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The ideal place for the home office is different for everyone. Some people can work in a basement,
while others, particularly those with Seasonal Affect Disorder, need lots of natural light. Some
people can work in a small space while others require room to spread out their work. Think about places
you've worked in the past and what you liked or didn't like about each. Ideally, the space you choose
should be dedicated to work, and not a space that requires conversion each time you need to work. If
the office must be in a room that serves another purpose, consider folding screens or other space
dividers that can be used to separate or hide the office when necessary.
Here are a few other things to think about when choosing a location for your home office:
- Do you need to separate work from home? You may want your office in a
separate room so you have a way to separate home life from work life. Some teleworkers find it
easier to "go to work" when their office isn't part of the living space of the home. Family
members may find it easier to think of you as "at work" when your home office is in a separate room.
- Do you live alone? If so, you may be able to put your office in your
living room or dining room. If you have a family, and especially if you have children, you may
want your office in a separate room behind a door you can close.
- Natural light: Light from the north is softer and easier on the eyes.
However, if you live in the northern latitudes where winters are long and dark, you may prefer
an office with southern exposure to capture as much sun as possible. In either case, because
the angle of light changes during the day, you will want adjustable blinds. With a southern
exposure you may also want anti-glare screens or anti-glare window film. Try to find a
location for your monitor where glare isn't a problem, and avoid bright and white surfaces
that can reflect glare on the screen.
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