Working from home during these uncertain times can be beneficial, but it can also present unique problems when it’s time to meet with clients and customers. The good news is, there are plenty of simple techniques you can use to keep things safe and comfortable when meeting face-to-face in your home, including utilizing software and other tech that minimizes contact. You can also stage your home to ensure that you and your clients are able to social distance while taking care of business. If you’re interested in sizing up to give yourself more room in your home office, take a look at Porsche Design Tower, where you can check out spacious high-rise floor plans.
Read on for some ideas that will help you stay safe when doing business at home.
Minimize contact
Covid-19 has created so many changes to the way we do business, but fortunately, technology has made it easy to adapt. Think about how you can make it easier for your clients to sign documents or pay their invoices online or from afar; invoicing software such as Quickbooks, Tallie, and Invoicera can help you send and manage financial documents with ease while ensuring that your clients can pay on time. You can also use video chat apps for those clients who don’t feel comfortable meeting face-to-face, as well as free online tools from Google and DocuSign that allow you to share and sign documents. Make sure you’re familiar with up-to-date local health guidelines in regards to distancing.
Go virtual
Online tools and technology can be extremely helpful whether you’re meeting in-person or virtually, but it’s important not to forget about setting up your office space even if you’re only going to be engaging in a video chat. A good lighting setup is crucial, and it’s also a good idea to leave the background simple but aesthetically pleasing. Don’t include too many personal items, such as family photos, as these can be distracting. Make sure your chair and desk are at the right heights before you start the meeting, as a weird angle can also be distracting to your clients.
Stage it
When face-to-face meetings are unavoidable, stage your home and office for social distancing by moving furniture further apart and creating comfortable spaces for your clients with everything they need to conduct business (fresh pens, hand sanitizer, a spare mask, a notebook). Open windows to keep fresh air circulating, and consider investing in an HVAC system that’s fitted with UV, as these have been shown to provide sanitization for cleaner indoor air.
Declutter every space your client will see and do a deep-clean, paying special attention to dusty areas. It can also be helpful to add plants, which contribute to better air quality.
Create some privacy
Whether you’re meeting in person or online, it’s crucial to make sure you have some privacy. Talk to your family members about giving you space and refraining from interruptions when you’re doing business, especially when you have clients in your home. Not only will this help you focus on your meeting, it will help your clients feel safe if they know they won’t have to social distance from other people. Virtual visits will benefit from privacy as well, allowing you to remain professional even if you’re conducting business from home.
Setting up your home and office space for meetings during the pandemic takes some thoughtful planning to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both you and your clients, so give yourself plenty of time to stage the areas and make sure you have all the tools you need beforehand, including masks.
Interested in making a move to a larger space? Contact Porsche Tower to find out more about their available floorplans.
Photo via Pexels