Simplifying work

When Rachel Prioleau works, it's all about helping small towns revitalize their business districts. It's not the kind of job that usually comes to mind when you discover someone works from home, but that's what she does.

Prioleau has worked from a home office for 12 years, 10 of them since moving to Charleston.

"I work mostly with my mother's business out of Atlanta," says Prioleau. "We work in Main Street towns. We figure out how much retail and office space they can support. I have to do a lot of research and writing reports. I can turn my phone off and not have people walking up when I'm working. Even my team members are in a different city."

Prioleau teleworks, or telecommutes, from home because it simplifies her life. As the mother of a 5 year-old who lives in a house under renovation, she doesn't want the added stress that can come with planning what to wear, figuring out where to park or deciding where to have lunch.

Others agree that its a family-friendly practice, but the need to save money in a tight economy and reduce automobile emissions that contribute to global warming have become very popular reasons, too.

Employers such as the state of Virginia, where half the 900 employees in the Department of Taxation work from home at least one day a week, encourage it. South Carolina state employees can apply for it individually. Jobs generally thought to be suited to teleworking include those that involve a lot of analysis, writing, data entry and telephoning.

Whether the home office is in a room or a closet, outfitting it for comfort, inspiration and productivity requires planning. Experts advise those moving from a traditional office to a home office to note what works for them and what doesn't before making the move. Keeping those things in mind can help design a home office that meets the occupant's needs.

Prioleau, who does not meet clients at home, chose to place her office in a private area of the house. If clients will visit a home office, it should be near an exterior door so they won't have to travel through private areas.

She has a computer, laser printer and fax machine. She uses the land line in her home for business calls and her cell phone for personal ones. Her husband, Robert, is a Web site designer who works out of an office downtown, and her young daughter does not get calls, so there's no competition for the land line.

"All of my office furniture is white," says Prioleau. "It just seems more organized and clean."

She spent about $1,000 on office furniture from Ikea, which she likes because it's flexible and modern. Prioleau previously used a collection of furniture that was not wanted for other areas of the house. She estimates that her productivity has increased 15 percent since she started using furniture bought for the office.

Computers etc.

One of the newest computers for the home office is a hybrid desk top, one made using laptop components, says Chris Scott, manager of Staples on Folly Road. The 12-inch-long, 2-inch-wide hybrid requires a lot less room than a tower. It should be paired with a flat-screen monitor.

Scott also recommends an all-in-one printer, copier, scanner and fax because having all of the functions in one machine saves space. The ink jet all-in-ones can handle a moderate volume of work, but those producing high volumes should get a laser all-in-one, color or black-and-white. In addition, both inkjets and lasers are available in wireless models, which can help cut down on unsightly and potentially hazardous wires and cords.

Furniture

Teleworkers should start by measuring their space and taking the dimensions along when shopping for furniture, says Johnnie Stanfield, manager of Haverty's West Ashley store. That will help them to decide the best kind of furniture to buy.

The choices include peninsula units where two people can work on opposite sides of the desk, she says. An option for a tight space is a unit with a desk and shelves for storage that should be placed against a wall. And when the work space is in a room with another function or a small apartment, a desk with dimensions similar to that of a sofa table that can be opened up or folded down could be best.

One popular option among young people with home offices is furniture with a streamlined, casual look in black. Some pieces can be used to create a cube, and others are best in a more traditional arrangement.

Ergonomically correct chairs, which support the seated posture necessary for a healthy back, are important for those who spend a lot of time sitting while working. They can be purchased in leather, mesh and fabric styles at office supply stores such as Office Depot and Staples.

Lighting

A room that is too dimly lit can cause eyestrain and poor work production, says the American Lighting Association. Too much glare, on the other hand, can be distracting and lead to headaches. Home office lighting needs to assist in creating a comfortable work environment and provide focused illumination for reading, writing and operating a computer.

The association recommends placing two large ceiling fixtures, one to the right and one to the left of the desk. That will help provide effective general lighting in the room and reduce shadows in the work area. Don't put fixtures directly in front of the desk because they will cause reflections.

When more light is needed around the keyboard area or on the desktop, an adjustable table lamp usually meets the need. Highlight art, awards and plants with track lighting for a dramatic effect.

Reach Wevonneda Minis at 937-5705 or wminis@postandcourier.com.