Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working has become the best option for employers and employees alike. However, it is almost impossible to be productive without the needed home office essentials. Moreover, considering that you need self-motivation to work from home, you need to enjoy working from your dwelling. Therefore, as 16% of companies are more interested in hiring personnel to work remotely, you may read on to know more about these necessary home office essentials.
Internet connection
If you’ve ever heard that the world is a global village, you’d realize that it rings true. It has more to do with digitization and how impactful the internet has been to the world since its inception. Indeed, working from home may not be possible without the internet. For example, high-speed internet, reliable connectivity, dependable email server, etc., are only a few to aid productivity. However, there is nothing more frustrating than experiencing frequent power cuts and an unstable internet connection when working from home. Therefore, it’s imperative to invest in a stable internet connection.
Furthermore, do not forget to opt for a reliable network router or VoIP service, as they contribute and enhance your productivity when you work from home. In some circumstances, your employer may provide you with a secure connection to reduce the risk of cyber theft and other fraudulent activities. However, if your case is different, you only need to provide for yourself while getting paid at the end of the month.
A printer
Today, the printer is more than a machine strictly reserved for the office setting. Even before working from home gained more traction, people found the need to have basic printers in the home. If you doubt the necessity of a printer, the following reasons may convince you. Apart from working from home, a scenario may demand you print out forms to fill out (in your handwriting) and scan them to the appropriate body.
Better yet, you could be faced with another situation that requires making notes on a report, and doing it on MS-Doc doesn’t cut it for you. Lastly, maybe you have kids who need workbooks printed out because they’re home too. Would you always run out to the closest local office supply store to print? Indeed, that may not be a sustainable option. Therefore, you should always choose a reliable brand for the best office printers.
A computer or laptop stand
Suppose you’re working for long hours even while at home. The computer stand is one of your most reliable home office essentials. Apart from being inexpensive, it offers you the best angles to protect your eyes, hands, neck, and shoulders from typing fatigue. More importantly, the computer stand contributes to machine safety as it prevents your laptop or desktop from overheating.
Furthermore, most computer stands are adjustable and considered inexpensive ways to improve your posture as a user. Without a stand, the weight of your head is taken on by your neck. Over time, this posture affects your spine, causing pains in these areas. This is also known as the tech neck.
Headphones
If working from home includes regular video and voice calls with the office, you may need reliable headphones. It is even more important when you share the home space with family or friends. Apart from the privacy that headphones offer, they are excellent for noise cancellation too. However, the latter is only assured if the pair you bought is of good quality.
An ergonomic chair
Your back must be protected at all times, especially when sitting, and that’s where ergonomic chairs come in. These unique chairs are designed with the end-user in mind. Ergonomic chairs provide customized support for the back and boost productivity because of the comfort they offer. Before you purchase an ergonomic chair, be sure to find out they have the following features:
- Seat depth
- Lumbar support & armrests
- Adjustable seat height
Good lighting
Can you work from home without proper lighting? Of course, you cannot. That is the objective behind having a fully illuminated home office space. This can be sunlight shining through your windows or interior light fixtures that throw adequate illumination in your work area. However, no matter what kind of light you use, be conscious of distracting glares and shadows.
There is more you can and should do to bring your home office up to the required standard. However, no matter what you go in for, the guiding principle must be comfort and convenience to boost your productivity.
What other home office essentials do you need to boost productivity? Let me know in the comments below!
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