According to research, 58% of workers in the U.S. have the opportunity to work from home. It’s unsurprising, then, that home offices are all the rage. In addition to the obvious boost it can provide to your work, it can also increase your home’s value. In order to take advantage of these benefits, though, you should outfit this space effectively and make it inviting for visits with clients. Consider the following eight ways you can ensure that in-person meetings are comfortable while you enjoy the appeal of your home office.
Enjoy the Many Benefits of Your Home Office
1. Invest in safety precautions. If you plan to invite your customers for meetings at your home office, it’s essential that you implement safety precautions such as offering masks, using UV in your ventilation, and opening windows to allow for better airflow.
2. Stage your office for virtual visits. Even if you implement an array of safety precautions, you’ll likely find that many of your clients prefer video calls. Your home office should be staged so that it’s just as inviting in a virtual setting, too. To do this, invest in welcoming lighting and simple, neutral decorations.
3. Make sure your technology works properly. Your computer should be able to handle all of the tasks you need to complete on a daily basis. If your computer crashes or has issues, working from home can quickly become a frustrating experience. As such, it’s important to invest in a quality laptop or desktop that will be able to meet your needs for many years to come. If you have a newer model that’s acting up, take it to a local computer shop for repairs and updates.
4. Minimize the stress in the space. Even though your office is well-decorated and inviting, it’s still an office. You can minimize the stress in this space, though, by implementing a storage system for all of your paper documents. Invest in stylish storage units that are just as sleek as they are functional. You can also invest in ergonomic seating that will relieve some of the tension you carry in your body. This can make long work days more bearable.
5. Try out technology that minimizes contact. For your clients who want to avoid in-person contact, there are plenty of tools that will allow you to accommodate their preferences. Automating your invoicing, for example, eliminates the need for mail or a meeting. You can use your accounting software to craft professional invoices with a logo and custom colors.
6. Install a ceiling fan. There are actually several benefits to adding a ceiling fan to your home office. A ceiling fan can help to circulate air and keep the room cool, which can be important when you’re working long hours at your desk. Additionally, a ceiling fan can help to reduce the amount of dust in the air, which can be beneficial for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. Typically, you can plan to pay around $50 to $200 for the cost of installation, while the actual ceiling fan can run anywhere from $200 to $800. Do yourself a favor and hire a professional to take care of this. Check ratings and reviews through online directories when looking for a technician.
7. Choose a décor that’s professional and refined. One of the biggest perks of working in a home office is the sense of relaxation it can provide. You are at home, after all — but it’s important not to get too comfortable. You need to maintain a façade of professional appearances, and a classy décor scheme is the best way to achieve this. Choose sleek shapes to fill the space in your home office.
8. Document any improvements. Transforming a spare room into a dedicated home office can be advantageous to your property’s appraisal. If you plan on selling soon, keep all your receipts and take before and after photos of the room to emphasize the scale of the improvements that have been made.
Make Your Home Office Into a Game-Changer
Working from home and seeing clients in person requires an office that is both conducive to productivity and inviting for guests. Take the time to update your space accordingly. Implement safety precautions for in-person meetings, invest in new decor or a ceiling fan and take advantage of online tools to help you stay on task. Not only will your efforts yield you a better office, but they could even ramp up your home’s value.
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