Having a home office is a wonderful experience. However, it is important to consider who will have access to your office. If you have young children or pets, it can be difficult to maintain an organized, productive environment so it is a good idea to develop a plan to keep the home office safe.
Planning Your Home Office
Most parents who desire a work at home career want to spend time with their children. Some reasons include teaching children how to balance life and work, helping with a child's social development, and minimizing monthly childcare costs. As a parent, you want to create a plan which allows you to complete daily work duties such as updating your computer files, checking your web site statistics, and calling your clients.
Your daily plan should allow you time to monitor your children and pets without neglecting your business/work duties. You plan should be unique based on the age and social development of your children. For instance, an older child requires less attention so you may be able to explain the need for quiet while you are working. However, a preschooler requires more attention and he/she may have a harder time understanding your work duties.
Childproofing Your Home Office
Childproofing your workspace is critical for the safety of your children and household pets. Your workspace may be filled with expensive equipment such as a desktop computer, printer, scanner, and fax machie. A curious child may want to play with any of these items so you want to be prepared.
For example, all extension cords should be bundled and wrapped together to prevent a child or pet from chocking. Your computer should have safety passwords to prevent your computer savy child from seeing sensitive client data. Also, keep toner and ink cartridges for the printer stored to keep your child or pet from indigesting these toxic substances.
The best advice is to lock the home office to prevent your child or pet from entering the room when you are not able to monitor their activities.
Organizing Your Home Office
An organized home office should allow you to maximize your work time while your child and pets are nearby. You should keep the mimimal amount of work on and at your desk. Your computer is a central component so it can be left on your computer desk. However, keep irregular used items away from your desk area.
For instance, your supplies can be stored in your home office closet. These items include tapes, notepads, cartridges, and paper clips. Also, use sturdy shelves to keep office equipment out of the reach of your children and pets.
By planning, childproofing, and organizing your home office, you can create an ideal space for your children and household pets.