Working from home is not a new phenomenon, but the COVID-19 pandemic cemented it as possible for millions of workers across most industries. There are many benefits to working from home, including no commute, time savings, increased work-life balance and better wellbeing. Many companies now allow hybrid working models, with staff splitting their working week between the office and home.
Yet what if you’re new to working from home? You need to set up your home office as a place of productivity, efficiency and comfort. To do this, you need some tech essentials to ensure you can get your job done well from home.
This helpful article will share seven tech essentials to include in your home office that will assist you in your work and make your role more straightforward and streamlined. Read on to discover more.
A Home Printer
You’ll want to get a printer for use in your home office. Browse some HP office printers to select one that is suitable for your needs.
There are a few reasons why you need a home office printer. For one, you can print lengthy documents to read to reduce the strain on your eyes. It can be good to step away from the screen to read a long paper or report; you can even do this from the comfort of your lounge room instead of your home office.
In addition to printing, you’ll be able to scan documents. This is a helpful feature if you’ve got to sign documents or fill out manual forms that require uploading to your workplaces’ systems.
An External Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse
An external monitor offers a larger, more versatile screen, promoting better posture as you won’t be hunching over a tiny display. A quality keyboard provides tactile feedback, enhancing typing accuracy, speed, and comfort. Additionally, ergonomic keyboards are designed to reduce strain on your wrists, supporting a natural typing position. A responsive mouse contributes to improved efficiency, ensuring precise movements while preventing wrist discomfort from touchpad use.
Many modern external monitors even come with USB hubs, allowing seamless connectivity for other peripherals. Adjustable monitor stands enable optimal height and angle, further supporting your posture. Similarly, keyboard trays provide an ideal ergonomic positioning. Adding a mouse pad with wrist rest enhances comfort during prolonged use.
These simple enhancements transform your home office into a healthy, productive environment, ultimately benefiting your overall well-being. Wireless options eliminate cable chaos, resulting in a clean, organized workspace that boosts focus and reduces distraction.
A Standing Desk
Incorporating a standing desk into your workspace reduces the risks associated with prolonged sitting, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal disorders. Research shows that periodic standing can boost energy levels, mood, and cognitive function.
Choose a desk with easy-to-use height adjustments and ample surface area to accommodate your equipment. Pair your standing desk with an adjustable monitor arm and ergonomic chair to create a seamless and versatile work environment. Invest in an anti-fatigue mat to alleviate foot and leg discomfort, promoting healthy standing habits.
Embracing these ergonomic practices cultivates a more dynamic, engaging, and health-conscious home office experience.
A Desk Lamp
A small desk lamp also helps reduce eye strain by providing targeted, adjustable lighting, enabling you to focus on tasks with greater ease. Opt for a lamp with various brightness levels and a flexible neck for maximum customization. Consider LED bulbs, which are energy-efficient and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Some desk lamps even feature built-in USB ports or wireless charging capabilities, providing added convenience for charging devices. A well-chosen lamp not only enhances your workspace’s functionality but also adds a touch of personal style, making your home office a more enjoyable and inspiring place to work.
Stay Connected With a USB Hub
If you have multiple USB devices that you use to work, such as your keyboard, mouse, hard drives, webcams, and other plug-in devices, a USB hub is an essential piece of tech. It is advantageous if you work from a laptop, as most notebook laptops only have two USB ports. This way, you can connect everything to your computer with ease.
A USB hub simplifies cable management and declutters your workspace, while also allowing seamless switching between devices. Opt for a powered hub to prevent overloading your laptop’s power capacity and ensure optimal performance for all connected peripherals, enhancing your overall productivity and workflow.
A Power Board with USB Charging Ports
The next piece of tech you’ll need is a multi-outlet power board with USB charging ports. You’ll use this to power your laptop, monitor, lamp and other desktop devices. The charging ports are beneficial as you can plug your phone and tablet into them directly without needing a charging brick. You should opt for a model with built-in surge protection to keep your home office safe.
A multi-outlet power board streamlines your workspace, centralizing power access for convenience and efficiency. Surge protection safeguards valuable electronics from unexpected voltage spikes, giving you peace of mind. Choose a power board with adequate spacing between outlets to accommodate various plug sizes, further enhancing its utility in your home office.
A Powerful Modem/Router
Working from home, with all it entails, means that you need a robust and stable internet connection. This is particularly important if you’re using cloud computing services, attending video conferencing meetings and downloading or uploading large files.
Even if your internet connection is set up for high speeds, you’ll need a powerful modem or router to enable the high speeds over a wireless connection. Some of the stock routers that Internet Service Providers send out when they set up your connection are not powerful enough for some work-from-home requirements. Research different options and obtain a powerful modem/router that will enable high speeds and ensure you don’t have annoying dropouts when working from home.
In Conclusion
This helpful article has shared seven tech essentials to include in your home office. These devices should enable you to perform your duties from home quickly and efficiently. They aim to support an ergonomic work environment, make your tasks easy and streamlined, and ensure that working from home is smooth and seamless.
Equipped with a Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) degree, Lucas Noah stands out in the digital content creation landscape. His current roles at Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC showcase his ability to turn complex technology topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content for their websites.
Lucas specializes in writing technology guides. His work is distinguished by its clarity and relevance, making daunting tech subjects accessible and interesting to a broad audience. His guides are not just informative but are a testament to his skill in bridging the gap between technical expertise and everyday usability.
In addition to his tech-focused articles, Lucas has a keen eye for capturing the essence of his surroundings. His writing transcends technology, as he effortlessly brings to life various observations and experiences in his articles. This versatility not only demonstrates his wide-ranging interests but also his ability to connect with readers on multiple levels.
Lucas Noah’s writing is a fusion of technical acumen and a deep appreciation for the world around him, offering readers a unique and insightful perspective on both technology and life.
