Your Dedicated Workspace: Choosing The Perfect Location

Choosing the perfect location for your dedicated workspace can have a significant impact on your productivity and success. Your workspace should be a place where you can focus, remain motivated, and draw inspiration from your surroundings. 

As remote work becomes more common and businesses are becoming more flexible, choosing the correct location for your remote workspace is crucial. Whether you’re working from home or in a co-working space, the location you choose can have a significant impact on your daily routine and work-life balance. 

Location Options

Home Office

A dedicated workspace at home can be a very attractive workspace option for many people, especially for remote workers or those who do some form of hybrid remote work. It allows you to avoid commuting and the distractions of shared office space. Additionally, it can be more cost-effective than renting office space or paying membership fees at a co-working space. 

However, having a dedicated workspace at home can also come with its own set of challenges. It can be difficult to separate work life and personal life in the same space, and it may be harder to stay motivated and productive without the structure of a traditional office environment. 

Most workers (like myself) like to create dedicated workspaces within their homes, separate from their living space. I’ve found it helps with setting my own mental boundaries between work and non-work time.

Co-Working Spaces

Co-working spaces provide an alternative for individuals working from home who desire (or need) a professional space to work. They are shared work environments where individuals can rent a designated space and work alongside other professionals. 

Digital Nomads who don’t have a fixed residence will often use these spaces. Digital Nomads often travel the world looking for new opportunities that may be unavailable in their home countries, as well as a better quality of life abroad and the chance to meet and collaborate with new people. Such activities require a reliable place to work, even if it’s not the Nomad’s home.

A co-working space can offer numerous benefits to individuals who require the resources of a traditional office without the high costs of renting a dedicated office space. 

With co-working spaces, individuals can access office equipment such as printers, fax machines, conference rooms, and high-speed internet. This shared environment also creates opportunities for networking, partnerships, and collaborations. 

In addition, co-working spaces promote a sense of community and help to reduce loneliness and isolation that can occur when working alone at home. 

Nevertheless, co-working spaces also have their drawbacks. They can be noisy and less private, which can be a distraction for some individuals. The communal nature of the space can also lead to disruptions, and individuals may have to deal with people coming and going continuously. 

Additionally, co-workers have different schedules, and there may be times when one needs to work while the other wants to socialize. 

Lastly, renting a space in a co-working space can be expensive, with prices varying depending on the amenities provided.

Renting A Dedicated Office Space

When considering a dedicated space, renting a dedicated office space is a viable option. There are several advantages to renting a dedicated office space. 

Firstly, it allows businesses to have a private and secure workspace that can be customized to meet their specific needs. 

Secondly, a dedicated office space can contribute to a professional image for the business since it is a separate and distinctive location. Furthermore, renting a dedicated office space provides businesses access to amenities such as meeting rooms, kitchens, and parking. 

Finally, renting a proper workspace eliminates distractions and interruptions, enabling people to focus on their work and keep work separate from their personal lives.

On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages to renting a dedicated office space. The most significant disadvantage is the cost. 

Renting a dedicated office space requires paying rent, utilities, and possibly maintenance costs. The business may also need to invest in furniture and equipment, which can be costly. 

Secondly, renting a dedicated office space ties the business to a specific location. This can be problematic if the business needs to relocate or expand, as it can be challenging to break the lease agreement. 

Finally, renting a dedicated office space may not provide the same level of flexibility as working from home or utilizing a co-working space. This can lead to limitations on the amount of time people can work, which may impact productivity.

Despite the disadvantages, renting a dedicated office space remains a popular choice for businesses that require privacy, a separate location, and access to amenities. It is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully and consider the specific needs of the business before deciding to rent a dedicated office space.

Setting Up Your Workspace

Ergonomics

Ergonomics refers to the design and arrangement of productivity tools and furniture to maximize comfort and efficiency at work. The aim of ergonomics is to reduce the incidence of work injuries, stress, and fatigue, and to improve work productivity, performance, and overall well-being. 

When setting up your workspace, it is essential to select furniture and necessary remote work tools that are ergonomically designed to maximize your productivity. This includes an ergonomic chair and desk that are adjustable to match your body size and posture. A standing desk is especially useful after sitting for long periods.

A keyboard and mouse that fits your hand size and grip, and a monitor that is positioned to your eye level to prevent strain on your neck and back. A good monitor stand can help position your monitors in exactly the positions you want.

Additionally, do not overlook the importance of taking breaks and stretching exercises to align your body and ease tension. Here’s a great video that highlights simple stretches you can do while remaining in your office chair:

Lighting

Office Lighting is an essential factor when it comes to choosing the right location for your dedicated workspace. Poor lighting can lead to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue–all of which will significantly affect your productivity and creativity. Natural lighting is the best option for your workspace as it reduces eye strain and enhances your mood. 

However, if natural light is not an option, you can consider using artificial lighting, such as overhead lights, lamps, or task lights. When choosing artificial lighting, it’s essential to consider the brightness and color temperature of the bulbs. Bright bulbs with cooler temperatures are best for reading, while warmer bulbs with lower brightness are suitable for relaxing. 

In addition to the type of light, it’s crucial to consider the placement of lighting fixtures in your workspace. The goal is to minimize glare and shadows by placing lights in front of or beside you rather than above you or behind you. 

Proper lighting will increase your productivity, minimize eye strain, and allow you to work efficiently and comfortably. Check out our guide to home office lighting for more ideas and information.

Storage

Storage is an essential aspect of any dedicated workspace. Clutter can have a negative impact on productivity, so it is crucial to have good storage options that keep items organized and easily accessible. 

One important consideration is the type of furniture used for storage. Shelving units, filing cabinets, and drawers are popular choices for organizing papers, office supplies, and equipment. 

It is also important to consider the layout of the workspace when choosing storage solutions. For example, storage units should be positioned to allow for easy access without obstructing movement or creating visual distractions. 

Additionally, it may be helpful to implement a system for regularly decluttering and organizing items to maintain a clean and functional workspace. Consider labeling storage containers and shelving units to make it easier to find and replace items.

Finally, think about the size and materials of storage furniture. They should be appropriately sized for the room and durable enough to withstand daily use. 

Overall, thoughtful consideration of office storage options can greatly enhance the efficiency and productivity of a dedicated workspace.

FAQs

Your Dedicated Workspace: The Last Word

When choosing the right location for your workspace, it is essential to consider various factors such as ergonomics, lighting, and storage.

No matter where it is or what kind of space it is, a well-designed workspace can significantly improve productivity, reduce stress, and boost your overall well-being.