If you are lucky enough to have a job amid this pandemic, there is a likelihood that you are still with the work from home (WFH) measures many companies are still practicing. One of the secrets to success when working from home is investing in a comfy and relaxing home working environment. This means getting a home office, even if it is just a space in a room, and equipping it with home office equipment.
For those that are learning the ropes of working online jobs, investing in a home office is also paramount. Not only will it guarantee a healthy working space but also boost your morale and work output.
Whichever group you are in, these home office essentials will equip you for your work-from-home job:
Working desk
First, you need a working desk to place your work items like computers and other small items. However, we would recommend getting an adjustable standing desk rather than the usual traditional desks. An adjustable standing desk allows you to adjust its size so you can work while standing or sitting.
Working from your home’s comfort tends to suck one into the work, leaving most of us stuck to a chair the whole day. For your health, you need to stand now and then to help reduce weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce the back and neck pains caused by prolonged sitting periods.
An Ergonomic Office Chair
A chair is even more important than the desk as it determines your sitting posture. The goal is to get a chair that caters to your areas of weakness. That means doing some research on the available chairs and consider things like:
- The adjustability of the height and armrests
- Ability to roll for easy movement
- Lumbar support for the sake of your lower back
- Swiveling feature, also for easy movements
Computer
While both a desktop computer or laptop work, a laptop is ideal for mobility and portability. In case you want to change your sitting location, from the office desk to the couch or balcony when relaxing, you can still move with your laptop.
If you do not have a home laptop, consider investing if you are a freelancer working online. Consider specs like the storage capacity, speed, and RAM. Think of it as an investment for future work assignments, even when traveling. Also, in most countries, these business purchases are tax-deductible, which can reduce your tax liability.
A Laptop Stand
It is not every time you feel like working from your office desk. There are days you probably want to stay in bed a little longer but still catch up on work. Or you just need to relax on the couch while working. On these days, a laptop stand will be your best friend. With it, you can maintain an upright posture instead of hunching over your laptop throughout, which strains your muscles.
Internet Connection
It is essential to access high-speed internet, whether you are working as a freelancer or doing your office work from home. The last thing you need is downtime during important client briefings or office meetings with your bosses.
High frequencies of downtime can cost you clients and jobs for freelancers since it makes you unreliable. Ensure you have a fast internet while at it. There is a chance you will have video conference meetings and need to send large files via the internet. A slow internet connection will frustrate your efforts on both fronts, which does not paint you in a good light.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Earphones are good, but a pair of noise-canceling headphones is much better. It will block all the noise and help you to concentrate. We would also advise buying a pair of headphones with a microphone for video conference calls. If your freelance job involves online teaching and constant video calls with clients, this is the best solution for you. It will make the communication seamless compared to relying on the computer’s audio system only.
Stationery
Invest in a good collection of stationery – from pens and pencils to daily planners and notebooks. As much as technology makes it easy for us to take notes and plan with the tap of a phone icon, handwritten notes and planners can also be helpful. Always have a notepad for taking quick notes when in a meeting or when doing your research.
A planner allows you to plan your daily and weekly activities for maximum use of your time. And, if possible, get some sticky notes for sticking quick notes or reminders on surfaces, like your desk or computer.
Finally, on stationery, get an organizer that will keep your note pads and all pens organized and avoid cluttering your desk.
Printer and Scanner
You might be handling your work online, but sometimes hard copies are required. For instance, if you were required to physically sign a document and send it back, a home printer and scanner will save you the trouble of looking for a local printing office. It also helps keep these documents confidential. The good news is that the market has plenty of small and compact wireless printers that even double as scanners.
Lighting
Invest in good lighting, especially if your home office area does not have natural light. A well-lit bulb and a desk lamp can sort this issue. In addition, this lighting is ideal for video conferencing or Zoom video sessions. It lights up your face, making it lively.
Working From Home Software
Homeworking environments can often have distractions and loneliness. Plus, you are not surrounded by bosses like the office environment. To achieve your daily goals, you need maximum planning. This is where planning software like time management app, planning apps, time trackers, and motivation comes in. These can keep you on your toes, helping you manage your time for both work and personal time management purposes.
The bottom line is working from home is probably here for a long time. If you are transition into a freelancer’s life, it will mostly be your life for a long time. Part of settling in involves managing your finances and ensuring you invest in a cozy home working environment. The result will be effective management of your time and work, leading to getting more clients or earning more money for our financial security.
