These days, more and more people are working from home. The global pandemic has forced hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people to telecommute for their jobs, adding to the number of entrepreneurs who worked from home pre-pandemic. While many thought it was a temporary situation that might last several weeks or months, it is becoming more or more evident that many companies are choosing to keep their employees working from home, at least part time. Whether you are relatively new to the WFH phenomenon or its been a way of life for years, it’s likely your home office needs a minor (or major) overhaul.

When it comes to creating or updating a home work space there are two major considerations: Productivity and Comfort. While you, or your company will need to make an investment in technology, such as a computer, printer, software, phone etc. the rest can be done for just about as little or as much money as you want to spend. Below are some steps to make your home office the best that it can be! 

1. Find a space, if you don’t already have one. Think outside the box on this and determine, if possible, if this is going to be a permanent transition for you. While taking into consideration available light, temperature, and humidity, you may find that you can turn a portion of your basement, attic, garage, or storage shed into a private space to work. Ideally, if you have a guest bedroom or other spare room with windows, you may want to remodel to work for you. Even larger closets have been used for office space. Whatever you do, try to find a space that will be quiet and uninterrupted during the hours you need to work.
2. Furnish. Desk, Chair, File Cabinet. These tend to be the necessities. Consider the decor in the rest of your home and try to style your office to complement the rest of your home. If you are working with a small budget, check out online garage sales, ask friends and family if they have anything they aren’t using that would work for you, or look for a salvage warehouse or used furniture store that might have what you need. In my personal opinion, your office chair is hands down the most important piece of furniture you will have in your home office. Your posture and comfort are of utmost importance, especially if you’re sitting for long periods of time. Try to find an ergonomic chair that can be adjusted to fit your body and your desk size. 
3. Style. This is where you make this YOUR space. What’s important to you and what will help you maintain some sanity while hard at work? If you have the ability to paint or wallpaper your space, choose a calming color or pattern that you won’t mind spending hours with. If you have a window, or windows, buy or make some curtains to dress them up. What do you like to look at when you take a screen break? It may be motivational quotes, photos of the beach, pictures of your kids or pets, plants, etc. 
4. Lastly, if your home office is indeed a distance from your kitchen, consider such comforts as a mini-fridge, for snacks and water and a coffee maker or Keurig.

Working from home is not so bad, and can even be ideal when you have the proper space to do it from!