Before the Coronavirus pandemic last year in 2020, 4.7 million people worked from home. That’s only 3.4% of the U.S. Workforce (Flexjobs). When the pandemic hit hard around March however, 88% of organizations worldwide either encouraged or made it mandatory to work from home (Gartner). So how exactly do you go about making a home office space that is both functional and comfortable? You want your home office to be an extension of you. What makes you comfortable, happy, and keeps you productive.
Functionality
The Space: The best place for your home office is going to be in a room away from distractions. For me, that’s in an upstairs bedroom we have specifically designated as our office. Don’t have the space to do that? Clear out a corner in a guest room, bonus room, or even an unused closet that’s big enough.
The stuff: You will need the basics first. Somewhere to put your computer, somewhere to put your work materials, and somewhere to put yourself.
Desk – I didn’t want a bulky desk that took up half the room. My dogs also enjoy being able to walk through under my desk.
Filing cabinet – Gives me space to keep important papers, while also utilizing the top as extra desk space.
Storage cabinet – This is technically an entertainment center my grandfather built me when we first got married. When we moved into our house, we didn’t have a need for it as an entertainment center anymore. So I repurposed it as my storage cabinet. Underneath I have things like other laptops, the shredder, and cable storage. The extra-large drawer holds things I might need in my day to day. Notecards, sheet protectors, extra ink for the printer, etc.
Chair – With us having carpet in all the bedrooms, a cool and pretty rolling chair wasn’t ideal for this room. I found this padded dining chair that was pretty and comfortable and looked good with my desk. I do catch myself wishing I could spin around while I’m thinking though.
After that, incorporate the little things.
Bookends – What Realtor® doesn’t have at least one house related décor item in their office?
Paper storage – My husband and I still share this office during the week, so paper holders keep his grad school work organized when I’m using the office and then vice versa.
Printer – Between printing buyer questionnaires, MLS sheets, and my husband’s grad-school papers, our HP printer has been AH-MAZING. It’s a scanner and printer in one which has become super helpful when I can’t get into the office to scan/fax something.
TIP: Try to Keep everything within arm’s reach. It get daunting walking across the room to get something off the printer, or plug your computer in. Remember, functionality is key.
Comfort
77% of remote workers say they are more productive when at home, (CoSo Cloud) and 80% said they experienced less work related stress (Amerisleep). Part of that is surrounding yourself with stuff that is comfortable, but not distracting.
A few of my favorite things in my office and on my desk:
Plants in pretty pots – they don’t just look pretty. Its proven that immersing yourself in nature reduces stress and anxiety. Plants also remove toxins in the air which leads to a healthy clear mind.
Rae Dunn coffee cup I use as a pen holder -I love Rae Dunn. What modern southern American woman doesn’t? So when I saw this coffee cup that happened to be turquoise inside, I knew it was meant to be placed on my desk.
Pictures on the wall – Real estate can be HARD. Your offer didn’t get accepted. Your buyer wants this SPECIFIC house type. The house they wanted is already under contract. The bank is being slow approving the loan. No one came to your open house. Especially, like me, when you’re first starting out, real estate can seem overwhelming. So when I saw this picture in my local Old Time Pottery, I knew I wanted it in my office where I would see it every day and remind myself why I do what I do.
I also have a blanket because I am ALWAYS cold upstairs. Also, its a comfort thing.
So there it is! My home office. Its may not be fancy, but its functional. It may not be magazine worthy decorated, but its comfortable, and its me. I get excited to go upstairs and work, which in turn will make me more productive in the long run.
Sources:
Flexjobs
Gartner
CoSo Cloud
AmeriSleep