Working From Home Makes It Hard To Clock Off

A recent survey conducted by a national loft conversion company has revealed that a considerable number of individuals who work from home are facing the challenge of setting up their workstations in unconventional areas like the kitchen, dining room, or spare bedroom. Notably, the survey also highlights that a majority of these individuals often find themselves tempted to extend their working hours beyond the norm. This discovery brings to light the growing demand for home office loft conversions, as emphasized by Econoloft.

According to a survey conducted by Econoloft, a leading loft conversion company, of all the individuals working from home, 35% have been setting up their workstations in unconventional areas such as the kitchen or dining room, while 25% have been utilizing spare bedrooms. The survey also revealed a staggering 87% of these homeworkers admitted to being tempted to work outside their regular working hours occasionally or even frequently.

Prior to the implementation of lockdown measures, less than 30% of the workforce had the opportunity to work from home. However, recent data from the Office for National Statistics highlights that nearly half of us are currently embracing remote work. In addition, the government is actively considering plans to promote flexible working arrangements even after restrictions are lifted.

Becke Tibbert, Director of Econoloft said:    

“We have seen a  surge in demand for home offices over the last 12 months. The pandemic has seen many more people having to work from home – and with this likely to become the new normal, setting up on the kitchen table just won’t cut it.”    

The respondents of the Econoloft survey were asked to explain why they believed having a separate space for home working was important. The majority expressed the need for a clear distinction between their personal and professional lives. Additionally, nearly 60% of the respondents stated that they expected to continue working from home even after restrictions are lifted, underscoring the significance of having a dedicated home office space.

“The loft is the ideal space for a home office,” said Becke. “Going up onto a new floor clearly separates your home and work life which is important for a good work-life balance. As our respondents admitted, there is the temptation to check your emails or finish that report, when you should have clocked off.”    

Here are Econoloft's expert recommendations for designing the perfect home office in your loft space:

1. To enhance your well-being, it is essential to incorporate plenty of natural light into your office space. Consider installing Velux windows or even a Juliet balcony to allow the beautiful natural light to fill the room and create a serene working environment.
2. Consider adding an ensuite bathroom if it's feasible for you - not only is it convenient while you work, but having an extra bathroom will also increase the value of your home should you ever decide to sell.
3. Adopt a flexible mindset as your circumstances may change over time - what is currently your home office could easily transform into a welcoming guest room in the future.

When you need a specialist loft conversion company anywhere in the UK, call us on 0800 269765, 01942 722754 (Head Office), or 0208 7771719 (London Office).