According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) before the coronavirus pandemic, only around 4.7% of employed adults reported working from home in the UK. The latest figures available from ONS, (June 2023), find that 10% of full-time adults work from home all the time and 29% work from home some of the time. That’s a massive shift.
Prior to the pandemic experts talked about ‘the future’ when home working would become the norm rather than the exception – that future is here thanks to a global pandemic. Shifting work cultures along with technological advancements have seen the concept of the traditional office evolve dramatically. Remote work has become increasingly popular, offering flexibility and autonomy to employees, and reducing commercial costs for employers. It’s a change that has caught on worldwide with 61% of workers having a very positive view of home working.
The benefits of a loft conversion when you work from home.
Working from home isn't always as idyllic as it seems. Distractions lurk around every corner, from household chores to the allure of the television. While working from home can be appealing, psychologists say our brain associates different rooms with different activities, for example, we sleep in the bedroom and cook in the kitchen. We need to train the brain to switch to work mode – that’s difficult if you are trying to work in a room associated with different things such as eating dinner or watching TV.
That's where the Econoloft home office comes into play, offering a secluded sanctuary that bridges the gap between home comfort and professional productivity. In this blog, we'll delve into the myriad benefits of having a separate office in the loft because when you work from home, you need to make sure you have the right environment – working on the kitchen table, just won’t do it.
A home office in the loft separates work from home
One of the primary challenges of remote work is delineating boundaries between professional and personal life. When your workspace merges with your living space, it becomes all too easy for work to spill over into leisure time. Conversely, it can be equally challenging to fully disconnect from work when your home serves as your office.
Walking upstairs to another floor of the house will help you psychologically prepare for ‘work’. A loft conversion office provides a physical boundary that separates work life from home life. When you step into your loft office, you mentally transition into work mode, allowing you to focus on tasks without the distractions of domestic life. It offers a secluded environment away from the hustle and bustle of the household. Unlike working in a shared space like the living room or kitchen, the loft provides a quiet retreat where interruptions are minimised. This controlled environment fosters concentration and enhances productivity, allowing you to dive deep into your work without disruptions.
With fewer distractions and a dedicated workspace, productivity naturally flourishes. The loft office provides a professional atmosphere conducive to focused work, enabling you to tackle tasks efficiently and meet deadlines with ease. Moreover, the psychological association between the loft office and work enhances motivation and task engagement, driving productivity levels even higher.
At the end of the day, leaving the loft office signals the end of the workday, facilitating a healthier work-life balance.
Econoloft will work with you to customise your loft conversion home office space.
One of the perks of having an office in the loft is the ability to customise the space according to your preferences and work style. Whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or a cosy ambiance, the loft offers a blank canvas for you to personalise. From ergonomic furniture to inspirational decor, you can curate an environment that optimises comfort and productivity, tailored to your unique needs.
Creativity thrives in environments that inspire and stimulate the mind. The loft conversion office, with its lofty ceilings and ample natural light, fosters a creative atmosphere that encourages innovation and problem-solving. Surrounded by a curated selection of artwork or a panoramic view of the outdoors, you'll find yourself feeling inspired and motivated to think outside the box.
A home office needs consideration in terms of layout – where will your desk and computer be in relation to the windows? We recommend using Velux pleated blinds which let in a softly diffused light. Consider how much kit you need as it’s important to plan in electrical, internet or phone points. Make a list of everything you use to make sure you don’t miss anything. We would advise adding a bathroom too – handy while you are working in the loft room, and it also will add value to the property should you decide to sell later down the line.
It’s likely that you will want your home office to be a flexible space too. It may need to double up as a study for another family member or perhaps you need it to be a guest room for the occasional visitor. The Econoloft team has been building loft conversions for over 40 years which means we can offer expert knowledge and advice to ensure your new room(s) work for you now and of course, for the future.
A loft conversion office will ensure privacy and confidentiality
Certain professions require privacy and confidentiality, which can be challenging to maintain in a shared household environment. Whether you're conducting sensitive client meetings and calls or handling confidential documents, the loft conversion office offers a secure and private space where you can work without concerns of prying eyes or eavesdropping ears. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially in professions that deal with private information.
There is nothing more unprofessional than trying to have a business meeting with the dog barking next to you or a younger member of the family demanding your attention – we’ve all seen those lock down videos! You are also assured that any paperwork or documents can be left where you leave them to work on again the next day – there is no danger of a milkshake or jammy fingers ruining them.
Having a separate office will improve your work-life balance
It’s important for wellbeing that you don’t take your work home with you. Having your laptop quietly brooding on the coffee table, often means you can’t resist checking your emails when you should be concentrating on that Netflix movie.
Creating a work-life balance has been well documented Perhaps the most significant advantage of having a loft office is its positive impact on work-life balance. By establishing a designated workspace separate from the rest of the home, you create clear boundaries between your professional and personal life. This separation allows you to fully immerse yourself in work during designated hours while also enjoying quality leisure time with your loved ones.
And of course, another benefit from working from home in your designed Econoloft loft conversion home office is that you won’t have a commute. Instead of travelling for hours on public transport or sitting in a traffic jam – your commute is a few seconds walk up a second flight of stairs. Less stress for you and good for the environment. At the end of your working day, you can shut the door on your loft conversion office, walk down the stairs and dive straight into your enhanced leisure time.
Let’s start talking about your new office in the loft
There are many rewards to working from home – no commute and not distractions being the most frequently cited. However, to make the most of these rewards you need to have the right working space. If you are planning all or even just part of your loft conversion to be used as a home office, make sure you let our design experts know at the planning stage. We will ensure you get the most out of working from home.
In an era where remote work has become the new norm, the loft office emerges as a game-changer for maximising productivity and fostering a healthy work-life balance. By providing a dedicated workspace that minimises distractions and enhances focus, the Econoloft loft conversion office empowers individuals to thrive professionally while maintaining harmony in their personal lives. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote employee, investing in a loft conversion home office can be a transformative decision that elevates both your productivity and overall well-being.
Most properties are suitable for a loft conversion and as the majority don’t need planning permission it should be relatively straight forward to develop your new home office – let’s talk.
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).
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