Baby and kids

Over the last decade the number of people who work from home has increased dramatically. Whilst the reasons behind this increase are indeed as varied as they are numerous, I feel that there are two main factors behind it. The first reason is due to the roll out of Broadband and Wi-Fi across the U.K, which has resulted in nearly every household having access to fast internet connections. The internet has provided us with a fantastic opportunity of making an income and reaching a potential customer base of millions, all whilst sat in the comfort of your own home. The second reason is due to the current economic climate, where fuel costs have risen sharply and the general cost of living has shot up. As a result of this rise in costs, many of us have had to re-examine our outgoings. Some people have been forced to take on more than one job to maintain their current standard of living. Some companies have also had to change the way in which they operate due to increasing overheads. All of these factors have meant that more of us than ever are now working from home either part or full time.

So, if you are one of the people who now find’s themselves working from home, how do you go about get the most out of it? I feel that one of the most important things to consider is the right space to work in. My first experience of working from home was pretty awful. Due to alterations we were having at the time, I had to set up a make shift office in our dining room. I focused all my energy on getting the right computer, the right chair and the right desk, etc. Moments after setting up my new computer, on my new desk, I realised a major pitfall……my 1 year old son. He developed an obscure obsession with my computer within seconds of it being fired up, and there was nothing I could do to stop him. Next I tried altering my work time to the evenings. The distraction of the children running around was now gone, but instead I had the drone of the T.V in the background as my husband sat relaxing after a hard day at work. This didn’t work for me either. Then at last, the building work was finished and I was able to have a space that was my very own. Oh what a difference it has made. I now go to work in my own office which has all the things that I need within easy reach. There is also a new rule that my children have learned, when the door is closed Mummy can not be disturbed, (except to accept cups of tea of course).

The other important factor in creating the perfect home office is to carefully consider the furniture that you choose. You are going to be spending a considerable amount of time working at your desk; therefore you need to ensure that it will serve the purpose and style of your work. The quality and craftsmanship of your office furniture should always be your top priority, as you will want your office to serve you for many years to come. If cost is a factor that could determine what furniture you buy; then just stop and think about all the travel expenses you will save in a year by working from home. It may help you realise that you can actually afford the best. In my opinion, the only way to ensure that you get exactly the right layout for your office is to consult with the experts. Some firms offer a free design consultation where you can explain your needs and have a tailor-made design drawn up. You will be amazed at how your empty space can be transformed into a home office to die for. So, now you are armed with the right design and the right furniture you can ensure that going to work at home will now be a pleasure.