How to make a good impression if you work from home

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Working from home is something millions of people were doing even pre-Covid. Many people even have businesses they run entirely from home. Thinking about my hair and nail appointments, both businesses are run by women who have converted parts of their homes into salons. So working from home certainly isn’t a new concept, though it is perhaps more prevalent now. So if you work from home, especially if you have clients visiting then you’ll be wanting to make a good impression. Here’s how to make sure your home office gives off the right vibes.

Get the decoration right

Your decoration choices should be ones that appeal to a wide audience but that also reflects your brand. If you’re known for big bold designs then a plain white office/studio/salon just won’t reflect you. On the flip side though you don’t want a space that’s too overwhelming for clients. You need to strike a balance between creating a calm and relaxing space and creating a space that’s memorable and that people will instantly link to you.

Even if you don’t have clients visiting your home work space, decoration is still important. Chances are you’ll still be conducting virtual meeting and the background for those meetings will reflect you and your business so make sure it’s spot on. The right decoration is important for you too as you want a place where you feel happy and comfortable but also a place that sparks creativity.

Practical but stylish furniture

If you’re inviting clients into your work space then the furniture they sit on and use is something to consider. The furniture needs to be practical, comfortable and fit with the style of your office/studio/salon. Reception furniture is a great option if you have a waiting space or a meeting space. You’ll definitely want to invest in comfortable seating for your clients. Desks and tables are probably going to be another big piece of furniture you’ll need in your work space. Office furniture doesn’t need to be boring and considering this is your space and as such an extension of your home then the furniture you use in there shouldn’t be boring either.

Office rules still apply

So far we’ve only talked about how the look of your work space can be used to make a good first impression. While aesthetics are important for first impressions, it’s important to remember that office rules still apply. While a home work space can be a more warming and welcoming space, the way you work still speaks volumes. Punctuality and good communication are still very important. Part of creating a good impression comes from the way you work, delivering work on time, been available when you say you will be and effective communication will all help ensure that your clients return again and again.

Get into good habits

If you don’t have clients in your work space all the time it can be easy to fall into a few bad habits such as working in your pj’s, not keeping the work space tidy or even neglecting the work space in favour of your bed or sofa. No one expects you to be sat around in a full suit all day but even the act of getting up, getting showered and pulling on some smart casual clothes or smarter loungewear can help get you ready for the work day. PJ’s are sure comfortable but they’re not professional and the boundaries between work and home will start to blur which isn’t healthy for you either.

Speaking of blurring the line between work and home, if you neglect your work space on days where you don’t have clients face-to-face or virtually and opt for working from your bed or sofa I can guarantee that not only will you not be as productive as you could be but that you’ll also find it hard to relax in an evening when you’re using those same spaces for your downtime.

You have a dedicated work space, so use it. Getting into the habit of using that space for work and keeping it clean and tidy will mean on the days you do have clients then it won’t feel like such an odd experience and you’ll be at peace and happy in your work environment.

Do you work from home? Do you have any good tips for creating a good first impression with your home office?