WFH or work from home is not a new concept. For years, employees and freelancers are permitted to work at home. This concept as we know it today started with the dawning of the internet. It changed how people work. Apart from saving tons of paper, the internet shortened many traditional processes inside the office. Most importantly, it allowed people from different places to work together in real-time.
It was inevitable that many realize that jobs done inside the office can now be conveniently done at home. But despite this convenience, employers are still hesitant to send work to peopleâs homes. In their defense, the internet provides convenience, yes, but it can also provide its unique distractions.
With the rise of the global pandemic, however, companies and corporations are forced to adapt, which for many employees burned out in the office, is a good thing.
So, if youâre one of those people sent home to work, this article will help you prepare your own home office like a pro.Â
Workspace
Your home office or personal workspace must be a place where you can work in peace. It doesnât have to be a dedicated room. It can be a space or an area within a room where you can harness your energy and creativity so you can enter the zone and be at peace.
It can be a small area within your kitchen. One of my friends has hers below the stairs. You can also look at places in your house where people rarely go to, like the basement or the attic. But, you have to be careful, because some companies require frequent video calls, so, depending on your company, you may have to make sure you find a place with a presentable background. If you canât find any, well, video call apps are now able to display custom backgrounds for you.
Most important of all, your workplace must be a place where you can relax and focus on work.
Desks
Your working desk is very important. Yes, you can work on any surface, but the desk height and your chairâs seat height must complement each other if you want to work without getting uncomfortable. Luckily, there are a lot of desks in the market today that will give you the ability to adjust the height. Flexispotâs Adjustable Standing Desk is the perfect solution. You can work on it with any of your favorite chairs. You can use it as a traditional desk, and with a click of a button, you can convert it into a standing desk to promote a healthier working lifestyle.
Computers
Are you a Windows or a Mac person? A desktop or a laptop person? Or like me, do you prefer an iPad Pro? Whatever your choice is, there are a lot of options for you. Your company might even send your office computer at home. Just know that there are a variety of products in the market to help you make the most out of your devices. There are monitor mounts for single and double screens. Are you a programmer and may want your screen on portrait mode? There are monitor stands for that as well.
If you choose to use a laptop, there are adjustable laptop stands designed to make your laptop screen level with your eyes.
Are you working with a bulky CPU? There are a lot of CPU stands and cradles you can buy to keep them off your desk for the ultimate minimalist look.
There are a ton of products online that can transform your traditional-looking setup into something more interesting.
Chairs
Those cheap, ordinary office chairs are out. Ergonomic office chairs are in. Flexispotâs Soutien Ergonomic Office Chairs is the perfect solution. Using an ordinary office chair may be the automatic choice, but ergonomic office furniture is designed to help support your body while working. This means no lower back pains. No more of those annoying stiffness on the shoulders and neck after working hard for hours.Â
Ergonomic chairs are an important investment. They are comfortable, simple to use, and stylish.
Keyboards, Mouse, and Track Pads
If youâre like me, I hate those old mechanical keyboards. They are bulky and noisy. I was thrilled when I switched to the Apple ecosystem. Their line of keyboards, mice, and trackpads is a dream come true. Since Iâm using an iPad Pro, the new Magic Keyboard Folio (floating edition) is what I opted to use. But I also own a Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse that I use whenever Iâm on my desk. They are wireless, which means no cable to manage. My desk is always super clean to look at, which allows me to focus on work for hours.
If you have a PC, there are wireless keyboards and mice in the market very similar to Appleâs Magic lineup. Logitech is one brand you have to check out. So, ditch those old mechanical keyboards and switch over to their thinner and quieter modern versions. They are easier to use and easier to clean.
Staring at a laptop screen can be straining to the eye, so get yourself a stable laptop stand and connect a wireless keyboard and mouse to it and transform it into a portable desktop.
Headphones
A good noise-cancellation headphone is a must when working at home. If you can find a quiet place then good for you, but many of us, well, it can be nearly impossible. Sony Mark 4 is the best noise-canceling headphones in the market today. I bought one last year, and I got the white version. Itâs like magic! Put it on and youâre suddenly transported to a quiet place. No more noisy TVs, children running up and down the stairs, no sound from the street outside. Nothing.
Itâs also perfect for playing beach sounds while working! Imagining myself working on the beach always boosts my creativity.
Last Tip
Always make sure your desk is for you, not for anyone else. Donât put things in it just so your friends or followers on social media can say youâre cool. Your workspace should be about you and no one else. Your workplace should be able to inspire you, not put unnecessary pressure on you.
Happy working!