Where once work-from-home (WFH) was not the norm, now everyone with a desk job has done it or is still doing it.

Many are making new job opportunity decisions based on being able to work from home. Many people have never set themselves up properly to WFH because they could not get the equipment or did not want to pay for it.

The cost of working from home does not have to be big, and below we will share what you may need and some handy tips.

Work from Home (WFH) which means an employee is not working from a central office and instead working remotely most likely from their home.

Why do I need more than a laptop and a phone?

The simplistic thought of sitting back on the lounge with your PC on your lap sounds appealing. The reality is it will not be very productive and is terrible for your posture.

Sitting correctly and having a screen at the right eye level and ergonomic peripherals will mean that you will minimize health issues as you age. Indeed, according to this federal government jobaccess website:

“It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that all staff are provided with a safe working environment and have the tools and equipment they need to do their job. This applies to all employees, whether they have a disability or not.”

An ergonomic work position looks like this:

Furthermore, doing your work from a 13-inch laptop will make it harder to type and use the trackpad. Using peripherals such as an external keyboard and mouse will improve your ergonomic work and productivity.

What do I need to do to work from home?

If you expect to work from home for more than 1 day per week, you should set yourself up to be the most productive. The following peripherals will not break the bank. They will increase your productivity significantly, especially if your employer will pay for them.

• Monitor - A monitor will help you work on documents and put your line of sight at the correct angle.
• Chair - Spending a third of your day in a chair means you need the right support and comfort to keep your back healthy. A height adjustable chair allows your feet to rest flat on the floor or put on a footrest which is parallel to the floor.
• Bluetooth speaker with mic - This device will not only allow you to hear voice calls more clearly but also allow you to have hands-free conversations without the need for a headset.
• Wireless Earbuds - If you have background noise, wireless earbuds will help isolate you from that noise and concentrate on the conversation.
• USB cables - It will allow you to conveniently charge your smartphone or other wireless devices from your computer or charger at your workspace.
• Wireless charging - Wireless chargers simplify your wireless charging capable products by placing your smartphone on a pad or stand.
• Ethernet cable - An Ethernet cable allows you to hard wire your PC directly to your home network, ensuring the best connectivity for video calls with fewer dropouts.
• Webcam - Most laptop webcams have poor resolution or are positioned too low. An external webcam can be mounted high to look down at a more flattering angle.
• USB Hub - Allows multiple USB devices to be attached to your PC with one cable. Some models also allow multiple displays, such as monitors via HDMI, USB-C, laptop charging, SD cards and ethernet cables, all connected via a single USB-C cable.
• Keyboard - Typing on a large keyboard with reasonable key travel and a number pad will significantly improve typing productivity. Some offer quick key functionality to reduce keystrokes.
• Mouse - Spending more on a mouse will give you more precise movement control and add additional function buttons for productivity.

How do I set myself up to be the most efficient WFH?

Having the right equipment is only part of being efficient when working from home. The following tips will help you to succeed:

1. Have a dedicated workspace in your home. This spot should be separate from a relaxation area like a lounge and will ensure a boundary between work and play. Having a dedicated space also allows you to set up your ergonomic workstation.
2. Separate digital distractions. Like at work, resist the urge to check social media or have a TV or radio in the background. This way, you can focus on what you need to achieve for your employer.
3. A child and pet strategy are needed. Having more flexibility is great, but there must be a limit to how you balance your time with children or pets, as you could easily see your productivity plummet.
4. Plan household chores outside your work hours so they do not interfere with your timetable.
5. Agree on standard hours with your boss and keep to them so you can be relied on at those times and your workmates can contact you.
6. Schedule your day, so you know what needs to be achieved and gives you a plan to stay focused.
7. Ensure personal time does not become work time. For some, it is easier to keep working beyond what you might in an office and watch out for signs of burning yourself out.
8. Train your family and friends that although you are home, you have a job to do and you are working.
9. Having breaks in the office is important, as is having breaks when WFH. With less travel, you are not walking as much, and these breaks should include some exercise to help refresh your mind.
10. Stay connected with your work colleagues. Collaboration and socialisation are critical in getting tasks done, so make the time to stay connected virtually or in person.

HINTS

Laser sells a 5-in-1 wireless keyboard-mouse headset webcam combo which will provide you with a complete peripheral set-up at an economical price.

If your pets have gotten used to you being around all day you must go to the office. Laser’s Tech4Pets - Smart Pets range of feeding solutions that will automatically feed your pets whilst you are away.

SUMMARY – WFH

The ability to work from home has become the norm versus the exception. However, having the right work environment and tools at home is critical to ensure productivity and long-term health.

Beyond your ability to work remotely with a laptop and a smartphone, products like an external keyboard, mouse, speaker, and webcam will make your life easier. This, coupled with the right attitude and some simple rules, will ensure you find that happy medium.