With homeworking booming, it’s important for our health, and even wealth, to get the set-up right. Emma Buckle knows the difference a proper office space makes. The former agent-turned-teacher returned to the industry as a Designer Travel homeworker in 2019 while she was converting a one-time B&B into a family house. She spent months using a kitchen worktop or upturned box as a desk. Now, her purpose-built office with plentiful natural light overlooks her garden and a lake.
“My head’s clear,” she says. “I feel like I’m running my own business now. I feel I could see clients here if they wanted something bespoke.” She’s considering using images of herself in her workspace on social media believing it helps people “know you’re approachable”.
Emma tried several desks before choosing a favourite. She also has a physical noticeboard showing client departures. Everything is to hand if she has an urgent evening enquiry but she can also walk away. “My work-life balance and mental health is so much better now, she says.
She believes feeling more confident and organised helped her achieve over £500,000 in sales in the last year. “I feel I’m making a name for myself. I feel more professional,” she says.
Make the space
Personal Travel Agent David Russo has been self-employed for six years. Having an aversion to small offices, his workspace is the family lounge/dining room where he hides his screens at the end of the day. “It’s airy with plenty of light, I never feel miserable sitting here,” he says.
A high-backed chair for his tall frame was a must but getting a second screen to extend his computer desktop was the game changer. “I found it difficult tabbing between different documents, so that has been a godsend,” he explains. He’s now considering a stand-up desk arrangement to vary his posture. PTA head Sheena Whittle has recommended one that attaches to a dining room table.
Besides a world map, the prints on David’s walls include subtle travel messaging like “bon voyage”. With the room just steps from his front door, he’s comfortable welcoming occasional local clients to his office sofa.
For Clare Levy, owner of Different Planet Travel, the most important piece of kit is a door lock to prevent the accidental collision of home and work. “Otherwise, the kids fly in from school and they’re so excited to tell you everything and you’re on the phone to your top client… ” she explains.
Clare has worked from home for 18 years in a dedicated office space decorated with her kids’ drawings, but she admits she still struggles with the ergonomics. She wants a more supportive chair and is prone to tension headaches partly from holding the phone against her shoulder while she types. “I really should have a headset,” she confesses. “With Bluetooth, even my gym headphones could work.”
Her top tip is to mute alert noises and avoid screens when speaking to clients. “Don’t look at anything else. If an email comes in and you’re not listening to the client, they can tell.” She also restricts home visits to trade contacts with whom she can be informal.
Sharing the load
Local office sharing is another possibility. This year, Carrier has invited homeworking contacts to use its Manchester premises on request.
Three at a time are welcome on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on a week’s notice. Parking, breakfast and lunch are provided, and agents can use meeting spaces and even bring a dog.
“It gets them out of their own home and gives them a different environment and a bit of human contact,” explains agency sales executive Andy Tart. “They like the change… and the opportunity to see how a tour operator works from the inside.”
Visiting homeworkers can have brainstorming one-to-ones with Carrier specialists. Andy says: “It’s building good relationships. I think it’s so good for the staff as well to see the agents they speak to… especially if they bring their dog!” With operators more likely to have empty desks now hybrid working is typical, he believes the arrangement “just makes sense”.
