Most of us share our home work space with other family members. A few simple tips can keep the office harmonious and productive.
Life would be great if your house had enough space for everyone. But the reality is that many couples and families share their home offices. Sharing your work space with others can be trying. With a little communication, however, you can work out a plan that keeps everyone happy. Here are some things to consider.
What do you do in your home office?
Do you need to keep it kid-friendly for homework and internet research? Decorate accordingly. Set ground rules for what is and is not allowed in the room and on the desk. Make sure the kids understand that if they use the desk, they need to leave it just as they found it. A good rule of thumb: ban food and drinks of any kind near the computer. It will protect your PC and your paperwork.
Do you share your desk with a partner? Even the most compatible of couples can be polar opposites in the office. Talk to your partner about the layout of the work space. For example, if you’re a lefty and your partner is right-handed, choose sides of the desk that will give you the most elbow room.
If you have more than one computer, select a bigger desk to give yourself some breathing space. Maximize your desktop space by keeping files in labeled folders and reference books neatly stored - bookends or long shelves above the desktop would work nicely.
Office Space Compromises
Layout isn’t the only thing that impacts your shared home office. Your work habits need to mesh with your partner’s personality. If he’s a night owl who likes to listen to music and you need complete silence and morning sunlight, think about how to split your work time so everyone is happy.
Perhaps the solution is for one person to have primary access to the office during the morning, while the other has afternoons or evenings. This becomes more complicated if you work from home, but not impossible - thank goodness for wireless internet! If all else fails, copy the kids and take turns.
When you do have to work together at the same time in the same office space, talk to each other about it. Plan how to keep the space usable for both of you at the same time and decide where files or projects will be stored when you have finished. Try not to move the other person’s work without asking. Communicating beforehand will help prevent problems or frustration.
Decorating to Everyone’s Taste
If your home office is a home base for more than one person, decorating it has to be a bit of a compromise. No fancy porcelain and glass if you’ve got an elementary schooler in the house! Pick colors that will complement the rest of your decor, and are amenable to all family members while still incorporating simple and stylish office decorating ideas.
If your home office is part of another room, such as the kitchen, make sure that chairs and the desk itself blend in and make the most of the small space with hidden storage, such as a filing cabinet covered with a pretty tablecloth, or a hassock that has a hollow space inside.
Even putting a simple table skirt around the desk can hide your Rubbermaid totes and extra supplies. Reminding everyone to put their paperwork away when they've finished working will keep your office neat and tidy. Remember: a neat office is a productive office!
