Your Work Space
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has forced you to work at home temporarily. And we don't know for how long. About 6 years ago, I made a lot of mistakes when I started working from home. A significant problem was creating a dedicated work space. I understand that many have small apartments, families, equipment issues and countless other problems due to the nature of this event. But, let's find ways to improve your work space and minimize the problems. Here are my suggestions.
1) Where To Work? - When I started working from home, I moved quite a bit. I started in the corner of the family room. Then, for a while, I was in the basement. Now, I have a dedicated studio upstairs. But, ask yourself, how much space do you need and where does it need to be located? Convert a room with a door into your office to keep pets, friends, and family from being a distraction. In fact, try to remove all distractions like TV, laundry, and video games from area. This may need some creativity to convert a garage, shed, or patio into a necessary work space.
2) Make A Task List - My space is organized by my process. I have raw materials at the start. There's an area for making my pieces. There's storage for the finished product. A space for my shipping supplies. And an administrative area for my computer, paperwork, and other necessities. Figure out your process and what you need for success. While this is temporary, don't hesitate to ask your employer for necessary supplies and equipment. It helps them make a profit and it's a tax write off. Save your receipts.
3) Fixing Up Your Space - Clear it out and start from scratch. Put your desk where there's light. Run extension cords to where they need to be. Buy a wireless router. If that $4 tape dispenser makes your life easier and more productive; get it. Think about a laptop stand, and external keyboard and mouse.
For example, when my wife was told to work from home she used our kitchen table while we made a plan. She was told to expect to be back in the office in two weeks. So, we re-purposed an antique makeup vanity into a desk and used an old office chair. But, as weeks turns into months, it's become necessary to purchase an office desk and a comfortable chair.
4) Fixing Up Your Space - What is your budget, business needs, and level of personal comfort? Ask your employer for a budget to equip your space. A little can still go a long way. Maybe they can redirect pens, paper clips, printer ink and other supplies to your home instead of the office? If possible, visit your office and bring home computer monitors, printers, and other equipment. I highly recommend a good chair. Your dining room chair may be fine for dinner, but it will break your back after 8 hours a day for an indefinite amount of time. Obviously, we need to be flexible. So, it's okay to stack your computer on books for online meetings, use the ugly lamp in the garage, and convert that end table into an assembly station.
5) Safety First! - At a former job on a dangerous site, a boss frequently told us, "a good day on the job is when everyone goes home healthy and alive." So, please review your work space for any hazards. Are there any frayed electrical cords near flammable liquids? Is there cash or expensive equipment that needs to be locked up from burglary? Do you need a first aid kit? Are there any toxic materials that need ventilation or special storage? We're all home to protect our health.
6) Be Flexible - We're all in this together. Sometimes, the best place to work is the kitchen table in spite of the needy cat and the screaming kids. Maybe your supplies have to be stored in the garage even though you work in the spare bedroom. It's okay if things aren't perfect. But, it'll makes us all much more grateful when life returns to normal.
Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.
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