find it takes some time before they can create the perfect working environment, but the following are a few factors to consider when planning a home office.

Space

One of the disadvantages to working from home is that remote workers usually don't have access to the same level of equipment as in the main office, such as color copiers or scanners. To include even scaled-down versions of such equipment in a home office, ample space is needed. In addition, less spacious home offices can feel too tight and enclosed, making workers uncomfortable and less enthusiastic about working every day. Pick a spot in the home that affords room for necessary equipment and the ability to move around in order not to feel cramped throughout the workday.

Lighting

Lighting is another factor remote workers must consider when they're planning their home offices. Natural light can provide an energetic boost and improve one's mood, so choose a room in the home that gets lots of sunlight during the day. Many professionals who work remotely do so from the basements of their homes, which can make it difficult to rely on natural light. If the basement is the only location in the home that can fit a home office, look for lighting sources that replicate daylight so as not to work in dark quarters. Speak with a physician about how to arrange lighting to reduce eyestrain caused by staring at a computer.

Connectivity

Connectivity also must be considered when planning a home office. While wireless Internet has made Internet dead zones less problematic, certain areas or rooms in a home may still be touch-and-go with regard to Internet connectivity. Such areas should be avoided when choosing a room for a home office, as it can be difficult to remain productive if the connection to an external server is routinely compromised. Find an area where the wireless connection is always strong.

Distractions

While one's home might be empty for much of the day, distractions may arise when kids come home from school or when a spouse or roommate arrives home from work. Avoid putting a home office too close to popular hangout areas in the home, such as the kitchen and the living room. Instead, choose a room where there is lots of privacy to focus on work and not be routinely interrupted.

Working from home can pay numerous dividends, but professionals who work by remote must put careful thought into the rooms or areas of their homes where they plan to work.