Not everyone has a spare bedroom they can use for a home office. Whether you do or don’t, it’s critical to identify a quiet place in your home that you can control during working hours. Some remote jobs have really relaxed work environments, others require a quiet space to have calls and do your work. Either way, it’s critical to have a quiet, controlled environment when circumstances call for it. Here are some best practices and ideas for setting up your home office.
• A designated quiet space. If you don’t have a spare room in your home for a home office, you will need to get creative. Set up a go to spot in a large closet or the attic. Clear a corner out in your garage and set it up with a desk and a nice backdrop for video calls. As a full-time remote employee, you will definitely need and benefit from having a designated quiet space.
• Clean and professional. Certainly you don’t have to go over the top decorating or “professionalizing” your home office, but if you have a remote job where you are on a lot of Zoom calls with teammates or customers, you are going to want to make sure the backdrop of your office is at least at a minimum clean and organized. This may sound like a small thing, but the small things add up to big things as a remote employee. Your online presence as a remote employee (your profile picture, your home office, the way you dress, etc.) all help shape your work personality. These things have an impact on you and the team you work with.
• Aesthetic. While your workspace aesthetic is not a make or break priority, it is something to think about. A lot of people find that they’re more productive when they actually enjoy the look and feel of their office area. Small things can make a big difference, such as working next to a window, changing a paint color, adding some great art, or rearranging your furniture. You are going to spend a lot of time in your office as a remote employee; if you can make a place you enjoy and want to be in, it goes a long way in helping you be a successful remote employee.
• Great computer setup. This goes without saying if you are a remote employee, but your computer set up is essential. Ideally you would have a great monitor or a good desktop computer for your home office, as well as a laptop. The laptop gives you the flexibility to work from the road or to just switch things up and work from a coffee shop or a coworking space. If you can’t have both a laptop and a desktop, opt for the laptop, as it gives you the most flexibility.
Bonus Round
• Stand up desk. If you can, it's really nice to have a desk where you can either stand up or sit down. If you work from home 40+ hours a week, it can become hard on your body and energy if you are sitting that entire time. There are all kinds of options (just check out Amazon) to pick from.
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