If you are a new entrepreneur starting your business from home and you plan to have meetings with clients in the future, then you will want to take some time to set up a suitable office. Due to the reproductions from the COVID-19 pandemic, when you create this space, you will need to not only consider comfort, but also the safety of you and your coworkers. Here at WD-Strategies, we help companies thrive online, so we have some tips for how you can set up a great office space to meet with your guests in 2022.
Space and Seating
The first thing you will want to do is create a suitable space where you can work and easily complete your tasks. In addition to having room for your desk, you’ll also need to make space for additional seating so clients can sit comfortably. Try to use a room with windows so you can use the natural light to see your work and the meeting notes clearly without having to turn on lights and waste energy during the day.
When it comes to seating, you can choose to place one or two comfortable chairs or you can opt for a couch that will seat two people comfortably. If you plan to have presentations then you will want to dedicate one of the walls to a large TV or viewing screen. While you are setting up this space for your needs, it is important to realize that having a home office is a great way to increase the value of your home. For that reason, you should make it a point to keep track of all of the improvements you make and also keep the receipts so you can show how much money your time is worth and the great investment that the future buyer will be making.
Safety Considerations
Even though vaccines are showing us a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, it is still important to respect people who want to be safe during the pandemic, so incorporate safety features into your office space. For starters, you should have extra masks just in case a guest forgets theirs. As far as etiquette goes, if your client is wearing a mask, you should as well so they are comfortable and feel safe.
If you have separate chairs in your office then you should space them far enough apart from your desk so everyone can be socially distanced. If it is a warm day, consider opening the windows in the office so you can get a nice breezeand prevent the space from becoming overly stuffy.
Virtual Meeting Setup
Since we are still dealing with the pandemic, don’t be surprised or offended if your clients decide to meet virtually instead of in person. To prepare for that possibility, you should set up your office for professional meetings. Make sure that your office is well-lit so you can see your guest clearly on the screen and you aren’t covered in shadows.
You should also put some thought into your background. Many people sit in front of a bookcase during their meetings, but the spines of your books may distract your client. So, the best way to go is with a white or neutral-colored wall or sit in front of a piece of art that is colorful but not distracting.
If you are going to do business virtually then you’ll also want to invest in software that will allow you to work without requiring physical contact. For example, you may want to look into online invoicing and payment software and also apps that allow you to sign contracts and other important paperwork from your separate offices.
As you can see, with proper planning and consideration of other people’s needs, you can create a suitable office space for virtual and in-person meetings even during these uncertain times. If you would like to learn more about how to incorporate online strategies for the success of your business, then contact WD-Strategies at team@wd-strategies.com.
