Workplaces around the world were profoundly affected by the pandemic. It compelled companies to allow their workers to work from home. The remote work situation will likely continue even after the pandemic ends.
If it’s the first time you work remotely, you might have questions about the things you need to have at home. Here are some things you need to allow you to start working from home.
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Ergonomic Desk and Chair
Some people might not overlook this, but a suitable desk and chair are essential for you to be productive while working remotely. The desk and chair should be comfortable to use, and you shouldn’t scrimp on this since you’ll end up using it the whole day for every day of the week.
You should make sure the desk is at a suitable height to avoid complications in the future. On the other hand, the chair should offer proper back support so you won’t have issues at the end of the day.
Ergonomics should be emphasized since it prevents stress injury. Moreover, it also promotes productivity, which is something companies want from their employees.
Fast Internet Connection
Remote work requires a fast internet connection to allow you to easily connect with your colleagues online. If you can connect with unlimited bandwidth, it would prevent any issues in a video conference with your team.
Additionally, the online tools of your company can also require a faster internet connection. So, if your connection is currently limited, it’s advisable to have it upgraded as soon as possible so you won’t have to deal with any issues in the future.
Back-Up Internet
Having a back-up is always a good thing. And when it comes to remote work, a back-up internet connection is necessary if your primary connection fails. When this happens, productivity will go down.
A mobile hotspot will be a good back-up internet. Just make sure you’re living in an area covered by the network provider of the mobile hotspot you’re using. It wouldn’t make sense to get a back-up internet connection that doesn’t work in your area.
Computer
This is a no-brainer since without a computer you won’t be able to work. You have a variety of options when it comes to your computer. You can use a desktop computer or a laptop. When it comes to performance, you can get a gaming desktop PC, which you can use to play games after your shift or during the weekend.
You can also settle for a basic business laptop that offers all the features you need to do your job. While a laptop offers the mobility many remote workers are looking for, you might have to set aside a hefty budget since it’ll cost more than a desktop.
Additionally, if you’re planning to use a laptop, you can get an external keyboard for it. An external keyboard offers a lot of benefits, including lower carpal tunnel syndrome risk and better hygiene. You can also get an external monitor as well as a mouse.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
A pair of noise-canceling headphones is also advisable to allow you to easily join any Zoom conversations with your colleagues. It is also useful for people working at home as customer service support personnel.
You can also opt to get a pair of wireless headphones or a pair of USB headphones. Just make sure it offers the features you need for remote work. These features include a noise-canceling feature and a good microphone.
Wi-Fi Router
Laptop users also want to get a good Wi-Fi router. This will allow them to use their laptops anywhere in the house as long as it’s within the router range. Since there are many options in the market, you can look for one that offers a good range and is within your budget.
External Camera
An external camera is also necessary if you’re using a desktop PC. This will allow your colleagues to see you while you’re on a videoconference. If you’re using a laptop, the camera on the device is normally good enough. But you can also get an external camera if you’re not keen on the low resolution of the integrated camera on the laptop.
Conference Speaker
A conference speaker is also a good thing to have at home if you’re going to talk with a colleague through your phone. Using the speaker frees up your hands and allow you to work on something on your computer. While smartphones already have a speakerphone feature, a conference speaker provides better quality than what smartphones currently offer.
Remote work might be something new to a lot of people. But if they have the right equipment at home, they can end up liking it so much that they’ll prefer working at home even after the pandemic ends.