Recently there has been a steady increase in the number of people who have home-based businesses or “side jobs” requiring office space. Thousands of couples find themselves sharing “the home office” out of necessity. This can lead to competition for desk and counter space, computer and telephone time and if they have different “organizing styles” (filing papers versus piling papers), it won’t take long for the battles to begin! Consider these possibilities to make sharing your “home office” a rewarding experience.
First, consider the physical layout of your “home office.” If possible, each person should have his or her own desk, chair, computer, file drawers and phone line. Each can then set up their own workstation to suit individual needs, such as desktop supplies. This also allows for individuality in decor and contributes to a better work environment. Second, if it’s not possible to have two separate areas, it becomes more complicated. You may have to schedule separate “office hours.” Carefully analyze each individual’s business needs and create a schedule to accommodate both. Remember the 80/20 rule, we do 80 percent of our work in 20 percent of our workday. The rest of the time is filled with interruptions, breaks and wasting time on e-mail, etc. So even though you have the office for less time, you can still get your work done by staying focused for that shorter time period and don’t let Anything interrupt you during your time. Third, and probably most important, the key to making a shared office work is communication. There needs be clear, agreed-upon guidelines before this joint venture begins. Start by writing up an agreement outlining each area that may become an issue. Address interrupting the other person, set office hours if you can’t use the office at the same time, determine who gets to use the business machines and when and, most importantly, when will the office be “closed.” A home office can also contribute to the “never-ending work day.” Agree upon the time when the door is closed and the office phone and e-mail are off for the night. Just because you are working from a home office, doesn’t mean you don’t have a life.
Barbara Ricketts is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO). If you need assistance to simplify and organize, contact her at MessDoctor@Mac.com or call 661-263-0124.