| A lot of people start out thinking it will be a | | | | upfront decision and financial outlay you make. Do |
| breeze to change from working for someone else | | | | a little exploration in the area of ergonomics or |
| in a traditional job setting to working at home. But | | | | consult with an ergonomics specialist to learn |
| there are a lot of potential bumps in that road. | | | | about what a really good office chair has to offer. |
| And unless you are aware of some of these | | | | You can save your body and your bottom line |
| lurking problems and plan for them early you may | | | | from a lot of wear and tear.o Analyze how you |
| have a very rocky ride ahead.o Before you start | | | | work most productively. Do you sit quietly with |
| investing money in outfitting your new office, | | | | maximum concentration and minimal distraction? |
| invest some time in making an inventory of | | | | Your office might not take a lot of space. Or are |
| everything you will need to do your business. | | | | you a walkabout when you are brainstorming or |
| What furniture, storage capabilities, supplies, | | | | on the phone? You may want a larger or more |
| equipment, software will you be using?o Visualize | | | | open area. Do you mostly sit at a keyboard or |
| the general atmosphere or ambience that will | | | | are you able to work in a more reclined, relaxed |
| make you comfortable and productive that will | | | | posture. There are many specialized chair |
| make you want to go into that office. You may | | | | solutions--functional, executive, leather, mesh--that |
| have a whole room or just part of one, divided | | | | will suit your style.o How can you be available and |
| off from a larger space, but it should be an area | | | | connected to the people in the house, but not so |
| clearly marked as your work place. So it definitely | | | | available that you can't get your work done? If |
| needs to be professional, but it should also | | | | you need to keep track of the activities of kids |
| express your taste and personality. After all, you | | | | or pets, you may need to be able to see or hear |
| can work surrounded by things you love to look | | | | them from your work place, so think about |
| at and listen to. Make your office your personal | | | | whether you need see-through partitions or |
| sanctuary.o Make sure you will be comfortable. | | | | doors, or some kind of audio or visual monitoring |
| Will your workspace need additional air circulation | | | | systems. You may need to schedule your work |
| or temperature regulation? What will you be | | | | time for the kids' school time, or find helpers to |
| looking at? Listening to? What will you be sitting | | | | keep an eye on the household when you can't be |
| in? | | | | available. |
| If your work involves sitting for hours--and most | | | | So take some time to work through the details |
| work does--you will not be productive and happy | | | | of this new way of working that will affect not |
| at the end of the day if you don't have the right | | | | just you, but your family, neighbors, friends and |
| chair. In fact this may be the most important | | | | business associates. |