Home office!

[littlem133]

As key workers we've avoided home working for the past several months however a change in roles means it looks like we will have to start doing so. We've got some space in the hall downstairs where we've popped a table for now. What's your top tips for setting up a space for working from home? Share pics of your space with me please. I've attached a picture of my space and an office I like the look of-

Possible re-think, if you are going to be doing teams/zoom calls, people will not be able to walk through. Do you want to be somewhere without a window? Lighting may not be good with a typical hall light IFYWIM.

Fortunately we don't do teams or zoom calls! It's all conference phone calls Can't have the desk in any other room- there's absolutely not the space. We've got an 8 foot window half way up the stairs that lets in lots of light

Any picture anyone?!

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Best things I’ve got after 7 months of this

A clamp monitor arm to free up space on your desk

A laptop stand so you have dual screens

Ummm that’s it, everything else is secondary

Why is picture so important?
I'd say a room is better as anyone going up and down stairs or from one room to another could be a frustrating or a distraction at the wrong time. Also think about natural light and being able to view the screeen. A better/good chair is vital.

Pinterest for pictures. People are going to be understandably reluctant to share personal photos.

I'd perhaps rotate the desk 90 degrees anticlockwise. This would give you a nice uncluttered back drop to your calls, anyone going up and down the stairs or walking past won't in the call, your monitor will not have any glare, and you'll be well lit with natural light for those calls. I have a laptop stand from Amazon to elevate the camera plus free up a bit of desk space.

I'd also turn the desk around so that you'd be facing a hallway. Better for zoom calls and more pleasant to sit at.

You can always get a screen/ large plant that can be folded away if you need to be set away from the rest of the house, also helps with any distractions if you can't commit to a whole room for an office.

Honestly, we've crammed ourselves into various spaces over time. I'd say the key things are make sure you have a proper supportive chair, and desk and that the monitor can be set at the right type. Everything else is secondary. No point having a beautiful desk if you end up with a bad back and can't work anyway.

I would also turn the table 90 degrees but towards the right. Nothing more depressing than having your back to the room and facing the wall. Can you maybe paint that corner a different colour as well. Will one desk be enough for a workspace or will have lots of files out and the same time? Also, you will see your work desk when off-duty every time you go the hall so may be worth thinking how you can "hide" it when not working.

I suggest having a look on Instagram for pictures. There’s lots if you search for #homeofficeinspiration

For me what is key is a) a comfy chair b) good light and c) something nice/ interesting to look at for when you’re on your 10th conference call of the day 😞 It could be a nice picture on the wall, an interesting looking plant, or anything like that.

I’d also make sure you take plenty of breaks as staring at a wall all day can start to get you down after a bit, no matter how nicely decorated that wall might be!

Thanks to everyone for the helpful advise. I've looked at that feed on Instagram and it's useful. I definitely need a comfy chair ok wheels-that's a must. And may be a rug and lots of plants. I use a laptop so will need a stand which means I guess I will need a separate keyboard? Like I said before, I won't have the pleasure of video calls. All my meetings will be on the phone only.

I've got a folding desk op - it's brilliant. I just fold it up when not in use