Since March of 2020–when COVID-19 became known to the world–many have sought a respite from the chaos caused for the global pandemic. Workers have been forced to work from home or off-location and many have sought a viable and comfortable space to work from during the pandemic.
For some, this has involved a lifestyle change: moving to a new area, usually more natural-based than their previous urban dwelling. Notably, in Park City, UT, the rate of home buying has increased substantially.
Why Are People Moving to Park City?
But why exactly are so many people moving to Park City to work remotely? The answer lies in the many things Park City has to offer. First among these is a natural beauty and abundant recreational activities in the area.
From almost any location in Park City, you can see mountains, trees, and open spaces. This is intentional as local planners have worked carefully to ensure our views are not obstructed.
Park City has three ski mountains, each with distinct culture and terrain. Our trails are groomed year-round for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. There are also many public and private golf courses in Park City. Above all, Park City is a healthy and active community!
Also, Park City has a ton of great choices for places to eat & drink. And the best part is that you don’t have to plan a half-day around traffic and parking to access these events. Main Street provides easy access to a beautiful location to eat, drink, or shop at your leisure–making living and work here an easy choice.
But whether you happen to be working remotely from Park City or somewhere else, it is essential to create an office environment that works for you. Not even the gorgeous surroundings of Park City can make uncomfortable and drab office rewarding.
Your Perfect Home Office
As you craft your office’s personal design, consider a few do’s and don’ts of how you can create a home office space that will make you excited to get up and work on the weekdays.
Do not: Clutter your workspace
As you get excited about your new workspace, you probably can’t help but browse through the endless amount of office accessories. It’s important to note that you need to make sure your workspace is actually functional. If you fill it with all the trinkets you come across; you won’t be able to concentrate.
You want your workspace to reflect your personality and your business. It should be an area that you’re excited to go to every morning – a reason to get out of bed. But, you need to stay on budget and only buy the essential things to work performance.
Do: Make sure you have good lighting.
You should try to get as much natural light into your office as possible. Fine print and blue light emitted from the computer screen can be harmful to your eyes, so it’ll help to have some natural light to balance those out. Plus, a nice view can be beneficial to your overall well-being. Even if it’s just your backyard, it’s nice to be able to look up and get some inspiration from somewhere other than your computer screen.
However, if your space lacks natural light, then you’ll need to find a good lamp. While lamp appearance might help your room come together, it is crucial to have a lamp that lights everything you need without being too overbearing.
Do not: Mix your home office with your bedroom
Your home office and your bedroom are two separate entities. One space is dedicated to challenging your mind, whereas the other is meant for resting it. If you bring work into the bedroom, you’re going to invite that inevitable stress with you as well.
If you need a slight rest during your work, it might be best to throw a comfy chair or a loveseat in your home office as well. As most of us know, retiring to a comfy bed at almost any hour can sometimes lead to an unplanned nap which may disrupt workflow.
Do not: Be bound by a conventional office set-up
You don’t have to abide by the traditional cookie-cutter office look. This is your home office; you can do whatever you want with it. If you want to put a basketball hoop above your trash can, go for it. Just make sure it won’t distract you too much.
Instead of working at a traditional desk, why not opt for a credenza? Your seating will be vital as well. Nothing is a worse distraction than discomfort from lousy seating. Picking a comfy chair that is a good level with your desk is essential for any home office.
Do: Be aware of the color of your office
Color matters. When you have to spend a ton of time in one place, you don’t want to be surrounded by boring beige – it could start to impact your work. Fresh paint is one of the most effective changes you can make to your space, and it has the power to influence your business decisions and creativity.
Our bodies respond to color on a psychological level, so you have to pick wisely. For example, red is a fairly aggressive color and can increase your heart rate. Blue, however, has the exact opposite effect. You need to find the right color that works for you.
While all of these tips and tricks are important, it all comes down to personal preference. Finding a space that works for you and your preferred work environment is paramount. Are you a no distraction person or a person that likes to power through and then take a small break for morale? Ultimately, the final decision of your office design lies with you.
Need a New Home Office?
Maybe your current home isn’t big enough for a home office, or isn’t convenient anymore. Let us at Jensen & Company help you find the perfect house with the perfect office.