Tips for Creating a Productive Office Environment in a Townhome
If you have multiple people working from home, learning from home, or otherwise trying to be productive, the past six months may have been a doozy. Now, as more companies shift to fully remote work environments, employees are starting to realize that their makeshift office will be a bit more permanent.
For people living in a townhome, or who have multiple people working and learning from home at the same time, space will be a bit of a challenge. But have no fear, West Line Village has curated some expert tips for looking creative, comfortable solutions to boost productivity while working from home.
Building a Productive Workspace in a Townhome
Every person working from home needs four basic necessities:
- Comfortable chair
- Table or desk
- Power outlet
- Adequate lighting
These necessities could be located in a separate room or designated office space, but they don’t necessarily have to be. If your townhome doesn’t have much in terms of extra space, there are dozens of ways to get creative. A few of our favorite space-saving ideas include:
- Installing a wall-mounted desk that can be folded up when not in use
- Replacing the guest room bed with a Murphy bed
- Loft a bed, using the space below it as office space
- Converting a closet or storage area into a workspace
- Using a small hall table as a desk, placed in a hallway or behind the sofa
Chairs are easy to move around when the desk space is not in use, which clears up even more space. You can share work stations if people are working and learning at different times. You can also designate a section of your living area as a productivity center, where everyone has an individual workstation to do what they need to do.
Creating a Productive Environment in Your Townhome
Once you have your physical structure in place, it’s time to work on creating a productive environment for everyone. This can be done covering all the bases. The bases are:
- Technology
- Rules
- Routines
- Ambiance
- Self-care
Technology
Investing in a good internet service is vital, especially if multiple people are going to be online all at the same time. Keep in mind that video conferencing and certain applications may strain the network.
A full-size keyboard and mouse are typically more comfortable than working on a laptop for long hours. You may also want a full-size monitor, or even more than one monitor.
Rules
Set the ground rules. Establishing specific hours as work and learning time makes it clear what to be done during those hours. Create other rules as needed, such as wearing headphones when listening to music or videos, or no eating by computers.
Routine
Setting a routine for yourself, as well as the household, helps everyone keep a consistently productive schedule. Solid routines include things like:
- Setting alarms
- Prepping for the day daily exercise, shower, getting dressed
- Connecting with your team, coworkers, or instructors
- Setting specific lunch and snack times
- Shutting down for the day for off-work enjoyment
Ambiance
Working from the couch seems like a great idea, but when your couch turns into your official office space, the appeal wears off quickly. No matter where you set up your new working or learning environment, make it a place you want to be. Buy a few plants, hang up some inspirational posters, get a funky new rug. Don’t be afraid to spend a few extra dollars on your new work environment – remember – you’re investing in yourself. The more you like your workspace, the more inspired you’ll feel when you’re in it.
Self-Care
Self-care is vital for keeping a positive attitude and remaining productive for the long haul. A quiet morning routine can help you ease into your day. Use the time you would have spent on your morning commute for exercise and meditation. Use your evening commute time to unwind and reboot. Regular stretching throughout the day is a must, as is going outside when possible.
Explore Lakewood Townhomes at West Line Village
With a regular routine, comfortable work stations, and sensible rules, your townhome can provide an ideal work environment where everyone gets things done. Creating this environment is particularly easy with the strategic floorplans at West Line Village. Check them out for yourself today.
