North of 4.7 million people work remotely at least 50% of the time in the U.S. While not all companies allow employees to work remotely and not all employees like this work arrangement, more and more businesses are tapping into the benefits of remote work or telecommuting.
When working from home, it's best to have a dedicated workspace to focus on getting things done. What you need in your workspace will depend on various factors.
Continue reading to see eight things you should probably have in your home office space.
1. Computer
You'll need a computer if you're working from home. While your business might give you one, there's a chance you'll get to use the one you have. That might mean upgrading to get a machine with the specs needed to accomplish your work-related tasks. When seeking a laptop for work, you can check out laptops on sale wherever you are. Ensure you get one suitable for work-related use. A personal computer for email and streaming might not be sufficient for work. So, look specifically for laptops for small business use rather than light-duty laptops.
2. High-Speed Internet
Working from home means you'll need high-speed internet access. Dial-up speed internet will lower your efficiency and productivity—possibly jeopardizing your remote working experience. Chances are good that you won't be able to work from home if you don't have high-speed internet. So, ensure you live in an area offering high-speed internet. Some remote areas, like rural regions well outside of large cities or suburbs, have limited internet access. In those regions, you might be limited to satellite-based internet, which can be costlier than broadband service.
3. All-in-One Printing Machine
You may also need an all-in-one printer, scanner, and fax machine unit. If your business has gone paperless, you may not need such equipment. But if printing, faxing, or scanning is necessary, you'll want a machine that can do it all.
4. Ergonomic Chair
You'll spend plenty of time in an office chair, so get a good one. Find a quality, ergonomic chair that is comfortable while you work. Don't just buy one based on consumer reviews or promotional materials, though. You need to sit in it before buying it to ensure it's comfortable enough for you.
5. Surge Protector
Invest in a surge connector to protect your equipment from any surges in the power grid. Without such a device, surges can destroy your equipment. A surge protector is a worthwhile investment.
6. Desk
What's a home office without a desk? While a desk is preferable to sitting on the sofa with a computer on your lap, you can likely get by with a table if you don't wish to invest in a desk.
7. Storage
Don't forget storage. You don't want your office space to be crowded or cluttered. So, incorporating the storage solutions you need into your workspace can be a game-changer.
When considering storage, also consider your digital documents and files. You need to back up your digital documents and files so they don't become lost if your laptop is compromised.
8. Paper Shredder
A paper shredder is also a must. You don't want essential documents to fall into the hands of anyone—let alone disreputable persons. Identity theft is a severe problem. You can reduce the odds of becoming a victim by using a paper shredder to dispose of things effectively.
When considering how to equip a home office, these eight things should be on your shortlist. You may need some or all of them, and you may require more things to work effectively. It's vital to prepare yourself for success as a remote worker. The right equipment and tools will help you be as efficient and productive at home as in the company office.
