The term “home office” used to mean the headquarters for a corporate conglomerate. In the 21st century, “home office” reflects the purest meaning of the two, separate words: an office in the home. Apple Computer, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and even Hershey’s Chocolate started as home-based businesses. Whether you’re running a business from your home or just need additional office space there, you need to consider a few things when setting up your home office:

1. Organization. File cabinets, desk drawers, and shelves are essential to the home office, but don’t let them become repositories of unorganized files, notes, and materials. Create a system that will work for you.
2. Flow. Look at the way you work. What keeps you moving from place to place during an average work day? What do you need within reach of your desk or primary workspace? Do you need certain equipment (e.g., printer, file cabinet) close by? With wireless technology, you don’t have to be hard-wired in one place. Walk through the paces of your workflow and then lay out your office to accommodate your paths.
3. Space. How much square footage is available for your home office? What do you need for electrical outlets or phone jacks? Do you work primarily from your computer? Is it a desktop or laptop? Should you use a traditional desk or would an office armoire allow better use of your space?
4. Aesthetics. Are you going to have clients and vendors come to your home office? What image do you want the ambience to convey? How will you use the natural light in your room decor? Do you need soft light and natural colors or are you stimulated by more vivid hues? What atmosphere promotes productivity for you? Your home office aesthetics are as important to a productive environment as the placement of your computer or the size of the room!

Your home office may be in your residence, but it IS a workplace, which means a corner in the kitchen or the dining room table is not suitable. Create the environment that will help you achieve the best results.