South Africa, like many countries, has experienced a paradigm shift in the way businesses operate. Office spaces have evolved, and business owners have become more flexible with their employees regarding their working hours and more importantly their ability to telecommute. Investing in a home with potential office space can offer a practical alternative to the daily commute.
Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate, says that “working from home is becoming more of a norm and accepted practice in several company cultures. The City of Cape Town has, in 2017, taken the first step, by initiating a work from home process and has subsequently taken it a step further by encouraging business owners in the private sector to allow their workers to telecommute up to two days a month. At Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate we have a range of homes to meet the needs of every type of working professional. Our offices all around the Cape Peninsula are strategically situated to make sure you find the perfect home, in the perfect location.”
According to international office space company Regus, in 2017, 63% of business people reported they were working from home at least 2 days a week while more than 70% of South Africans expect working from home to increase in the next year.
Taking into account what South Africans are saying and what the rest of the world are doing in terms of trends, here are some useful pointers to consider if you indeed are looking to work from home.
Decide on the space in your home
When deciding on a spot for your home office space – do not turn to the most overlooked corner of the home. Choose a space that is comfortable, desirable to be in and also a space that will motivate you. Converting a space in your home as a work office requires your home to have the dedicated space available for your use.
Ensure good lighting
When choosing a space for your home, be sure to choose an area that is well-lit, receives plenty of sunshine and especially fresh air. An added benefit would be to have a view that you are able to cast your eyes on when working.
Make sure you are connected
Working from home requires you to be connected almost all of the time, whether it be for client communication, employer communication or an actual process your job requires. Therefore, make sure you have access to several plug points, and good cell coverage and network coverage as it is crucial to you adequately executing your tasks.
Have some extra space
If working from home is part of your full-time job and your work includes client meetings, it is important to ensure you have extra space to add additional furniture, be it a comfortable chair or sofa and coffee table to conduct those meetings. Picture yourself in the scenario where you are set up to work from home but are not adequately prepared for meeting clients, it could potentially be embarrassing.
Make use of décor that is appealing
Finally, when deciding on your work office, aim to use colours and décor pieces that you find to be inspiring. If you are most inspired when using bright colours or perhaps having a fish tank around, then make sure that it is incorporated in the look you are going for. On the other hand, if you are most productive when being surrounded by calm, pastel colours and unison coloured furniture then opt for that. Also, remember to invest in a good, solid chair as this is where you will be spending most of your time. Choose a good desk, not just a piece you picked up at a garage sale. Your surroundings will say a lot about you before you get the chance to, so choose wisely.
Working from home could be one of the wisest decisions you can make provided you exercise that same wisdom in finding the right space and making it work for you.