6 Things You Need While Working from Home

You already know to dress for work, to set specific work hours, and to take stretch breaks throughout your day. Since 43 percent of people sometimes working from home, according to Inc.com, having the right workspace changes everything. Read on for ideas about what you need to increase your productivity and make remote working more comfortable.

Dual monitors

You might be used to using a laptop for all of your work needs, but a monitor adds new depth. Two monitors are double the fun. Consider the way an artist uses a large canvas or a photographer switches to an ultra-wide lens for astrophotography. The picture changes on a grand scale. Clear images, larger text, and a hyper ability to cut and paste info from one area to the next makes editing documents, writing text, or editing videos a breeze.

Secure devices

When you make the jump from a physical work location to your own home turf, it becomes your responsibility to keep your devices safe from thieves. Protect sensitive documents and personal information with Norton LifeLock. It’s a password manager and defender against online threats, with backup cloud storage in case of theft, so you won't lose everything. Norton 360 with LifeLock offers comprehensive protection and privacy in one simple plan.

Headphones

If you need a little background noise or have calls to answer, a great pair of headphones will serve you well. Earbuds are perfect for the gym, but when you work from home, headphones offer superior sound quality. Look for noise-cancelling models if you need to limit your distractions. Other models offer the excellent sound you’d expect but, with open-back designs, other sounds filter in, such as your local food delivery driver knocking at your door.

Webcam

Whether your team uses Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype, up your remote meeting game with the right webcam. Yes, laptops have built-in webcams, but the quality leaves something to be desired. Your smartphone likely has a better camera than your laptop. Ditch the blurry meeting by opting for an external webcam. Look for 1080p models for a serious increase in picture clarity. If your webcam doesn’t arrive with a tripod, it’s worth looking into. Set the tripod in a place that’s comfortable for you, and avoid the awkward head tilt of using a laptop cam.

Accessories

An all-in-one printer or a cord keeper may be a given, but what about the feel of your home workspace? Deck out your new home office with style. Hang a large whiteboard near your desk for easy brainstorming, purchase potted plants to add a cozier feel and improve your indoor air quality. Add personal photos to your desk or tchotchkes that make it yours.

Standing desk

While a traditional, seated desk is more common, a standing desk isn’t anything new. Ernest Hemingway, Thomas Jefferson, Winston Churchill, and Charles Dickens used a standing desk to work. Numerous studies point to significant health benefits in making the switch, like losing weight and increasing focus.

Home office comfort

Working from home may have gone from a casual arrangement to something more permanent, but when it comes to getting things done, remote workers have plenty of options. Whether you opt for a standing desk (and a soft mat underfoot) or need to up your meeting game with an external webcam, stay productive and focused with these items perfect for any workspace.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes