Setting up a home office in a limited space is hard enough. But how about if you and your partner both work at home? How can you effectively create a home office arrangement that is conducive to your tasks? While it can be daunting to create a home office space for two people, setting up a shared home office is surprisingly less complicated than it sounds.
Here are some tips and ideas to create the perfect home office setup for couples.
Shared Home Office Layouts
Setting up a shared home office goes beyond those cosy couple coffee mugs and laptops on a desk, but it is also crucial to take ergonomics into consideration, especially if you both work for several hours a day. If you have limited space, you can take turns using a single work area, given that you have different work schedules. But if you’re working in your home office at the same time, you will need to be more flexible with your setup.
Not every couple has the luxury of having enough space to set up two grand office desks and chairs, complete with carpets and all necessary equipment. Most people have to build their home offices on corners or beside their beds.
Home Office Arrangements for Couples
Sitting Next to Each Other
This is perhaps one of the easiest setups that you can follow for your home office. If you have a narrow space, you may position two office desks side by side and take up a single wall in your room. This is especially effective if you want to create a collaborative environment where you can easily share ideas. If working next to someone is a bit distracting, try using a divider. You may also refer to the next arrangement.
Sitting Face-to-Face
Another effective way to utilise your home office space while minimising distractions is to position your laptops or computers with their backs against each other. This face-to-face arrangement will lessen the distractions since your monitors can work as your dividers.
L-Shaped Workstation
L-shaped office desks are helpful in maximising usable spaces while keeping everything within your reach. This flexible desk can also be shared if you have tasks that are not computer-related. Some L-shaped office tables in Singapore feature built-in drawers where you can store small to medium-sized office supplies.
Back to Back
If you have a dedicated office space at home, you can fully utilise your area by allocating each diagonal side of the room for your individual work stations. This way, you can create your own setups based on your individual requirements. This diagonal setup is also efficient when you often do video conferences.
What Should You Consider When Creating a Home Office for Two?
Setting up a shared home office comes with various considerations. To make sure that both of you can work comfortably and efficiently within your space, here are the things that you should discuss with your partner:
- Will you share your equipment or do you have dedicated office supplies?
- Will you share your storage?
- Will you be having online meetings every now and then?
- Do you have the same work schedule? Will you take your breaks together?
- How much working space will each of you need?
- How do you want your home office to look?
- Is music okay? How about the room's temperature?
It’s good to discuss your working conditions and understand your routines to create a well-balanced home office arrangement. When planning your home office, make sure that you and your partner will meet in the middle so you can make your home office setup as comfortable and productive as possible.
Unlike traditional offices, you can personalise your home office to look more inspiring while remaining non-distracting. So make sure to welcome some relaxing colours and add some personal touches with the things that you both love.
Home Office Essentials for Couples
Office Desks
You don’t have to buy something very extravagant for your office desk. Of course, you can give yourself and your partner some elegant office tables and executive chairs. But if you are setting up a home office on a budget, you can start with two simple writing desks that you can position side by side on your wall. If your jobs revolve around computers, buy computer desks with cable holes and organisers. L-shaped and U-shaped desks are also effective for saving space.
Ergonomic Chairs
A supportive, ergonomic office chair is an absolute must-have for any home office setup. Ergonomic chairs have adjustable features that support your individual needs, especially when you have to sit at your desk for long hours.
Filing Cabinets
Filing cabinets and mobile pedestals make a big difference in maximising your space. Depending on your arrangement, you may opt for two separate office storage units so you can arrange your items however you like. If you want something that looks less traditional, try an elegant sideboard, which can double as an office display unit.
Wi-Fi
When working from home, one should not forget the power of a reliable wi-fi connection. To avoid inconvenient and annoying slow connections, choose the right internet service provider.
Headphones
Invest in noise-cancelling headphones, especially when you need to take calls every now and then. This can help both you and your partner be more focused and efficient on your tasks.
More Tips When Working with Your Partner
- Set your expectations and guidelines. The key to successful home office sharing is to openly communicate your work situation and comfort preferences with each other. We all have our unique preferences, and it’s no secret that conflicts may emerge when these preferences are not well communicated. To prevent this, make sure to sit down and go over what you like or dislike when at work, especially during stressful times.
- Carefully plan your space and draw a layout. Once your guidelines are established, it’s time to plan your space and formulate a layout that works for both of you. Make sure to measure your home office and office furniture.
- Design your home office. As we mentioned earlier, you are very welcome to incorporate some personal touches into your home office to make it more inspiring. If you have enough space, feel free to furnish your area with an armchair or recliner where you can rest during your break. You can also add some greenery or inspiring artwork to your home office. Establishing an aesthetically pleasing shared office can motivate you and your partner and can build a good impression on your workmates during video calls.
- Maintain an optimistic outlook at work. Since both you and your partner work at home, it’s good to create a positive environment where both of you can stay active and motivated, especially when your work tasks become extra challenging. In the end, working from home together must not hinder your relationship or professionalism. Make sure to take your breaks and enjoy your free time after a tiring work day.
Takeaway
Homeowners are beginning to set aside space for home offices as more businesses embrace remote or flexible work arrangements. Although working from home has many advantages, there are also several challenges, especially when you are used to dressing up and working in a formal office setting. The perfect way to address this is to set up clear boundaries between your work and rest time. This includes your work and free time, as well as the areas where you work and rest. If both you and your partner work from home, it’s crucial to identify and support your needs to create a balanced home and professional setup.
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Build a conducive and harmonious home office space that both you and your loved one can take pride in!