Staging and Decorating Your Home Office

Staging and Decorating Your Home Office

The way people meet in the workplace has changed tremendously over the last few years. More people than ever are working from home in dedicated, fully functional office spaces. The following tips will help you set up your home office for safe and productive in-person and virtual meetings. 

Safe Business Meetings

Developing and implementing a workplace safety plan aids in keeping you and your stakeholders, employees, and customers healthy. Sending an email with suggestions before your meeting informs everyone of what to expect. For example, if you’re requiring everyone to wear masks when meeting in person, those who’d rather not wear one may choose to meet online if this option is available.

Opening windows before your meeting airs out the room and freshens it up before your guests arrive. Asking everyone to social distance and wear masks to protect themselves and others is a good practice. If any guests are experiencing sickness of any kind, ask them in your workplace safety plan to participate virtually to protect those who are present in person. 

Consider installing UV lights in your HVAC system to rid the system of mold, mildew, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds. In addition, the installation improves air quality and reduces allergens. You’ll breathe better knowing you’ve provided the utmost protection for those in your home office. 

Minimizing Face-to-face Contact

There are many ways to minimize contact while continuing business as usual. Depending on the scope and size of your meetings, you can choose one of several video conferencing options. You’ll also decrease wear and tear on company cars and resources by meeting virtually.

Automating your invoicing and payment processes decreases foot traffic with minimal disruption to your business. You can create professional-looking company invoices by using a pre-made template from a free invoice generator and adding your logo, company name, colors, and other essential information.

Staging Your Workspace

When staging your space for virtual meetings, choose a low-traffic area. In addition, be mindful of what your viewers see, and minimize distractions by removing any clutter. Sitting by a window and using a lamp provides some lighting, but you may find the need for backlighting to create contrast.

For in-person meetings, ergonomic furniture helps keep visitors comfortable. Hand sanitizer and a box of masks should be easily accessible.

Financial Considerations of a Home Office

When setting up your home office, especially if you have plans to sell your home in the near future, consider a layout that increases your home’s value. Taking before and after photos and keeping track of all expenses and improvements aids in justifying the increase in your home’s value.

Don’t forget to update your insurance before using your home for business purposes. Also, structuring your company as a limited liability company protects your personal assets from business litigation. Check out your state’s regulations if you plan to set the LLC up yourself to decrease costs. Utilizing a formation service is also a great way to avoid expensive attorney fees.

Home Office Options

You have many options when it comes to staging a fully functional home-based office. If you decide your current home isn’t feasible for your home office needs, visit Roberth Jordan for additional information on designing your dream home.

Staging and Decorating Your Home Office, by Tina Martin of Ideaspired.

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