Optimize your setup for a more productive day.

The concept of working from home (WFH) is hardly a new development, but since COVID-19, many offices that never would have considered the advancement have since made the switch. And for many the move to remote work is permanent.

This transition is welcomed by many, but it’s important that remote workers create optimal spaces in their work from home environment.

The things remote workers might need

The following items help create an environment where you can work for long periods of time in a focused, comfortable manner:

1. A designated workspace – Having your own space is important to keep your items separate and also set your mind frame in a work-related zone. For some this may not be possible to have a separate room or space. In this case, create a setup that is consistent for you.
2. A quality office chair – Poor posture for long periods of time can lead to potential health issues. A quality work chair can do wonders for lumbar support and provide height adjustments to ensure you’re doing what is best for you posture.
3. A desk or equivalent, level work surface – It may be tempting, but you should avoid working from your couch or on your bed for an extended amount of time. A proper work surface gives you space for your equipment and if possible you could even get a desk that is height adjustable to vary your day.
4. External Camera – External cameras offer flexibility and can be positioned and adjusted for the best angle, lighting, and background
5. Lighting – Provide the lighting you prefer that works best for you. Some will like dark rooms, while others need bright light, and others need more subtle lighting. Keep your lighting in mind if you are on camera a lot. A desk lamp or floor lamp can add a lot to the comfort of your workspace. It doesn’t always have to feel like work.
6. Separate monitor(s) – If you are working from a laptop a separate monitor can help you keep from looking down all the time, which can put undo strain on your neck. If a separate monitor is not possible a laptop stand may help to elevate your eyeline
7. Laptop Dock – Whether you have a lot or a little space a dock can provide easy connections to all your peripherals with one simple connection.
8. External Microphone – A standalone microphone will do a much better job of capturing your voice over your built-in laptop microphone for your online meetings.
9. Separate keyboard and mouse – A larger keyboard and mouse give you more freedom to position yourself at your workspace. If you are using a laptop stand, a separate keyboard and mouse makes this set up much easier to manage.

While many are working from home permanently, you need to take the proper measures to work from home safely and productively. Talk to your employer to see if they will provide a home office allowance – many larger companies will provide a stipend to employees so they can build and customize their workspace.