Your Ultimate-Working-From Home Office Guide

Working from home is quickly becoming the norm for many of us. As remote working arrangements and home offices become more popular, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary equipment and tools at your disposal to make sure you are productive and successful in your work.

The Future Of Working From Home

In a survey conducted by Microsoft, 77% of people reported that working from home could be the new normal for them in the future. With digital nomads and remote workers becoming more prevalent, it’s important to ensure your home office setup is equipped with everything you need.

This guide will help you set up your ultimate working from a home office so that you can get on with your work in comfort, efficiency, and functionality.

Here are 20 things you need to get in place for a successful work-from-home setup:

1. A dedicated workspace

Setting yourself up for success starts with having a dedicated workspace where you can focus on getting the job done. Look for an area that is quiet and away from any distractions such as televisions and household noise. Try to make sure your workspace is comfortable, ergonomic, and organized so that you can focus on the tasks at hand.

2. A computer

Having a reliable computer is essential for any home office setup. Invest in a laptop that has enough power to handle all of your work requirements, such as video conferencing or working with large files. Additionally, having a tablet or smartphone with the right apps can also help you stay productive while on the go.

3. The right software

To ensure you have access to all the necessary applications and programs for successful remote working it’s important to equip yourself with the right kind of software. Consider getting an online collaboration suite such as Google Suite or Microsoft Office 365, which will give you access to the latest and greatest tools like document sharing, spreadsheets, and presentation apps. Video-calling software like Skype, Zoom, and Google Hangouts is also essential for connecting with your colleagues and clients.

4. A reliable internet connection

Having a dependable internet connection is essential for any remote working setup so that you can stay connected with colleagues, customers, and clients. Invest in a fast and secure broadband connection as it will help minimize disruptions while also keeping your data secure. Make sure to also have a backup connection in case of any outages or breakdowns.

5. An ergonomic chair

To maintain a healthy posture while you’re sitting at your desk for extended periods of time, it’s important to invest in an ergonomic chair or office furniture that provides adequate support for your back and arms. This will help reduce fatigue and discomfort throughout the day so that you can stay productive and focused. Ergonomically designed chairs mean that you can also adjust the height and lumbar settings to suit your needs.

6. A monitor

Having a second monitor is helpful for working from home as it allows you to view more information on one screen at a time, which will help increase your productivity. Invest in a high-quality monitor that offers the best resolution for all of your tasks. Also, make sure it’s at the right height and distance from your eyes.

7. Adequate lighting

A well-lit workspace is essential for maintaining comfort and focus while working from home so make sure to factor this into your setup. Consider investing in adjustable desk lamps or floor lamps that offer multiple angles to suit different tasks throughout the day as well as natural light if possible. Eye strain is a common problem for remote workers so make sure your lighting is comfortable and easy on the eyes.

8. Noise-canceling headphones

Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds are great for when you need to focus on a specific task or block out any distractions while working from home. Invest in a comfortable pair that is specifically designed for long hours of use and noise cancellation. This will help you stay focused on the task at hand and reduce any anxiety that can be caused by excessive noise.

9. A printer/scanner

Having access to an all-in-one printer/scanner can make life easier when it comes to scanning documents, printing out reports, or even making copies of paperwork. Look for one with the latest features such as wireless connectivity and cloud support so that you can print documents from anywhere. Even though a paperless environment is ideal for remote work, some teams will still require that documents are printed out and scanned in so having a printer/scanner can be the difference between success and failure.

10. Adequate storage solutions

To avoid clutter and keep everything organized, having adequate storage solutions is essential. Invest in filing cabinets or storage boxes to keep all of your documents organized and easily accessible. Additionally, installing Solid Wood Shelves above your desk can also help give you more space while keeping everything neat and tidy.

11. A phone

Having a dedicated home office phone will help you stay connected with colleagues and clients. Look for one that offers features such as caller ID and call forwarding so that you can take calls even when you’re away from your desk. Everyone has a mobile phone nowadays but by installing a landline you can rest assured that all business calls will be answered and dealt with in a professional manner.

12. A webcam

Having a webcam is essential for anyone working from home, as it allows you to maintain face-to-face contact with colleagues, customers, and clients. Look for one with HD video capabilities so that everyone can see each other clearly during virtual meetings or conferences. It is important to note that the quality of your webcam will affect how well others can see you, so invest in one with a good resolution and features such as low light sensitivity.

13. Ergonomic accessories

To reduce the strain on your wrists, neck, and back while working from home, consider investing in ergonomic accessories such as wrist rests, mouse pads, or a standing desk. It may also be worth investing in an ergonomic keyboard to help reduce fatigue and discomfort while typing.

14. A reliable backup system

Having a secure and reliable backup system is essential for any remote working setup, as it ensures that your data is safe and secure at all times. Look for one that offers cloud storage so you can access your important documents from anywhere with an internet connection. You can also invest in an external hard drive to store your documents securely.

15. An air purifier

Staying indoors for prolonged periods of time can quickly expose you to pollutants and allergens, so consider investing in an air purifier or humidifier to ensure that the air you’re breathing is clean and free of harmful particles. This will help keep allergies and illnesses at bay while you’re working from home.

16. Comfortable clothing

Having comfortable clothing is essential for maintaining focus and productivity levels, so make sure to invest in items that are designed for all-day wear. Look for breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen that will keep you cool during the warmer months and warm during the cold months.

17. A laptop stand

If you’re using a laptop as your main work device, consider investing in a laptop stand to help lift the screen up to eye level, which can help reduce neck strain and improve posture when working from home.

18. A visitor chair

Investing in a good quality office chair is essential if you want to be comfortable while working from home, but if you have guests or clients visiting your office, having an additional chair can be helpful too. Look for one that is comfortable and matches the style of your office.

19. Artwork/decorations

Decorating your workspace with artwork or decorations can help boost creativity and productivity levels as it makes your work environment more inviting and enjoyable to work in. Feel free to add a few personal touches like photos, plants, or a lamp to make it feel more like home.

20. A snack area

Having easy access to snacks and drinks will keep you energized throughout the day, so consider creating a designated snack area where you can store all of your favorite treats and drinks. This will help you stay focused and motivated while working from home.

21. A whiteboard

Having a whiteboard or chalkboard in your home office can be incredibly helpful when brainstorming ideas or jotting down notes. This is especially useful if you need to step away from your desk and work on an idea somewhere else in the house, as it allows you to easily reference any important points that come up during your session.

In Conclusion

Creating a comfortable and productive workspace at home can take some time and effort, but by following these tips you will be able to set up the perfect working environment from a home office that suits your individual needs. Whether you’re just starting out or have been working remotely for years, investing in the right tools and accessories can make all the difference when it comes to your productivity levels and overall satisfaction with your work environment.