Whether self-employed or part of a bigger company, working in a busy office environment is not always conducive to productivity. Sometimes you just need the peace and quiet of home in order to get things done.
That’s why opting to create a home office in your loft could be the answer to success for you or your business. So what are some of the benefits of a home office? And what do you need to consider in order to make sure you optimise the space properly?
Technology and Connectivity
In today’s environment, no business can function sufficiently without being online – whether it’s email communication with clients and other team members or using the internet for research. Ensure that your loft office is fully connected with all necessary phone lines and internet ports- sometimes Wi-Fi won’t be as strong at the top of your house – and keep your home and business phone lines separate.
Storage
All offices acquire paperwork over time, from invoices to correspondence. Combine this with the various bits of stationary, computer equipment and other miscellanea, and you could find yourself working in a cluttered space before too long. Desks with drawers are a must for your papers, and specially designed loft cupboards and corner units can pick up the slack.
Home/Work Balance
One of the hardest things to get right when working from home is how to separate your working space and hours from the rest of your home life. Ensure that your loft space is dedicated to work only, and don’t be tempted to sleep, eat or relax up there too. The more your two worlds encroach on each other, the less benefit you gain from either. Utilise the staircase as the border between work and home.
Observe Office Hours
This plays into the above point about the home/work balance: when you’re at work, you’re at work. Designate the hours of the day that you will spend in your office and stick to them. Working the classic 9am to 5pm will help you to stay in touch with the rest of the business world, keeping you in sync with clients and colleagues. However, don’t forget: you’re working from home, so there’s always the opportunity for flexi-time if you can remain disciplined!
Equipment
While the temptation may be to shove that broken old chair up in the attic and get to work, as with any desk job, you will most likely be sat in front of a computer for hours at a time. A good quality, ergonomically designed office chair with sufficient back support is a must, as is a desk that is big enough to meet your working requirements. Don’t skimp on all the other equipment you need to do your job properly, either. Make sure your computer is up to the task, and gather all the relevant software that applies to your work.
Here at LMB Group, we are the leading providers of all loft conversion types throughout London and Surrey. Our expert team will work with you from design through to sign-off, ensuring that your home office conversion meets your exact needs.
