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The COVID-19 pandemic changed how we work. It forced many to create home offices suddenly. Now, if you’re working from home more permanently, how can you make it better? By choosing key items, you can turn your home workspace into a spot that boosts your productivity and comfort1.
No longer do you need to work at the kitchen table or with a laptop on your knees. The new work-from-home world requires a space that’s designed for you. Here, you’ll find advice on picking the right desk, chair, and gadgets to improve how you work remotely. This guide is your go-to for making your home office successful2.
Key Takeaways
- Identify the must-have items for a productive and comfortable work-from-home setup
- Explore ergonomic furniture and tech accessories that enhance productivity
- Discover how to optimize your home workspace for improved focus and work-life balance
- Learn from experts’ recommendations on the best work-from-home essentials
- Understand the importance of investing in a well-designed remote work environment
Transitioning to a Remote Work Environment
The COVID-19 pandemic has speeded up the switch to remote work. Companies worldwide find the flexibility and advantages irresistible3. During 2019 to 2021, the number of remote workers in the U.S. tripled to almost 18% of the workforce3. This shift means organizations need to quickly adjust and support their staff to do well from home.
Establishing Work-Life Balance
One big issue with remote work is finding a healthy balance between work and personal life4. To help, it’s important to have clear work hours. This stops you from always checking emails and messages4. Make sure your team tells others when they’re available for work. This avoids unnecessary meetings outside of work hours4. And don’t forget about end-of-day routines, like shutting down your computer and turning off your work area’s lights. These actions can help you switch off from work mode.
Creating a Dedicated Workspace
Keeping work and home life separate is crucial for those working remotely4. Try to have a designated spot in your house just for work. This can help you mentally leave work behind when you’re done for the day4. To keep that space focused on work, don’t use it for breaks or calls. Advising your team to work from different places occasionally, like a library or a coffee shop, can also freshen things up and boost their spirit.
Setting clear boundaries and having a dedicated work area can do wonders for a remote worker’s balance. It can lead to better productivity, mental wellbeing, and job satisfaction5.
“Transitioning to remote work has become compulsory for companies during the recent pandemic, and it has been proven to improve productivity.”5
Benefits of an Optimized Work-from-Home Setup
Moving to work remotely calls for setting up your home in a way that’s comfy and boosts work. If you don’t think about your body needs, you might suffer from pains like lower back or neck hurt, eye tiredness, and hand problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome6. This can slow down how much work you get done. But, with the right desk and chair setup, you can avoid these problems and find work less tough6.
Having a good work area at home makes you feel better physically and helps you work better6. It also makes it easier to separate your job from your personal life. Adding your own touch, like a favorite coffee cup or a small plant, can make your working space both relaxing and inspiring. This can help you concentrate and be more creative7.
Getting good office furniture and tools can change how you feel about working every day7. Items like an ergonomic chair and a stand for your laptop can reduce strain on your body. Plus, using headphones without wires keeps your work calls free from distractions6. Keeping cables neat and having good lighting also play a big part in having a workspace that’s orderly and supports your focus7.
Making the perfect setup at home can make you physically comfy and, at the same time, help you focus6. That can make you enjoy your job more and balance work and personal life better. Feeling professional and focused at home is key for staying happy and healthy while working from home6.
| Product | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Pro | Up to 22 hours of battery life8 |
| VIVO Electric Height-Adjustable Standing Desk | $120 – $2508 |
| Downx Office Chair | $150 – $2508 |
| Archer Wi-Fi Router | $50 – $300+8 |
Choosing the right work-from-home gear means you can be healthy and happy while you work7. This is essential for doing well in a work from home role. With a good setup, you can make the most of working from home and enjoy its benefits fully687.
work from home must haves
Ergonomic Desk and Chair
Being comfy and productive while you work from home means having good posture. An ergonomic desk and ergonomic chair are key. They give support that’s good for your back and help you sit correctly all day long9. The Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair starts at $129. Meanwhile, the Herman Miller Aeron Chair goes for $1,1959. If you can’t spend that much, consider the Autonomous ErgoStool for $149. Or, the Office Star Ergonomically Designed Knee Chair, which costs $609.
Adding a standing desk to your home office can be a game changer. It lets you stand up instead of sitting the whole time. The Jarvis standing desk has different sizes and starts at $5699. For something less expensive, try the Husky Adjustable Height Work Table as your standing solution9.
External Monitor and Laptop Stand
If you use a laptop a lot, you might face problems with your posture and your neck. An external monitor and laptop stand can fix that. They lift your screen to your eye level. This can help your neck and eyes feel better10. And, it makes you work better, too11.
The Nova Microdermabrasion Adjustable Drafting Table is only $74. For a bit more, you can get the Zinus Jennifer Modern Studio Collection Soho Rectangular Desk for $1109. Or, choose the Ikea Micke Desk in White, which starts at $909.
“Having an optimized workspace can significantly improve productivity for remote workers.”11
Enhancing Productivity with Accessories
Working from home means you need the right stuff to make your work easier and better. Items like a mechanical keyboard and an ergonomic mouse are key. They make your work smoother and boost how well you work.
Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse
A mechanical keyboard can help you type faster and better than a usual one12. The sound of each key can be quite satisfying. What’s more, you can customize it to suit your needs. Combine it with an ergonomic mouse. This helps keep your hands and wrists comfy, especially if you’re typing a lot.
External Webcam and Lighting
Nowadays, we rely on video calls a lot for work. A good webcam and lighting are essential for these calls to look professional12. With the right gear, your image will be clear and bright. Quality lighting ensures you always look your best. This leaves a good impression on everyone you meet online.
The right work accessories can change how well you get things done from home. Using these tools can make your day smoother. They also help you look more professional. And this could bring out the best in your work, even when you’re working far from the office12.
Optimizing Internet and Connectivity
In today’s remote work world, having a fast and reliable internet link is a must for staying productive13. Since the pandemic, more people in the U.S. are working from home. This shows the need for strong internet13. Good internet speed is key for video meetings, sending files quickly, and teaming up online13.
High-Speed Wi-Fi Router
A powerful Wi-Fi router is central to working from home13. The internet needs to be fast for video calls on Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, and Slack. These all work better with a strong, steady Wi-Fi connection13. With more companies embracing remote work, a top-notch router helps keep online talks and teamwork smooth and efficient13.
Adapters and Docking Stations
Adapters and docking stations bridge the gap between different devices and tech ports13. Since video meetings have become common, these tools are vital for keeping work setups professional and easy to use13. They allow remote employees to connect various gadgets like laptops and screens, which boosts efficiency and makes tech use smoother13.
| Internet Service Provider | Starting Price | Download Speeds |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon Fios Home Internet | $49.99/month | 300-2300 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber | $55/month | 300-5000 Mbps |
| Xfinity Internet | $20/month | 75-2000 Mbps |
| Spectrum Internet | $19.99/month | 30-1000 Mbps |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | $60/month | 245-245 Mbps |
In the table, you see different internet providers offering a variety of plans for remote work14. When choosing a plan, think about the internet speed, cost, and any data limits14. Using a VPN can also make your remote team’s connections more secure, and it can help fix network problems13.
Improving your internet setup at home can boost how well you work13. Upgrading to a better router, using the right adapters, and picking a strong internet plan are all steps in the right direction151314.
Personalizing Your Workspace
Moving to a remote work setting means making your space your own is super important16. It improves how you focus, feel, and do your job every day. As more people choose to work fully remote or in a mix, setting up a spot that fits your needs is key.
Desk Lamps and Lighting
Getting the lighting right can change your work area into a place of focus and comfort16. Desk lamps help direct light to where you’re working, saving you from the troubles of dim or too bright light16. Plus, using string or fairy lights can make your home office a calming space for when you work late into the night16. Awesome lighting boosts not just what you can see but also how you think, feel, and stay alert16.
Cable Management Solutions
Tidying up cables and keeping them neat helps your workspace look good and stay free of distractions16. Things like cord organizers and bins stop those messy tangles under your desk16. This boost is more than just good looks: it cuts down on getting caught up in cords and makes your desk work better16.
“According to Dr. Andrew Huberman from Stanford, better workstation setups improve focus, clear thinking, and lessen eye strain.”16
Choosing the right desk lamps, lighting, and cable management can really transform your workspace16. These little changes help you focus better, get more done, and stay happy while working at home16.
Investing in Comfort and Well-being
For a steady work-life balance and better work output, comfort and well-being are key when home-bound. Essential items that can boost your experience include noise-canceling headphones and a desk for standing with exercise tools.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Living with others means you need to block out noise during work and calls. Noise-canceling headphones let you focus better and yet be available in emergencies17. Brands like Bose excel in creating serene work zones by reducing unwanted sounds.
Standing Desk and Exercise Equipment
Sitting for long hours harms you. A standing desk helps you move more, and tools like a yoga ball or bands add activity during your worktime17. Affordable lift tables are available from IKEA and PrimeCables, while ErgoChair 2 and Herman Miller Aeron are top picks for chairs17. Including these in your work area betters your balance, attention, and health.
Invest in noise-canceling headphones and a standing desk with exercise gear for a cozy, beneficial workspace. These items aid in focusing, cutting disturbances, and promoting an active schedule from your abode.
Conclusion
Setting up a solid work from home setup with key items can change how you work every day. Choosing the best ergonomic, tech, and personal items lets you build a space that’s productive and fun. This kind of remote work environment helps your work-life balance and makes you feel at comfort18.
Remote work is getting more popular. It makes life better for workers and helps save money. People who work from home can do more because there are fewer things to distract them. It also means companies have more people to choose from18. But it’s not all easy. It can be lonely, hard to talk to others, and there might be a risk of someone hacking your computer18.
Add essential things like comfy chairs, good tech, and stuff that’s all about you to your home office. This productive work-from-home setup can boost how you feel overall19. Good seating, tech that works well, seeing natural light, and listening to music can help you work better and stay healthy19. With the best work from home setup, you can work well, feel comfy, and enjoy the good parts of working from home20.
FAQ
How can I establish a work-life balance when working from home?
How can I create a dedicated workspace at home?
Why is an ergonomic workspace important for my physical well-being?
What are the benefits of using an ergonomic desk and chair?
How can an external monitor and laptop stand improve my work-from-home setup?
What are the advantages of using a mechanical keyboard and ergonomic mouse?
How can a dedicated webcam and lighting improve my video conferencing experience?
Why is a reliable, high-speed internet connection essential for a productive work-from-home setup?
How can adapters and docking stations improve device connectivity?
What are the benefits of using desk lamps and cable management solutions?
How can noise-canceling headphones and exercise equipment enhance my work-from-home experience?
Source Links
- https://www.wired.com/story/work-from-home-home-office-gear-guide/ – Everything You Need to Work From Home Like a Pro
- https://www.mural.co/blog/work-from-home-setup – 12 work-from-home setup essentials | Mural
- https://www.business.com/articles/transitioning-to-long-term-work-from-home/ – How to Transition to Permanent Work From Home
- https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/remote-worker-office-supplies-employers-typically-provide/ – Work-from-Home Equipment: What Employers Typically Provide Remote Workers
- https://recruitee.com/articles/transitioning-to-remote-work – Transitioning to remote work: 9 tips for success
- https://www.betterup.com/blog/work-from-home-set-up – Work From Home Setup: Essentials & Ideas to Try
- https://philzen.com/blogs/news/15-tips-for-perfect-work-from-home-setup – 15 Must Haves for Work From Home Setups
- https://theprocesshacker.com/blog/work-from-home-setup/ – The Ultimate Work From Home Setup In 2024
- https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-work-from-home-essentials.html – Everything You Need to Work From Home, According to People Who Do It Everyday
- https://www.articulatemarketing.com/blog/working-from-home – Top 21 must-haves for remote working from home
- https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/everything-you-need-to-work-remote/ – Everything you need to work from home
- https://todoist.com/inspiration/home-office-upgrades – 13 Home Office Upgrades You Need If You Work from Home
- https://www.electric.ai/blog/how-to-optimize-your-network-for-remote-work – How to Optimize Your Network for Remote Work
- https://www.reviews.org/internet-service/work-from-home-internet-guide/ – The Best Internet Setup for Working from Home
- https://parkplaceinstallations.com/how-to-optimize-your-network-for-working-from-home/ – Optimize Your Home Network for Smooth Remote Work – Park Place Installations
- https://foyr.com/learn/how-to-create-a-home-office-design-that-maximizes-productivity/ – 13 Pretty & Practical Home Office Design Ideas for Productivity – Foyr
- https://jordantheriault.medium.com/investing-in-your-home-office-is-investing-in-yourself-1459f548cb3c – Investing in your home office is investing in yourself
- https://www.summary.com/magazine/the-pros-and-cons-of-work-from-home-policies/ – The Pros and Cons of Work-from-Home Policies | Soundview Executive Book Summaries
- https://www.vantagecircle.com/en/blog/work-from-home-setup/ – Work From Home Setup – What Every Employee Must Have
- https://kevineikenberry.com/long-distance-leadership/4-conclusions-future-remote-work/ – 4 Conclusions about the Future of Remote Work – The Kevin Eikenberry Group