A new study shows more Australians are working from home because they are unable to finish all their work in the office. 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that people are spending more time traveling to and from work, and that more than 2.2 million Australians did some of the work of their main job at home. Between 2000 and 2005, the proportion of people saying they worked at least some of the time from home increased from 20 per cent to 24 per cent.

If you want to work efficiently at home from time to time, there are a few things you will need to consider to ensure your work space is as pleasant, comfortable and productive as possible.

A home office can be as large as a room or as small as a folding file - either way you should try your best to make it suit your needs and the needs of those around you, whether you live by yourself, with family or housemates. For example, if you have children who will need to use the computer, the office space would be better set up shared, instead of tucked in a corner in your bedroom.

When creating an office space -

> Depending on available space, use a wall or part of one - if you are extremely short on space mount shelves on the top portion of a wall to store files and use a table that can be folded down (to maximize your living space while the office isn't in use).
> Try placing a screen, large plants or a bookshelf to designate a corner of a room for office space.
> If you have a spare bedroom, consider replacing the double bed with a fold-out sofa bed to allow space for a desk and storage.
> If you have a  reasonably sized unused closet, consider converting it into a work space with a folding door. You may need to have the cupboard wired to provide good lighting and an electrical outlet - but it will be easy to close the door and turn your back on the work when you need to!
> When setting up a room for your home office, draw up a floor plan before purchasing equipment. Measure the room, then draw in windows and doors, and plot various design arrangements for such items as your desk and computer.
> Plan your work space so you have room to keep items such as the phone within reach while still retaining space to jot notes.