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Office Space, Creating a Floorplan That Works |
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You've gone to the trouble of measuring your office space, figured out exactly what fixtures/furniture you want in there, so the next step is to go out and buy your items, and then set up your office. Right? Sorry, not yet. What did you forget? Could it be that you didn't actually draw in your fixtures/furniture on that lovely piece of graph paper that has the measurements of your home office so neatly laid out? You haven't included the desk, bookcases, cabinet, and fax machine stand (or whatever else you are planning on putting in there) on your floorplan. Sorry, but until that looks like a true blueprint of how your office space will be set up you really can't call it a floorplan.
Usually, if you are using graph paper for this, then you should have it measured and scaled properly. Improper calculations in measurement and scale are a killer. I always suggest a scale of two graph squares to the foot. Most of the time that scale works for depicting the average office space dimensions. It's easier to calculate also, because you know that each square equals six inches. Just remember that being off in your measuring by just one inch can be disastrous.
Here's a cautionary note for you. The biggest mistake that most people make when designing their office space is that they design it exactly like that 9-5 rat hole of a cubicle they slaved in for so many years that continually tested the limits of their sanity. What oftentimes happen is that it dawns on you suddenly that you are once again miserable in your work environment, despite the fact that you're in your own home. Your desk is too small, you get backaches from your office chair, there's no plants or decorations to brighten things up --- the room is boring and lifeless. Gee, does this sound familiar? The sad thing is that this happens every single day with home offices.
When you set that office space up, the design of your floorplan should equate to being a fun place to work as well as being functional. In so many words, it should exhilarate you like playgrounds did when you were a kid in school. Color means life when it comes to decorating a room or home office. Hang pictures and posters or add a few plants. Nothing is more rewarding than waking up and getting a smile on your face when you walk into your office.
Your office space should be centered on your personal mission statement. It should not only remind you of why you're there, it should tell others that as well. This should be a far cry better than that cave dwelling you slaved in that nearly robbed you of your sanity. No single factor can affect your attitude and production levels more than the psychological issues of the workplace. Therefore, it makes sense that being happy and productive in your work environment bring about greater productivity and profitable use of one's time. |
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