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Working from home can have many benefits: more time with family, the ability to work anywhere, and lower costs all come to mind. However, it can also be a much lonelier and less productive place to work. How do you stay motivated and focused enough to get things done? Working from home requires special equipment, set-up and routine that makes it far more productive than simply trying to “work” from home any old day. Working from home can feel like you’ve been set up for failure. It’s harder to focus; there are fewer natural breaks in the day; and your personal space is a lot smaller than an office cubicle. These five pieces of equipment will not only make working from home much easier – they’ll improve your productivity wherever you are working.
A Good Desk and Chair
A good desk and chair may not seem like equipment, but they are absolutely essential for productive work from home. A bad desk or chair can cause long-term back pain and even carpal tunnel syndrome. A good desk should be large enough to fit your computer and any paperwork you are regularly using, but it should not be so big it crowds your room. It should also be sturdy; desks that wobble need to be avoided at all costs – you don’t want to be knocking everything off your desk as you work. A good chair should offer lumbar support and have a seat that adjusts. It should fit your body and be comfortable for long hours of work. The last thing you want is an aching back or legs that fall asleep because of a poor chair.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If you work from home, you’ll likely have to contend with household noise while you work. Kids, pets, and other family members are bound to create some sort of chaos at some point during the day. However, if you are wearing noise-cancelling headphones, you will be able to block out much of the noise and work in relative peace. A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones will go a long way towards keeping your work hours productive. It’s worth investing in a quality pair of headphones, as cheaper ones may not block as much noise. This can lead to an increase in stress and poor focus levels.
A Good Computer
What kind of computer you need to work from home will depend on your industry. If you are writing content, you can simply use a word processor. If you are designing products, you will need a computer with the right software. However, there are a few things all computers used for work should have regardless of your line of work. First, they need to be up to date with the latest operating system. While using an old OS can work in a pinch, you will likely find yourself dealing with tech issues and viruses. A computer with a reliable internet connection is also essential for wfh working. You’ll need to load all your projects, tools, and software. You’ll also need to be able to communicate with clients and colleagues in real time.
A Solid Internet Connection
There are plenty of things that can go wrong with a computer, but the most common problems are internet connection issues and slow load times. Sluggish computers are often simply the result of a bad internet connection; you may need a new modem or a new internet provider. If you’re not sure how fast your internet connection is, you can find out with a speed test like the one on our site. If it’s slow, there are a few things you can do to speed it up, like upgrading to a faster internet plan or buying new equipment. If you are, or have ever been, a homeowner, you may be familiar with the sinking feeling of opening the front door to a yellow slip on the doorknob. The same thing can happen to your internet connection and leave you feeling like you’re always waiting for things to load. A slow connection is often the result of a few things. It could be issues with your modem or your router. It could also be something on your street that’s slowing down everyone’s connection. If you suspect your connection is slow, call your internet company as soon as possible and ask for a check-up.
A Grease-Up Session Before Working
Working from home provides a lot of flexibility and freedom, but it also means you’ll be in close proximity to your family. You don’t want to spend all day cringing with every laugh and squeal from the kids. To separate yourself from your children and get in the right frame of mind, you’ll have to create a ritual that lets you put work on hold and focus on yourself. This ritual can be as simple as sitting in a comfortable chair, reading a few pages in a book, and sipping on a cup of tea.
Summary
Working from home requires specialized equipment and conditions to ensure you get work done effectively. A good desk and chair, noise-cancelling headphones, a good computer, a solid internet connection, and a grease-up session before working will ensure you’re as productive as possible at home.