In the past few years, remote work has become a norm. Even as more companies encourage workers to return to the office, more people continue to adopt the remote working model.
If you’ve secured a job that allows you to work from home, consider some of the most essential items you’ll want to keep in your arsenal.
1. Working Keyboard
A working keyboard is imperative if you’re going to deliver information in a clear, concise fashion. For some people, a desktop computer is an ideal way to go. For others, a simple laptop is great for flexibility. Additionally, a lot of people opt to work from their tablets. When you’re ready to type, you can attach your tablet to a wireless keyboard in order to get work done. As long as you have a USB outlet, you can operate from almost any type of smart device. Just make sure it’s in working order. Depending on the price, consider getting insurance to protect yourself from extremely expensive repairs.
2. Reliable Internet
Getting reliable Internet is essential when you’re trying to meet work deadlines and virtually connect with colleagues, co-workers, and clients. For most people, a high-speed connection is a non-negotiable component for working from home. In addition to this, it’s not uncommon for people to use a mobile hotspot for times when they’re traveling away from home and still need to connect. Do your research in order to find Internet providers who offer exactly what you need.
3. Comfortable Office Furniture
A great work environment needs to include a comfortable office chair. Invest in a chair that supports your back. Don’t underestimate the investment because when you’re suffering from back issues or pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, you’ll have to pay attention to the role your office chair played in your pain.
In addition to a great office chair, get a desk that allows you to comfortably place your legs underneath without an issue. Since sitting is considered the new “smoking”, a growing trend includes a standing desk and a flat treadmill. If you move between sitting for an hour and walking or standing for an hour, you can easily complete 10,000 steps in a day. It’ll also help you to avoid a sedentary lifestyle as most people tend to work an average of 40 hours each week.
4. Headphones
Headphones allow you to block out the noise that’s around you. If you have loud neighbors or you live in an area with a lot of outside noise, there’s only so much you can control. Since you can’t turn down the noise of your loud neighbors, you can put on noise-canceling headphones in order to block out distracting sounds and focus on your work.
Consider using YouTube playlists in order to get into deep work mode. Classical music is known to help with focusing for long periods of time. If you don’t want to wear headphones, consider investing in a sound machine. Sounds like brown noise, rain, or white noise can do wonders for helping a person focus for a long time as well.
5. Desk Tools and Essentials
Most remote workers don’t solely need their laptops and a chair. It’s pretty common to need to write things down, make to-do lists, and more. Knowing this, purchase items that are useful for you when you’re sitting at your desk.
Notepads, a planner, and pens are typical components of a desk setup. Highlighters, folders, and organizers tend to provide order to a space as well.
If you’re someone who likes to use fun gadgets in order to improve your workflow, consider items like a cushion to support your wrists as you use the keyboard. A whiteboard and dry-erase markers allow you to flush out ideas and concepts that you need to visualize.
Another essential tool that’s commonly overlooked is the trash can. You don’t want to fill your master bathroom trash bin with all of your old work papers. Purchase a trash can that’s specifically for your desk area.
Conclusion
There’s a common misconception that remote work looks a lot like sitting in bed with your laptop. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. This is especially true if you’d like to make sure you’re as productive as possible. When you create an environment that helps you to become as productive as possible, you’ll be able to see the results in the way you feel about the excellence you’re able to deliver within your career.
