Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, I worked from a typical corporate office 40 hours per week. The transition to work from home was bumpy at first. I had to acclimate to a different work environment, and building a new routine wasn’t easy. It probably took a couple months before it started feeling normal.
Fast forward a few years later and I’m still working from the home office more than I am the corporate one. I wouldn’t have it any other way. But, if I could go back in time to tell my younger self a few tips to make the transition to work from home easier, I would.
And since I can’t do that, I’ll share these recommendations with you in hopes it makes your transition (or upgrade) to work from home smoother than mine.
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#1: External Monitors
If your employer is allowing you to work from home, chances are you already have a laptop. If you’re lucky, your employer even supplied an external monitor and docking station.
External monitors are an absolute necessity when working from home because a tiny laptop screen just won’t cut it. Prior to Covid, having multiple monitors at the office was one of the major benefits of being there.
Currently, I work off 2 external monitors plus a laptop screen, so 3 screens total. I use the laptop for Microsoft Teams and video conferences. I use the external monitors for everything else.
One of my monitors is an Acer which has been working perfectly for over 2 years. I also have a HP monitor which was supplied by my employer. It too is very good.
If I had to vote, I’d say the HP is better because it lowers and raises as well as rotates left and right. The Acer does not, but it’s more affordable.
#2: Adjustable Desk
I recently purchased and installed an adjustable desk at my home office. I have to say, I wish I would’ve done it 2 years ago.
At my job, I participate in a lot of MS Teams meetings, take a lot of phone calls and work from a computer all day. I try to go on 2 walks throughout the day if my schedule allows, but most times it doesn’t.
Being able to stand, even if only for 20 minutes, is a major benefit and one I highly encourage. It does something for your brain and your body and you’ll feel better as a result.
Adjustable desks or standing desks are a lot more affordable than they were pre-Covid. I’m currently sitting at a FEZIBO brand and I couldn’t be happier. It’s 63″ long by 24″ wide and raises to 45.5″. And the good news is, it cost less than $300.
FEZIBO and other brands offer desks in numerous sizes to suit your needs. Here are a few options.
#3: Office Chair
When I first started working from home, I sat in what was probably a $25 office chair bought on clearance from Walmart in 2009. It couldn’t of been any more than 18″ off the ground, didn’t raise or lower and offered zero back support.
Stupidly, I sat in this chair for at least 6 months before upgrading to something halfway decent. Just like the adjustable desk, I wish I would’ve done it a lot sooner.
If you’re like me and spend nearly 8 hours in front of a screen 5 days per week, do yourself a favor and buy a decent office chair. It’ll make a world of difference to your body and mind.
#4: Wireless Headset
My home office may be louder than my corporate one. My wife is a stay-at-home mom and primary educator of our 4 children. We homeschool our kids which means they’re usually home during the work day. School time is probably the quietest, but even it is not so quiet.
A wireless headset is helpful in keeping the noise out. It’s also helpful on calls where I’m primarily a listener and don’t need to speak. It gives me the option to step away from my desk for a cup of coffee, snack or bio break (always a bit risky!).
I own a Jabra brand which I recommend. The battery lasts forever, it connects seamlessly via Bluetooth and is user friendly. I have the mono style (single ear cover), but will buy the double if my current one ever dies.
#5: Lighting for Video Conferencing
Now that many companies offer hybrid or remote work, video conferencing has become the norm. I find myself on video calls whether at home or in the office.
I discovered that, if I’m not sitting in front of a window, my video quality is terrible. When the lighting is at my back or side, I end up looking like one of those interviewees who’s trying to hide their identify on America’s Most Wanted. It’s not a good look.
So, move your desk in front of a window if you can. If you can’t, buy some lighting to improve your video quality and save your reputation.
#6: Wireless Printer and Scanner
There are very few things I actually need to print on a routine basis. Nearly all business is done electronically these days, but there are times when I can’t get around printing. And unless I want to drive to the local library to pay $0.10 per page to print, I need to invest in a printer.
Also, a printer/scanner combo comes in handy for expense reports, which require me to scan receipts for business expenses.
I went with a HP brand, but anything that’s wireless with a scanner will do. But, be mindful of the printer cartridge size. It feels like I’m replacing mine a couple times a month and ink isn’t cheap.
#7: Computer Accessories
Over the past couple years, I’ve purchased a new computer accessory on what seems like a monthly basis. Docking station, wireless keyboard and mouse, HDMI cords, printer paper, printer ink, you name it.
This last recommendation is a catch-all for some of the miscellaneous equipment I’ve ordered for myself the past few years.
