As much as things seem to be getting back to normal, COVID-19 remains a daunting presence in our minds. Plenty of us still have concerns about returning to the office and not just for hygiene reasons. Many no longer see the traditional office building as necessary in their work.
Even if full-time home working isn’t an option, flexible working arrangements look set to become a permanent part of our lives so it makes sense to invest in a dedicated workspace. Here we will discuss how best to build an office beyond the pandemic.
Go big, or Go Home
In spite of its convenience, the novelty of working from home has definitely worn off for some. The main issue is a lack of space. A laptop on an ironing board might be fine for the odd shift, but not long-term. This is something to address when building a workspace.
The first option, and most extravagant, is to build an additional office building in your garden. Remember the micro trend of “man caves” and “she sheds”? Well, the pandemic has seen these outbuildings repurposed with work in mind. They certainly aren’t your run-of-the-mill garden shed either! Generally, they are equipped with internet, electrical outlets and heating. Some of the more luxurious ones even have bathrooms. Nothing is out of the question, budget permitting of course!
Have a Clearout
The key is to ensure there is some sense of definition between home and work. Working from home can have negative effects on mental health, particularly when work starts to encroach upon your free time. If garden space is unavailable, or you are limited by budget constraints don’t panic! There are still options available.
If possible, dedicate a room for working. Spare rooms work well for this, though typically these are already cluttered. In an ideal world, a clear-out would solve matters, but this isn’t always practical. Instead, you can utilise otherwise unused space with loft boarding. The award winning loft boarding service from Instaloft allows you to make the most of this space without damaging your insulation. Your loft can then be used for any clutter, freeing up that spare room.
Improvise
If neither of these suggestions are suitable you can still have a workspace for your needs without the ironing board. It simply requires being creative with the space you have. Many people use an area they have on their landing or under their stairs and this is plenty for their work. Separation doesn’t have to come in the form of walls and doors. Roll-top desks are a great way to physically close off your work when you are done so it’s out of sight.
Final touches
The next step is to evaluate what you need to effectively do your job at home. Any furniture such as desks and chairs are worth investing in to ensure they provide proper support. Technology, do you have all the required equipment? Is your internet signal and speed capable of handling the extra demand? These considerations will avoid any unnecessary delays and keep you working efficiently.
Adopting these strategies will allow you to build a workspace that will prove future-proof.