Simple, Effective Tips for Creating a Safe and Professional Home Office
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Simple, Effective Tips for Creating a Safe and Professional Home Office
By Cherie Mclaughlin
As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has made an unprecedented impact on how we live and work. Not only are more employees telecommuting, but more entrepreneurs are beginning to realize the advantages of operating their companies from home.
If you own a home-based business, it’s essential to have a home office that is both safe and visually appealing. After all, the chances are pretty high that you will have both in-person and virtual meetings on occasion. A Pretty Little Sparkle has provided a few practical ways that you can make your office serve the needs of your home-based business and clients:
Make it safe.
First of all, it’s important to consider how much the times have changed. Where you live will largely determine what restrictions you’ll be dealing with in terms of conducting business in the near future, but regardless, you want to take any steps necessary to keep your clients and yourself safe and healthy.
One way to reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus in your office is to inspect your HVAC system to ensure it’s working properly. Ventilation is key, and it’s critical that you have a reliable HVAC system. Another thing you can do is install UV lighting in your HVAC, which will help sanitize the air. And you might consider opening your windows during meetings as well.
Aside from ventilation, think about precautions you can take when visitors come to your office. For example, maintaining six feet between you and your clients can go a long way in preventing the spread of the virus, and providing hand sanitizer can add another level of protection.
Think about resale value.
When it comes to making improvements to your home office, be sure to consider the resale value of your home. Even if you don’t plan on selling in the near future, the changes you make to your space now could impact your home’s value down the road.
A fully functional home office can be a big incentive for prospective buyers, especially if it’s thoughtfully designed and decorated. As you create your office, be sure to keep receipts of any materials or services purchased, and take photos to show the progress.
Protect your assets.
Another consideration to make is your business structure, as it will affect the taxes you pay on your home business. If you want to ensure liability protection and tax advantages, you might want to form an LLC. Just make sure you understand the rules and regulations in your state, and think about hiring a formation service to establish an online Nebraska LLC for you.
Boost appeal.
Whether your next meeting will be in-person or virtual, chances are you want to make a good impression on your client. The first factor to consider is lighting. Try to maximize the natural light in your office by placing your meeting area near a window. If you need additional lighting, opt for a lamp rather than overhead lighting.
When it comes to decorating your office, you want the overall aesthetic to reflect your personality, but you also want it to be tasteful. Consider painting the walls a neutral color (e.g., white, gray, cream, etc.) and incorporating minimal decor. And in your meeting area, you might paint a vibrant accent wall or use a textured surface as your backdrop.
Incorporate tech.
Finally, think about how you can minimize the need for in-person visits from your clients. Technologies like payroll, payment, and collaboration software can allow you to fulfill many of your obligations through the cloud.
If you run a home-based business, you need to ensure your home office is up to the task. Take any necessary safety precautions, and consider resale value as you make improvements to your space. Also, think about establishing an LLC to protect your assets. Lastly, strategize how you can make your office more attractive, and research the many types of technology that can reduce the need for in-person meetings.
If you found this article helpful, check out APrettyLittleSparkle.com for some more inspiring, informative content!
About the Author | Cherie Mclaughlin
Cherie Mclaughlin has been creating and growing couch-based businesses since her couch was in a dorm room. Through both success and failure, she knows that all it takes to be successful is a willingness to go into it with the understanding that it’s a learn as you go process, and the boldness to step out of your comfort zone and give it a shot.