If, like so many of us, you've decided to start a new business during COVID-19, congratulations! You're entering the ranks of the entrepreneur. We're excited to have you.

But wait! If your business is very new (maybe it's a home service business, or an online store) then you may be meeting customers or clients in your home office. In this case, it's natural that you may be especially worried about the potential health risks.

Here are 5 ways you can make your home office space as safe and as useful as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include the software you need for constactless service, how to stage your space for virtual meetings with unique decor from Industria InMarket, and how safely schedule in-person meetings at your home office!

COVID Home Office Tip #1: Contactless Software

Thankfully, you can ensure that even in-person transactions at meetings are practically contactless with the wide range of SaaS options available to entrepreneurs today. For instance, you can manage expenses, collect payments, produce estimates, and transfer invoices through comprehensive payroll software. Software like this can also allow you to process multiple invoices simultaneously - you don’t need to be a financial expert to batch-process like a pro!

In addition, you can set up QR codes to exchange your business information with clients or customers and enable them to download documents without handing over any physical papers. Finally, you and your clients can even sign legal documents and contracts virtually with electronic signature software.

COVID Home Office Tip #2: Improve Your HVAC System

By improving your home’s HVAC system, you can keep bacteria and germs from entering your home office. Direct Air Conditioning states that by installing UV lights inside your HVAC system, you can sterilize the air handler coils and the air itself to eliminate bacteria in the system, therefore preventing the COVID-19 virus from spreading in this manner. You will need to hire an HVAC contractor to handle this job.

COVID Home Office Tip #3: Increase Air Circulation

In addition to fixing up your HVAC system, there are other low-tech strategies you can implement to increase the air circulation in your home office. SFGate recommends simply opening your windows and cracking open your door, using a window fan if possible, and installing exhaust fans and ceiling fans where appropriate. These changes will also help you keep your space cool in the summer months, and although your office is indoors, you can take inspiration from outdoor living spaces for great design choices!

COVID Home Office Tip #4: Require Mask Usage

It’s important that you and your clients or customers continue using masks during in-person meetings. Put a sign on your door instructing your guest to put on a mask before they enter. Place a small basket by your office door with unused masks in their original packaging that people can use if they forget to bring their own. You can also keep hand sanitizer in your office for guests.

COVID Home Office Tip #5: Prepare for Virtual Meetings

If you’d prefer to host virtual meetings, you’ll want to take some time to properly stage your office background, improve the sound quality in your office, and make sure that your lighting is top-notch. Clean up any areas of your office that will be visible over video chat, and choose either a plain background space or one that suits your business, like a bookshelf or a wall with interesting artwork. Ideally, you’ll want to position yourself so that you’re under natural lighting, but if this isn’t an option, you can invest in ring light for your computer. Finally, consider buying a small headset microphone for better sound quality. This will help everyone on the call hear each other clearly.

Staying safe while running your business during the pandemic takes some extra effort. But with the right approach, it’s definitely possible. Whether you want to host meetings in-person or virtually, these tips will help you take precautions while pulling it off!

Are you looking for creative decor for your business? Shop at Industria InMarket to make your space stand out!

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