COTTAGE INDUSTRY
As more people work remotely, consider creating a dedicated space in your holiday home for just that, Colin and Justin write.
With a growing number of cottagers working from their vacation retreats, the holiday home office has become part of the cultural landscape. Looking for advice on how to create a practical, efficient and attractive work space that's both professional, but in keeping with a more relaxed esthetic?
CONNECTIVITY IS KEY
In the previously spotty world of rural internet, things are improving, with tenable coverage finally emerging in many communities. If undecided about which provider to use, click your community Facebook portal for information on who offers the best service. Experienced locals are better equipped than communication-company salespeople to fairly appraise the literal strengths (and weaknesses), of what's on offer. In the last year, we've gone from a snail-slow signal (reliant on a wireless internet rocket hub, ideal, at best, for emails and browsing), to remarkable coverage through a Bell satellite.
EXECUTIVE DECISIONS
Ideally, position your home office somewhere with natural light, in a space that doesn't get too warm in summer (a roller blind helps), or too cold in winter. Extreme temperature fluctuations can have a detrimental effect on computers and other electronics, so ensure temperatures are seasonally balanced. To avoid distractions and interruptions, place your workstation away from family traffic, and make it as attractive as time and budget allow, so it becomes a place in which you want to spend time.
SURFACE CONSIDERATIONS
Invest in a desk that provides a clean, comfortable surface to help you work, create order and store paperwork. If space constraints limit you to the dining table, source a small paper trolley/wheeled drawer unit from Staples or Ikea for increased functionality, something you can wheel away at the end of the day. It's also worth investing in a good office chair (officechairscanada.com), to avoid the attendant back problems that can arise from sitting on an ergonomically unsuitable surface.
SHINE A LIGHT
A smart (preferably dimmable) desk lamp, ideally with a swing arm, will optimize task lighting, but if yours doesn't have a builtin dimmer, check out Amazon where you'll find Leviton, a slide control plug-in device (that installs between your existing lamp and wall socket), for just $16.29.
LIVING ON VIDEO
While engaged in Zoom or conference calls, ensure those at the other end of the convo see only the “work” you by setting backdrops in a clean and neutral manner: you're conducting a business call, after all, not a house tour. Working, as we regularly do, from our cottage, we sourced $60 LED tripod lamps from Amazon to ensure good illumination.
PROTECT ELECTRONICS
With power outages and lightning common in cottage country, we counsel investing in a plug-in surge protector to protect PCS and TVS: Canadian Tire offers these for $20. When a power spike hits, surge protectors absorb the problem, saving your computer from corrupt data, or even fried circuitry.
At all times, though, remember balance: time spent away from your home office will refresh your mind and diminish the sedentary woes that can settle when you navigate a non-typical 9-5. Factor in time for short walks, café catch-ups with co-workers, or light exercise to remain at the top of your game.