The outbreak of COVID-19 forced major changes in everyone’s lives. Companies sent employees home to work, and today, more and more businesses are making the shift to allow for remote work on a more permanent basis.
Working from home may sound like a dream, but you need to be sure to have all the right tools and equipment to decrease the clutter and increase productivity.
Regardless of the size of your space, there are some things that are absolute must-haves. Here are some of the most important ones:
1) Ergonomic Chair
A comfortable chair is one of the most important purchases you can make for your home office so be sure to take time to research and select a good one. Ergonomics and comfort count, so if at all possible, try to test any chair before committing to a purchase.
2) Proper Lighting
Adequate lighting is critical for a productive and comfortable workspace. The last thing you want after a long day at work is to deal with a headache caused by poor lighting and squinting. Lamps are also a fun way to personalize your space.
3) Planner
Many of us rely on our phones and computers to remind us of upcoming events, but a traditional planner is still king when it comes to staying organized. With a day planner, you will be able to better visualize upcoming tasks, prioritize accordingly and increase your productivity.
4) External Hard Drive
Storing important documents in a cloud-based service is great, but you should attempt to follow the 3-2-1 rule whenever possible. You should attempt to have 3 copies of your important documents, with two of them being easily accessible on your computer and back up drive and finally, one off-site or in the cloud. This way you will always have access to your documents when you need them.
5) Office Supplies
There is nothing worse than looking for something to write with while you’re trying to take notes during a phone call or virtual meeting - even worse is when you reach for a pen and it doesn’t have ink. Our personal and biased opinion is that you can’t go wrong with Mr. Pen’s No Bleed Pens. They come in a pack of 6 for just $6.99. Other essential office supplies include a stapler, sticky notes, and scissors.
Finally, your home office is your own personal space, so it should make you comfortable and happy.
Be sure to include personal touches to make it your own, whether that includes family photos, familiar scents, or a potted plant.