As technology progresses, it becomes far easier for many to work remotely. Meetings can be held from phones and computers, cloud storage makes document transfer increasingly efficacious, and, since offices often have large overheads, businesses are able to run at much lower costs by having their employees work from their own spaces. Remote working has grown remarkably in recent years and its rise is predicted to continue, as it benefits both the employer and the employee.
Working at home, however, comes with its own challenges. And, while these may be preferable to those of commuting or office politics, they are leading remote workers to redesign their homes to accommodate. Working in the same space that you live in leads many to a sense of frustration or isolation. It can feel lonely since you are not around a group of colleagues. It can also lead to you not leaving the house at all, which, psychologically, is quite draining. This is why some have turned to work in cafes or shared spaces. They are relatively low cost, if temperamental, spaces from which to work.
Recently, however, some people have begun turning their gardens into their office. Sheds are becoming meeting rooms and summer houses are hosting desks and filing cabinets. Remote workers are creating their own office space, right beside their own home.
Sheds, summer houses, log cabins, and outhouses are affordable, manageable, and easy to create. As remote working becomes a more familiar career option, they are being adopted and turned into offices for homes around the world. Aside from a small, initial cost, they are comparatively low cost to a rented office space or cafe, and they allow workers to conduct their business outside of their own home, helping to keep their work-life from their home-life.
One issue that some remote workers discover is the feeling of always being at work. Since a remote role requires an employee to be connected to conversations and file shares, it can be difficult to switch off leaving your mind always on work. When your office space is within the home, this becomes even more difficult.
Furthermore, when trying to enjoy the benefit of a flexible lifestyle, such as spending time with children while at work, the separation becomes even more difficult. Work documents easily go missing and time dedicated to winding down can often be interrupted.
Building an office space outside of your home can be the right balance. It allows you the flexibility of remote working with the separation of an external office. And, with the right design and accessibility, you can even invite clients and coworkers to join you, welcoming them into a professional environment, separate but close to your own home.
So, if you’re part of the increasingly remote workforce, but are struggling to establish a healthy work-life balance, then it may be time to reconsider your environment. Taking a look at your garden might be the next step to your career!
