Why is a Dedicated Home Office Workspace Important?
Whether you work remotely full-time or you just started because of COVID, you can’t underestimate the importance of having a dedicated workspace! Rather than working wherever you feel like within your home, create a comfortable home office setup where you will only complete work-related tasks. This will help you with productivity and focus.
You don’t need to have a home office to make the perfect designated work area. If you have a desk in your bedroom, that can be your dedicated workspace, or you can curate the perfect cozy setup at your kitchen table. Just as long as you pick a spot and stick to it!
8 Essentials for the Perfect Home Office SetupDoes your dedicated workspace have everything you need to maximize comfort and productivity? Here are eight must-haves!
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The Perfect Second Screen
If you’re not already using a monitor at your home office setup, you should be! Having at least two screens to do your work on will make your life so much easier. Usually, monitors are 20 to 30 inches wide. Somewhere in the middle is usually sufficient for the average worker’s needs, but depending on what field you’re in, you may want something wider or even two standard monitors.
When it comes to your monitor’s resolution, you’ll have to take size into consideration. 4K may be all the rage at the moment, but there are plenty of lower-resolution options that won’t break the bank. If your monitor is in the 21-inch to 24-inch range, 1080p should do it. But if you go wider, you’ll probably want at least 2560 by 1440.
Your monitor should be at least 20 inches away from your eyes—it should be more if it’s an extra-large monitor. The top of the screen should be just below eye level, and you should tilt it back 10 to 20 degrees.
Comfortable Desk Chair
A good desk chair is an absolute must for the remote worker. You cannot overemphasize that you should be picky about your office chair! A few things to look for in your dream work chair include:
- Adjustable height
- 360-degree swivel
- Comfortable seat cushion
- Supportive back
- Adjustable backrest and armrest
If you have any back problems, you’ll definitely want to invest in something that’s extra supportive. Not all office chairs will look pretty, but as long as they are comfortable and help you feel motivated, that’s all that matters!
Smart Storage Solutions
Although nowadays most work is digital, you probably have at least some traditional paper files and documents. Traditional shelving units that you may have in your house aren’t conducive to this kind of storage. You also don’t want to be mixing personal items like books with your work documents.
It may sound a little old-fashioned, but now is the perfect time to invest in a file cabinet. You may have a picture in your head of an ugly metal cabinet, but there are actually some great looking filing cabinets on the market these days. You can find these cabinets in a variety of sizes to fit all your filing needs.
Plenty of Natural Lighting
Don’t underestimate the importance of plentiful natural lighting! Make sure you open up the blinds and let the sun come in! If you’re deciding between a few spots to use as your dedicated workspace, go with the one that has the most natural light.
When you have ample lighting, you’ll be more alert and more focused. You also won’t be putting as much of a burden on your eyes, which will lead to fewer mistakes. Just make sure you position your monitor and computer in a way so that you won’t have to deal with glare.
Wireless Keyboard
Sure, your computer already has a keyboard—but a wireless keyboard can make a huge difference if you spend a large portion of your workday pounding away at keys. When looking for a keyboard, you should definitely make sure it’s backlit so you have plenty of light to type mistake-free. You don’t want something that’s too big and clunky, but too slender will probably complicate your typing accuracy. Depending on your typing needs, you may want to look into a keyboard that can connect to multiple devices at once.
Privacy Divider
Many remote workers aren’t fortunate enough to have a built-in office. But separating your home office setup from the rest of your home is important, especially if you live with others. Make your own walls by purchasing a standing divider or putting up a curtain rod and covering it in drapes. This will help you block out the outside world and focus on what needs to get done.
Cord Management System
A cluttered desk is frustrating and distracting. But if you’re working with several corded devices, you’ll have an abundance of desk clutter from cords alone. A cord management system is a small investment but it can make a big difference. You can also DIY one of these with a simple twist tie!
Strong Internet Connection
You definitely won’t get anything done if you have to deal with an unreliable internet connection. You’ll become frustrated, and it will take you longer to accomplish tasks that require the internet. You’ll also be harder to reach if you’re relying on internet to stay in the loop with co-workers.
If you don’t have optimal internet right now, it’s a good time to figure out what the best internet for you is based on your needs. You can also check out all of Nomad Internet’s membership plans to find what works well with your budget and situation. No matter what you choose, you can expect fast, reliable internet.
Portable Office Setup: 3 Essentials
If you have to travel a lot for work, your needs will be a little different. You can still get good use out of noise-canceling headphones, a cord management system, and a wireless keyboard. The difference is your setup will always be changing. A few office essentials can help you create a dream portable office setup.
Monitor Stand
A monitor stand can be helpful in your work from home office setup, but it’s an absolute must if you’re on the road. A foldable monitor stand will be easy to pack and go wherever you go. You can use it as your traveling desk for your laptop! Make sure the one you choose can be adjusted to the perfect height.
Travel Router
One of the most frustrating things about traveling for work is that you never know what kind of internet you’re going to get. The good news is you can always buy a travel router. These routers offer you a strong connection while being so they won’t take up much space in your suitcase.
Adapters
You should never get caught on the road without a few “just-in-case” adapters. If you can find an all-in-one adapter, you’ll be prepared for anything. Some of the most common adapting needs include USB-C to USB 2.0 and video adapters. If you travel overseas, make sure you have a multi-country power adapter to allow you to charge your phone and laptop from the same plug.
Rethink the Way You Do Work
Working from home or on-the-go certainly comes with its unique challenges. But when you invest in these home office essentials, you’ll be able to do some of your best work when you’re not at the office!
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