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Office Space, A Functional Design Makes Everything Easier |
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Three important steps, or the TTE --- tasks, tools, and environment --- will always be the necessary elements of your office space design when you are developing the layout. Including these steps ultimately results in getting your work completed, saving you time, and most importantly, saving you money. What a concept! If only it worked out that way with most people.
Step #1: Take into consideration all the tasks you will need to perform - the task performing capabilities of your home office is the biggie when you are endeavoring to work at home and earn a living. There are dozens of tasks, but these are the most critical where this matter is concerned:
- Using a computer / accessing the internet
- Accounting, entering data, invoicing clients, and filing documents
- Making telephone calls
- Packaging and/or preparing items for mailing and/or shipping
- Preparing various documents e.g. letters, memos, etc.
- Receiving and sending faxes
- Receiving and sending items by courier, delivery people and US mail
- Meeting with clients and prospective clients, either in your home office space or at their location
Not only do you need to be aware of critical tasks such as these, but you need to prioritize them by importance. Which one places the highest demand on your office space when it comes to task performing capabilities? Which is the second most? The third most? And so on.
Step #2: What are the necessary tools for performing your work effectively - although the list will vary from one person to another, the following are the primary ones needed to operate your business at home in the most efficient manner:
- Desk (computer desk) and/or writing table
- Chairs and lighting
- Computer equipment and the space required to use them comfortably and efficiently
- Telephone and accessories, such as a handset, headset, speakerphone, etc.
- Copier, fax machine, printer, and scanner (or an All-in-One)
- Boxes or cabinets for filing and storage
- Any packaging / shipping equipment and materials (cardboard boxes, envelopes, stamps, stationery, etc.)
- Supplies including batteries, file folders, paper, tablets, etc.
- Storage containers for organizing items, such as baskets, bins, letter trays, and assorted cabinetry and shelving
- Reference books and binders
When all else fails, consider the surrounding environment - certain tasks and tools have special environmental and physical requirements. Depending what those particular requirements are, your office space may need:
- Additional ventilation and enhanced climate controls
- Additional cable feeds, electrical sockets, or phone jacks
- Better lighting (one of the most, yet overlooked aspect of the home office
- Noise inhibitors/acoustical enhancements (carpeting, doors, insulation, partitions)
You might also want to consider needs of a more esoteric and spiritual nature. Feng Shui principles have become a very popular layout scheme for both home and office space, and supposedly enhances your sense of well-being. Some things to consider are:
- Artwork, family and friends photos, and knick-knacks which provide you a moment to pause and catch your breath during stressful periods in the workday
- Positioning your desk so that you can look out a window instead of stare at a blank wall
- Soothing music playing softly in the background
All of these suggestions will help you in designing your office space for a more productive layout. And once you get a handle on all the TTE necessary, it makes the design process flow that much smoother.
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