A staggering 50% of the UK workforce is expected to be working from home by 2010*, and leading house builder Bryant Homes says the trend is reflected in what buyers are now looking for in a new home. 

Daniel McGowan, National sales and marketing director for Bryant Homes, says purchasers are looking for versatile house designs with space that can be adapted for a home office. Three storey designs are particularly popular allowing an entire floor to be converted into a separate work area.

Daniel said: “With wider access to new technologies and more flexible working practices being offered by companies, working from home for at least some of the week is becoming a viable option for many people. Our house designs are flexible in layout and feature ‘anonymous rooms’ that can easily be turned into a home office. We also offer additional technology packages through Bryant Design such as Bryant Connect, which allows technology to be linked between multiple rooms, so working from home has never been easier.”

To mark Work Wise Week (16th – 22nd May), Bryant Homes has put together some useful tips on getting the most from working from home.

Bryant Homes’ top tips for working from home

1. Think about where your home office is going to be. Choose a room in the quietest part of the house where there will be the least amount of interruptions. This may be at the back of the house, away from any traffic noise, or on the top floor.

2. Plan the layout carefully to maximise the space available. Home offices and studies often occupy the smallest room in the house so consider different furniture types and storage options to ensure everything you need is within easy reach.

3. Make the most of the space you have. You don’t need a separate room for a home office if you don’t have one. Desks can make attractive furniture and can be used in any room. Bryant has a range of furniture packages available through its Bryant Design Service.

4. Ensure everything in the room is positioned for the greatest comfort. It is important your chair and PC are placed correctly - try to stick to the rigorous health and safety standards of a professional office.

5. Make your home office a pleasant environment where you will want to work. Make sure there is plenty of natural light and don’t forget the little extras such as pot plants or fresh flowers, paintings and photographs.

6. Working from home requires great discipline and this will be less of a problem if you are not disturbed. Make sure other people in the house are aware you are working and consider installing a separate phone line in your home office, strictly for business, for your added convenience.

7. Get some fresh air. Ensure your home office has a large window to allow you get to get plenty of fresh air throughout the day. A stuffy office can create an unproductive environment.

8. Be disciplined. Don’t let your work and home life overlap. Keep some structure to the day as you would in an office. Start and finish at a set time, and remember to take a lunch break. When you have finished working, shut the door to your home office and switch off. The rest of your home should be a haven for relaxation so remember to enjoy it.

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