Functional home office keeps you happy at work

Did you know it is estimated that by 2000 nearly 40 per cent of the North American work force will operate from their homes? From corporate employees linked to their offices via computers to entrepreneurs creating home-based businesses, everyone's going home.

If you're thinking of joining the ranks of home-based office persons, your kitchen or dining room table will only take you so far. To work efficiently, you need a space of your own.

Large corporations spend thousands, sometimes millions, of dollars to plan and furnish their offices and production facilities. They're aware of the importance space planning has on productivity and efficiency and will spare no expense.

On a smaller scale, the same holds true for home offices. It's important that the area you choose provides enough space and privacy for you to work effectively and efficiently. Once you've selected the location of your office, be it the attic, the basement or a spare bedroom, do some space planning. You want the area to be as functional and attractive as possible. By planning ahead, you'll avoid costly mistakes.

Start by clearing out the chosen space. Using graph paper, take accurate measurements and draw a scaled floor plan (l/2-inch:l foot). Mark existing electrical outlets, lighting placements, heating units, windows, closets and doors. Next, make an inventory of everything you will need - furniture, equipment, supplies - and note all dirnensions. Indicate which items require electricity. Although this may seem tedious, it's an important step in the planning process and shouldn't be skipped.

It's worth the time and expense to choose the right furniture. If you throw your office together with odds and ends, it may do for a while, until your rickety old chair causes lower back pain or your desk drawers play tug of war with you. You don t want to create an environment that you'll dread going to three months down the road, so plan wisely. If you can't afford new, state-of-the-art office furniture, look to second-hand. Some good prices can be had on furniture, filing cabinets and storage units that may be used but are not necessarily old.

Once your inventory list is complete, go back to your floor plan. Planning on paper first gives you the opportunity to visualize your new office as it should be. Try different set-ups to see which arrangement gives you the best use of available space. Remember, it's a lot easier to move furniture with a pencil and eraser than with muscle.

There are a few things to keep in mind when planning your office. First, try to position the desk perpendicular to the window, especially if you operate a computer. This will avoid direct glare from the sun or reflections on the computer screen.

Second, if most of your tine is spent setting at a computer, consider purchasing an L,shaped desk. This will avoid clutter by having a large clear work surface on the main desk with the computer easily accessible to the side.

Third, don't underestimate your storage needs. Estimate the amount you need, then double it.

Check your home for hidden space that can be used as storage Look to the basement, a little used closet or the garage. There's nothing more defeating than working in a cluttered, un-organized space.

Fourth, always consider lighting. A poorly lit space causes fatigue, eye strain and, over time, eye damage. Pay close attention to areas of your work space where close, concentrated work will be done. Desk lamps are best for task lighting. The adjustable neck allows you to set the light in any position. Indirect lighting in the form of fluorescents is also a good choice. They're more energy efficient than incandescents, last up to 20 tines longer and cast few shadows.

The decor of your home office depends on the nature of your work. If clients or customers never visit your office, the decor is up to you. Be as wild and off-the-wall as you want. Create an atmosphere that will work for you. If, however, you plan to bring clients or customers to your home office, consider the impression you will make.

Create a background for doing business. Let your work environment show that you're serious and well organized. What ever you do, remember that you want to create a professional and productive business setting, not a torture chamber.

Create a workplace that you look forward to being in and hate to leave. Once you've accomplished that, the world is your oyster .