Even designing a workstation for one person is a Herculean undertaking; imagine designing for two people who will share a single desk.
Numerous employees have started working from home as a result of the pandemic. And other offices have already adjusted their setup to be more remote even after the COVID-19 outbreak. So it's understandable that your housemate, brother, or partner has now unexpectedly switched to working with you at home. You're in a bind when it comes to creating a workspace for both of you that will satisfy both your demands and tastes that differ from the get-go.
1. Floor Area
The first thing to consider is how much room there is in your house to have a dedicated "office" place. This will establish whether your desired design is feasible. To state the obvious, you can play a lot more and exercise more privacy if there is enough space. You would have to be more resourceful and organized to make space if there was a lack of it.
Next, think about how much room you and your "officemate" will require. It mostly depends on your line of work. A writer might be fine with a little corner for a laptop and a notebook, a coder might need two screens for programming software, and an artist might need a larger desk to draw on. If there is room, you might choose to work on different sides of the room. Think about designing a symmetrical workspace if you want a unified appearance. Create a long desk where you can each choose your side to set up your workspace or place two workstations next to each other.
Create a long desk where you can each choose your side to set up your workspace or place two workstations next to each other.
Flexispot's height-adjustable standing desks are slim and streamlined, taking up little horizontal floor space. You can be more effective and productive at work by using a standing desk. Depending on your height, you may easily adjust the desk's height.
Additionally, Flexispot offers standing desk converters that can instantly modify your workspace without requiring more desk space and allow you to stand up straighter while you work. Some cabinets provide extra storage for your desk necessities.
2. Privacy
Since you and your now officemate could have different privacy concerns, communication is essential. In order to create a design that speaks to both of you, you would need to reach a compromise. You can set up your desks on different sides of the room, as suggested, for privacy.
Alternatively, you can choose to sit back-to-back so that neither you nor your partner would be able to view the screen of the other. Choose from a variety of ergonomic office chairs from Flexispot that are sure to keep you comfortable while you work.
3. Sound
Before Day One as coworkers in your common area begins, discuss whether you want to play music through a piece of music played, and if so, nominate a DJ for the day or the week. Consider noise-canceling headphones if one of you likes to listen to their own music when you're together.
Additionally, this will be helpful if one of you is on a voice or video call. The other person can just operate comfortably with his surroundings' sounds suppressed.
4. Schedule
Be aware of each other's schedules in advance. Living together implies that you must be aware of your respective work schedules, lunch breaks, and sign-off times. Knowing your wake-up and shower times will help you avoid arguments over who will make a certain meal of the day or use the restroom first. Establishing a standard time for "office" chitchat in between tasks would be helpful.
Additionally, you must inform your partner of any scheduled phone and video calls. Separate the two so that person will know not to go by while you are on a video call. If you are aware of your partner's video conference schedule, you can both make adjustments.
5. Storage
Be sure to name them properly if you intend to share storage. But it's ideal to have different shelves and storage containers to prevent conflict.
Use the floating shelves from Flexispot to keep your office necessities close at hand by placing them next to your desks. Flexispot's mobile file cabinets are a great option because they have three tiers, inside compartments, steady rollers, and a built-in lock.
6. Temperature
You must discuss this matter with your new officemate as it relates to the room's temperature which you will both experience. Given that you are sharing a place, you must adjust the AC such that the temperature is comfortable for both of you. The person whose desk needs to be cooler should place it closer to the air conditioner. The same principle holds true if you don't have an AC. Place the electric fan next to the person's desk who wants a cooler environment. Talk about it so you avoid petty fights concerning the temperature of the room.
7. Lighting
Given that this is a work area, you might want to use task lighting, which most people refer to as office lighting. Your brain will be stimulated by this, which will increase work productivity.
One of your desks could also be positioned in relation to the lighting. Consider positioning your desk next to a window if you prefer natural illumination. Again, this should be communicated between the two of you so that there won't be animosity building up.
Final Thoughts
Enjoy building and decorating your shared office! There won't always be sunshine and butterflies, and you may occasionally find yourselves at odds over the most trivial of issues. That's fine and expected; just remember to talk to each other at the end of the day to work out a solution. Over time, you'll find yourself appreciating the company as opposed to the loneliness you might feel if you were just working by yourself and had no one to talk to. Know that you are two different people and that's actually where the beauty lies. You'll for sure won't have a workspace that would bore you!
