The new normal is all about change. One major adjustment is the fact that you will be working from home. There is no need for a daily commute, and you can wake up later than usual without thinking about being late to work. And think about all the comfortable clothes you can wear while telecommuting in the comforts of your house. While it may seem like a dream come true for most people, an employee may not be fully prepared to work at home. This premise is the reason why the right office furniture, equipment, and connectivity gear should be a must for your working area.
Being comfortable is the secret to a successful and efficient work-from-home schedule. It would be best if you had the perfect office furniture and gear for a hassle-free work environment while staying at home. Here are nine things you need to get you started on a productive home-work schedule.
A comfortable chair
When you work at home, you will be sitting for a long time. The heaviness of your upper torso can put additional pressure on your lower back and hips. Studies show that you still need to support your neck and back via a stressless seating posture, and a comfy chair can do just that. An ergonomic chair can do wonders for your health and improve productivity. It reduces the risk of back problems and a stiff neck after a long, hard day at work.
A sturdy and adjustable desk
Aside from a cozy chair, a desk is also a piece of office furniture that a telecommuter cannot live without. You still need to stand from time to time to reduce back pain (if any) and lower the risk of heart diseases linked to a sedentary work environment. But there are instances where the work is aplenty, and you cannot leave your tasks hanging. Having a desk that is both sturdy and adjustable will be beneficial for both your work and health needs.
A high-speed internet connection
Working from home is all about using online resources. You cannot finish your everyday work responsibilities if you have a turtle-paced internet connection. Having a high-speed internet connection ensures that you can pass all work deadlines on the dot, and even start on your assigned tasks for the next day.
A work-from-home software
Most companies require their employees to log-in to their internal system at the workplace. They do everything there – clocking in before their work starts, doing the actual tasks that you are paid to do, and logging out for the benefit of the human resources department in charge of your salaries. So before starting your work-from-home journey, make sure that you are hooked up to the cloud system and updated database of your employer.
A desktop or a laptop
You have the software, but you must also have the equipment to make it work. Having a work-issued laptop is fine. But if you are more comfortable with a desktop computer, you can consult with your supervisor to assist in making things work for you.
A secondary monitor
Some people work with two or more programs. If it seems too overwhelming, you may opt to have a second monitor. This process allows you to segregate your tasks without being confused about what you need to do for the day.
A separate keyboard and mouse
If you are used to working on a laptop, you can also consider having a separate keyboard and mouse system. These will be especially helpful if you have a secondary monitor on hand.
A surge protector
Power outages are a real danger, especially when you are working on a time-sensitive project. It can also damage your electrical equipment by burning out a couple of internal wires. A surge protector helps protect your laptop or desktop from such a situation.
Noise-cancelling headphones
When there are audible distractions such as a barking dog or a TV program in the background, it cannot be easy to concentrate on work. Procrastination is a real and present danger to most work-at-home employees. A noise-cancelling headphone puts you in work mode and allows you to focus on what matters in the next couple of hours.
Your work output still matters. So your home-office setup should enable you to work efficiently and productively. It may not be easy at first, but with the right tools, you can create a work environment that makes you want to work every day.
