To Our Valued Customers
We know it is stressful times for many of you as the world continues to deal with the challenges and best course of action for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) We continue to monitor the situation and take the appropriate and available steps to minimize any risk to our team members, customers and avoid any delay in our services.
Many Of You Are Working From Home
Many businesses both local and national companies are asking employees to work from home. This can be stressful and you may not have the appropriate space for a home office. Some of you now have a spouse working from home too and are feeling the strain of lack of work space.
Tips For Setting Up A Home Office
1. Incorporate your own style.
This is your home and your home is your castle. Setting up a home office doesn’t mean you have to mirror your cubicle. Have some fun with it! What style are you into? Urban, modern, country, art deco? Choose a style that you will enjoy and make you never want to go back to the corporate office again! Many of our customers have said they love their home office and actually enjoy being in it even while not working. Make your own style and get those good vibes going!
2. Make sure you have plenty of light.
No you don’t need rows of fluorescent or led lights like you may have at your corporate office. Try to include as much natural light as possible. Open the blinds up and choose a room appropriate for the size you need and be sure to position your work space to incorporate that view.
Most homes do not have adequate lighting for an appropriate workplace. Lack of lighting can cause strain on your eyes. This can lead to headaches and fatigue. Try adding floor lamps and desk lamps as needed to sublimate some of that natural lighting. Be sure to use an appropriate color temperature for your lamps or light bulbs. Most offices have 4000K fluorescent or led lighting. If that is what your used to and most comfortable with go for it! The 4,000k is a whiter light than compared to a warm white or 2700k incandescent lamp you may still have at home. Many of our customers are going with the 3000k lamps. This is whiter than the 2700k but not quite as harsh as the 4000k workplace lights.
3. Try A Standing Or Adjustable Desk
Did you know a standing desk can actually increase your productivity? Why not be more productive with your work at home and free up some time to get some additional items around the house done. Sitting at a desk can cause back and neck pain and even cardiovascular issues in extreme cases. If you already have a traditional desk many after market attachments can sit on top of your exiting desk allowing you to raise your work space up to standing height. If your purchasing a new desk consider an adjustable one. Many can serve as a traditional desk and a standing one by means of an electric motor or hand crank to raise and lower the desk. Start out standing for smaller amounts of time and work your way up to a goal of 4 hours a day or more.
4. One Word: Declutter
Decluttering your work space can reduce stress and anxiety. If you don’t need it move it to another space, get rid of it or donate it! The items you do need for your home office can be organized with many fun and innovative organizational products. Choose organizers that match your style and have some fun with it! While the Darth Vader pen holder may not be appropriate at the corporate headquarters it may be a fun add on to that home office.
If your work requires paper documents be sure to find out what document storage guidelines may be needed for your home office. Are you required to keep documents in a fireproof cabinet or need a lock on your cabinet to follow Hipaa requirements? Be sure to find out prior to purchasing any new storage items.
5. Make It A Dedicated Space
Not everyone is able to dedicate a whole room for a home office. But if you do have the space available to dedicate a whole room for a home office be sure to do so! Choose one that is quite, has natural light, and is free as possible from distractions. If you not able to you can often choose a corner of the family room or dividing a craft room or exercise room into sections. While a dedicated room will reduce distractions and clutter. A well placed section of a room can work equal as well.
6. Improve Your Home Office’s Air Quality
How good is the air inside your home or even your corporate office? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality can be more seriously polluted than the air just outside of your home. It’s important to have a licensed heating and air conditioning contractor (HVAC) inspect your homes heating and air system. They should be checking your heat exchange, fresh air intact and condensers. Additional equipment can be installed on HVAC equipment such as UV lights to kill viruses and bacterial and additional better equipped air filters.
7. Don’t Overload Electrical Plugs
Avoid using plug splitters or 3 ways. These devices allow you to plug multiple items into a single receptacle or electrical outlet. If you must use any sort of adapter we recommend using one with a built in overload device. This will help reduce the chance of overloading your receptacle and possibly causing a fire. Many plug strips are also available with optional surge suppression. These strips can protect your homes electronics such as computers and printers that are plugged into them. If your concerned about overloading any part of your homes electrical system do not hesitate to give us a call and one of our licensed electricians can provide a full safety inspection. We can evaluate your home office needs and as well as your entire homes electrical system. Schedule one of our top rated local electricians today.
We can be reached anytime by phone or our online form submission 24 hours per day 7 days a week.
