home pocket office
Since the pandemic, workers have begun to return to the office, but the shift to remote work continues to be unmistakable as you drive through town. Large office buildings now have only a handful of cars in their parking lots. For instance, the IBM lot near Diagonal Highway is mostly vacant, a stark contrast to the 1980s when it was packed with thousands of cars and employees.
Even prior to the rise of remote work, many homebuyers were already asking for a study to be included in their floor plans.
Many new homes I sold in the '90s featured a study, typically located near the entrance as part of the floor plan. Before the internet, these studies often had bookshelves filled with resources related to the owner's profession. You might envision a leather chair and a large desk adorned with the business tools of the era. The study served as a quiet refuge for reflection and productivity.
With the advent of the internet in the mid-1990s, the need for extensive libraries diminished rapidly. As computers shrank in size, so did the space required for work. By 2012, builders introduced the term "pocket office," which usually referred to a small, built-in desk, often situated in the kitchen. This space became a convenient spot for managing household affairs and paying bills.
Enter the era of COVID-19 and the rapid shift to remote work for anyone able to do their job with a computer and internet connection. The spacious study was often repurposed into another type of living area, while the 2012 pocket office off the kitchen simply couldn't accommodate the demands of a full-time "work from home" setup.
Back in 2020, many builders began offering pocket offices with a range of floor plan variations and amenities.
Pocket offices can be situated in various locations within a floor plan. The key features are that they can be quickly closed off if the dog starts barking or the kids get rowdy during a Zoom meeting, yet remain close enough to open the door and stay connected with family when needed. Naturally, the level of privacy required will influence the ideal location. Just imagine being able to tap on the wall and have it slide away to give you access to your workspace!
The size of an effective pocket office is no longer dictated by the quantity of books and files necessary to do the job. All you need now is enough space for a chair, desk and computer, or maybe a desk built for standing while working. One of the requirements for the space now is the room to have a professional looking backdrop for online meetings.
Proper lighting is essential for preventing eye strain and maintaining productivity during your workday. While natural light is beneficial, it must be positioned correctly to avoid glare on your computer screen, which can make it difficult for others to see you during Zoom calls. Consider trying out various lights designed specifically for virtual meetings.
Additionally, it's important to have reliable internet access through a wired connection or Wi-Fi, as well as enough electrical outlets to power all your devices.
Next, consider the option of a She-Shed, He-Shed, or even a tiny house in the backyard. Many neighborhoods have seen small structures emerge as dedicated workspaces. If you choose this route, be sure to check with your local municipality and homeowner's association before investing too much effort.
If you're in the market for a new home with work-from-home space, reach out to your Realtor®. Your Realtor® can help you identify builders in the area who have updated their floor plans to accommodate the evolving needsof homebuyers.
Duane graduated with a business degree and a major in real estate from the University of Colorado in 1978. He has been a Realtor® in Boulder since that time. He joined RE/MAX of Boulder in 1982 and has facilitated over 2,500 transactions over his career. Living the life of a Realtor and being immersed in real estate led to the inception of his book, Realtor for Life. For questions, e-mail , call 303.441.5611 or boulderco.com .
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