What you need for the perfect office environment?

Office space

When it comes to office space the aim should be to create the perfect environment. This is incredibly important bearing in mind that your workstation is where you will be conducting your business and managing operations. But it’s not just the physical set up consisting of a desk, chair, and computer it’s about the whole experience eliminating noise, sitting in comfort and being able to work in peace.

And with more small business owners and a mix of corporate workers spending time working from home the time has come to ditch the sofa and find a truly inspiring office.

Why working at home is not ideal?

Our homes are important safe places in which we seek sanctuary spending time relaxing either alone or with family and friends. So, making this a permanent workspace interrupts our personal karma.

In the short term the odd day spent working in the house is refreshing as it removes the stress and hassle of travel but over time this can become constricted. The combination of a lack of the right space and with distractions around every corner our attention can easily be swayed from the tasks at hand.

Of course, there are the obvious elements which will translate into cost savings but it’s not as cheap as people think. Overlooked elements include an increase in energy bills, wear and tear on the property, Wi-Fi capabilities right down to tea and coffee can build up taking money earnt away from monthly incomes.

Creating the perfect space

Whilst the intention may be there creating the right surroundings can be quickly hindered due to a lack of space within the home. Workers are immediately compromised tailoring to room sizes utilising kitchens, dining rooms, lounges and even bedrooms to set up their workspace. Unsuitable areas are being converted into temporary or full-time offices taking away vital sections of the home.

So, let’s consider what it required to set up the perfect office:

Video Conferencing

As video conferencing has become an efficient way to meet with teams and clients there is the consideration of your backdrop. Whilst you can use background filters most of us will agree these are not exact and can distract participants. Finding the best place to position your camera can be a pain especially if you are avoiding having a noisy scene full of junk, photos or glaring wallpaper.

Furniture

For those who have enjoyed working in a professional office desks and chairs are guaranteed and require little or no thought. But when you step away from this environment you are suddenly stuck with wondering what to purchase at a price you can afford. In the short term most people ditch the luxury swinging chair with adjustable arms and perfect back support in favour of standard home furnishings. They continue until the dreaded aches and pains creep in causing them to slouch and then they act suddenly overwhelmed by sourcing a chair they can try out before buying.

Equipment

Similarly, to furniture equipment becomes one of those areas where home workers fail to invest. Instead, they use old computers with a lack of storage and memory which slows them down. If they do attempt to buy better, they enter an online world of technical confusion baffled by the latest technology. Plus, there is the added issue when equipment fails, and they no longer have access to an IT department.

Eliminating Distractions

Ideally the perfect office set up will include a quiet space, an area to concentrate and boost productivity. Therefore, a standard room confined within the house is not the best starting point. There are always distractions whether this includes turning on the TV, constant moving around, or overeating can take you away from the work at hand.

Flexible Office Space

So, what is the answer? As the above has shown working at home is not as simple as it seems and can quickly turn from a dream come true into an untenable burden with business and personal comfort suffering. Instead, a localised serviced office can hold the key offering the perfect space to set up your operations.

At Halcyon we provide four unique locations offering varying sizes of offices from private rooms for those looking for privacy to large-scaled floors and buildings for businesses wanting to collaborate as a team. Recently we created a new product ‘Part-Time Workspace’ designed for small business owners who are looking to combine home with hybrid working. This cost saving package will give you access to our premium facilities at a reduced price.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect quiet space, purchasing the required furniture and equipment will certainly make the experience more enjoyable. But there is one other thing that home working cannot provide and that relates to social contact.

It is widely reported that being on your own all day can impact your mental health and wellbeing. Working in a proper office surrounded by likeminded people can therefore improve loneliness and isolation.

Setting up an office at home can be easy if you have the time and the capital to do it properly but why bother when you have access to professional localised serviced offices.