Enhancing our new home Offices
During the last few weeks many people have experienced changes within our home offices that before would have seemed unimaginable and outrageous. The sudden and drastic upheaval experienced by many has been a huge pivot that can only be described as life-altering.
I can’t help but think about what changes will take place when life resumes back to normal. However, my best guess is that we won’t completely return to life as we knew it prior to mid-March 2020.
For a number of reasons I think many people will decide that working from home is a better solution. One reason being less expenses such as transportation costs, clothing, lunches, etc. plus the positive benefit of additional “free” time due to less travel time back and forth from work. Another reason…I can’t help but think that businesses will also move in this direction for several reasons including focusing on lessening the costs of running a business.
In any case, for the foreseeable future many of us will be working from home. When I began working from home last November. I examined my own work environment to determine what was pleasing and what needed to change. I transitioned a bedroom into my art studio and I carved out an area in my kitchen dining area into a designated office space. Then, I discovered what was still a hindrance and painted my art studio with a calming grey/blue color, organized my art supplies and added a white board to post my “to do” lists and a bookcase to my designated office space.
As it turns out, my new art studio space directly impacted my desire to paint and experience the joy that comes with being creative and my office space increased my ability to focus and remain organized. Both workspaces reflect my own unique personality and interests.
And now with our recent quarantine, I find myself needing to pivot again…because of video conferencing. During my first video conference in my office space, I quickly discovered that whatever is in the background will be noticed by others (such as my 1970’s “gold” kitchen ceiling light fixture which while functional, does not reflect my design interests…). Which led me to reconsider my new work spaces from this new point of view.
So, I want to ask you to consider these questions:
Does your home office inspire you?
Does it present an image that is professional while video conferencing?
While video conferencing, do others see out-dated furnishings, artwork and clutter that doesn’t truly speak to your interests?
Is your home office working for you or against you?
What specific changes need to be made that reflects your interests and enhances your work life?
If after considering your home office and you find yourself wanting to make changes to enhance your new working environment includes original and/or commissioned paintings or prints to your home office is part of your plan…reach out and let’s talk. I truly understand the effect our surroundings have on our daily routines and work satisfaction and I’d love to collaborate together.