To work from or home … or not to … well the decision has been made for most of us
Recent events have shaken things up for many of us. Worlds are colliding, space is overlapping, and we went from colleagues who are like family, to family that are now colleagues (that often ignore the fact you might have closed the door or are on a call) …
Working from home isn't a new thing – however, very few of us experienced it on the daily. The first few months since March threw us for a loop – we were setting up our computers from the kitchen table, working off our laps in bed, balancing our laptops as we moved from room to room running away from our kids while on conference calls. However, now that most organizations recognize that working from home will be the norm for quite some time have tried to make it easier for their employees. Some have offered a stipend to spend on purchasing a comfortable chair or desk, beefed up bandwidth to help with access and overall have become more understanding around planning work around home life vs the other way around.
As we prepare for the fall when schedules will likely get a little busier – we wanted to share some tips on how you can breathe new life into your current space to make being at home less stifling and more functional for work and play.
Working from home isn't a new thing – however, very few of us experienced it on the daily. The first few months since March threw us for a loop – we were setting up our computers from the kitchen table, working off our laps in bed, balancing our laptops as we moved from room to room running away from our kids while on conference calls. However, now that most organizations recognize that working from home will be the norm for quite some time have tried to make it easier for their employees. Some have offered a stipend to spend on purchasing a comfortable chair or desk, beefed up bandwidth to help with access and overall have become more understanding around planning work around home life vs the other way around.
As we prepare for the fall when schedules will likely get a little busier – we wanted to share some tips on how you can breathe new life into your current space to make being at home less stifling and more functional for work and play.
Home office: Finding a place to focus on your work while you are at home is difficult. I know I have bounced around from the loft area, to my bed, to the kitchen table and everywhere. I finally realized I needed a door, a clear space and one that separated my work from my home. So I decided to set up a small desk in the guest room. With a simple desk from Ikea, I set up my laptop, my monitor and keyboard and mouse. It provides me with the space I need to work without having to see it when I am not working. Try and find a space in your home – it doesn’t have to be a large library style office. Just a space that fits a desk, is clear of clutter and more importantly has a door! Here are some ideas that inspired us.
Inspo images © from IKEA Canada
Workout Space: Adults need their play area too and a workout space is perfect. I know it can be daunting as you fall down the rabbit hole of Pinterest where giant homes have fully equipped gyms in their west wing. However, you can have it as well (just a little modified). Find a spare room, or space you can use as a flex area in your home, such as a guest bedroom, basement, loft area/attic, garage, shed etc. What you need it terms of equipment can be minimal to start. You will want to put down rubber flooring (link), incorporate some shelving/pegboard to store equipment (link), and you can start with some free weights (which can be stored in a corner), resistance bands, yoga mats, yoga ball, medicine ball and your own body. Body weight workouts can really make a significant impact.
Kids play area: Many of us are working from home now – and that often means our space is often infiltrated by our kids. If possible, try to find an area of the home that can be theirs. Whether it is a section of the family room, or a spare bedroom, or a designated play room. Set up a craft table, a reading nook, an area to play with toys. If they have a place to call their own, they will use it. Often times, our kids are looking for something to do, so if you have a place that offers that, you have won half the battle.
Kids study area: I know we have all been guilty of working from bed or curled up on the couch – however, kids need the separation from work and play. Find a place in your home (or in their bedrooms) where you can place a proper desk, with a lamp to light up the work area. Ensure it is absent of any distractions like the TV or hustle and bustle of the house. Make sure they have a proper chair and then there you have it. It will be a space where your child can focus without blurring the lines of areas where they want to play and relax.
Space for downtime: Everyone needs a retreat. You need a place where you are not surrounded by distractions, or noise. It's important to assign a space where the goal is to keep it decluttered, clear and comfortable. Often a bedroom works. Lay some cushions on the floor, ensure there is no work in view (ie. your desk or anything that can trigger stress or anxiety). Have natural light available – a window is good to have in the room. Play some soft music, or keep it quiet. Use this space to just sit and reflect, you can also read and catch up on a hobby. Whatever it is, make sure it is something that truly lets you escape from the day to day and focus on you.
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