Going forward, corporate employment will include working remotely as a permanent option, or even a requirement, for much of the population, many of us will likely work from our homes, at least on a part-time basis. As we settle into this trend, let’s talk about ideas on how to make the most of the home office.

Location, Location, Location!

Location of your workspace is the highest priority in establishing an area where you can function at your highest level. It’s likely that when most of us bought or signed a lease for our current house or apartment, we were not factoring in that we would be working in this space.  So, options for where to set up shop may be limited. And, if you live with family or have roommates, you are going to need their cooperation on the placement of your workstation.

When possible, you will work best when you can have a permanent spot. It will save time at both ends of the day if you are not packing up equipment, printed files and desktop accessories. If you can store these items at a desk, you won’t waste time trying to find them. If this isn’t an option then invest in a quality laptop tote or backpack. I did a quick search and this website has extensive reviews that show a variety of options.

Choose an area that offers the most natural lighting. If you can work near a window you will be more productive. My office has been in our home for over 10 years. The majority of that time the office was in our basement and if I’m being honest, it was a glorified closet on a back wall with tiny windows above eye level. It did serve as a good place where three active sons could avoid the ‘old man’ when he wasn’t traveling. Two years ago I pulled off quite a coup and successfully convinced my wife that our dining room would make a better office.  After quickly selling the dining room set before she could change her mind, I made the move up the stairs.  Since my promotion to the main floor, I feel more alert, productive and much warmer in the winter.

Make it Your Own

Make your office comfortable and practice good ergonomics. Don’t settle for setting up the laptop on a coffee table where you are looking down from the sofa for 8 hours a day. Your neck will yell at you in no time. Your monitor should be directly in front of you with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. Invest in a comfortable chair that supports your spine. Set your keyboard and mouse so that your arms remain close to your body with your hands at or slightly below the elbows. These suggestions are just a few from a list produced by the Mayo Clinic.

Find the right size paper pack option for you.  Unless your company is shipping supplies directly to your home, you get to be the boss of paper selection now.  In the last year, Domtar has expanded the number of options to select from when it’s time to restock the paper inventory. So, you can still get high-quality paper in a size that is convenient for you. Lettermark™ copy and Xerox® Vitality®  are available in 3-ream, 5-ream or 10-ream carton packs.  There is also a new Lettermark option with a 1,250 sheet bulk pack. No ream wrap to recycle and it weighs only 12 ½ pounds. This makes for a viable paper option even if you have to transport your supply from one place to another.

As you make yourself feel at home working from home, know that Domtar paper is available in plenty of options to make your office run efficiently.