Still Building Your Work From Home Set Up? 5 Ways to Save Costs
For some, working from home is a dream. You get to work in the comfort of your home in your pajamas. You can also have more time to be with your family while earning money for the household.
However, work from home arrangements also come with challenges. Sure, you don't have to rush to work and endure commutes when you work at home. But sometimes, "home mode" and "work mode" can be tougher to distinguish if your inviting bed is a few feet away.
That is why it is a good idea to curate your workspace at home. It's more than just having an Apple home kit for more efficient work output. It also involves decorating your workspace for better productivity and focus. As a remote worker, investing in a good work-from-home setup is worth your time, money, and effort.
This post will discuss the work-from-home (WFH) setup—which became a trend during the pandemic— including productivity and money-saving tips.
How to Be Productive in a Remote Work Setting
Remote work expectations are the same as working in an office setting. The only difference is the work location. Here are tips to help you become more productive in a WFH environment.
Start early
Start your day by checking your to-do list. Doing your tasks early can help you gain momentum and be more productive during the day.
Plan your day as you would in an office
Depending on your employer's policies, you can choose your work hours and how you design your workstation. As for the former, you can use online tools like Google Calendar to help you organize your daily tasks.
Designate a conducive workspace at home
Avoid setting up your workspace near the TV or beside the bed as much as possible. Instead, set up your work area in an extra room in your house, if any. Otherwise, find a quiet nook or space in your home where you can work peacefully and stay focused.
Avoid using social media in the middle of work
Unless social media is your line of work, you should not mix leisure internet browsing with work. To avoid temptations, remove your accounts from your browser shortcuts and log them out of your phone or computer.
Work when you are most productive
Your work motivation may fluctuate during the day. As such, you should plan your work schedule by doing crucial projects or tasks around your most productive hours.
The Importance of a Proper Home Office Setup
Setting up a home office in your condo can help boost productivity. But why do remote employees need a proper WFH setup?
A well-planned home office helps improve productivity and convey "office vibes." Otherwise, it would be challenging to work with the sight of your fluffy bed or TV.
You might have seen "digital nomads" working on their laptops at the beachfront. While it seems like a dreamy style of working, it could affect your productivity and even ruin your supposed vacation. That is why you need to separate work from personal endeavors, which can be challenging if you are a remote worker.
Sitting on a monobloc chair for long hours can affect your posture and work productivity. Not to mention it's uncomfortable. According to research, 75% of workers with improved postures were more productive at work.
Home Office Must-haves
Hopefully, a proper WFH setup is now on your agenda. Here, the next step is to know the essentials for a productive and worthwhile remote working experience. Consider investing in home office items every remote worker should have.
Proper office chair
Most remote workers spend their day sitting down, which can harm their health. If you find yourself needing to put pain relief patches on your neck or lower back, your chair is most likely the culprit. Bad posture can cause discomfort and body pains and affect your productivity.
Stretching and walking for a few minutes can help but only provide temporary relief. You should thus invest in a comfortable, ergonomic chair with the right back support. It will help lessen back pain and ensure better focus while clicking away on your work computer.
Ergonomic keyboard and mouse
The last thing you want to deal with is hand and wrist strain due to prolonged keyboard and mouse usage. It could put you at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. A keyboard and mouse with an ergonomic design can help lessen wrist strain risk and ensure work comfort and productivity.
Work desk
Standing desks can be suitable if you want to "elevate" your desk game. This desk reduces the risk of diabetes, weight gain, and back pains. Choose a desk with enough space for your computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office supplies and for your arms to move around.
Nice lighting
Good lighting can also contribute to a happy and productive remote work environment. If you have a window in your home office, setting up your workstation near it is better to let more natural light in.
But if you don't have a window or usually work the night shift, you can buy a soft light desk lamp. Warm lighting provides a cozy and welcoming feeling that can help you de-stress and make you feel more relaxed while working.
Studies reveal that exposure to natural light during the daytime can positively impact our physical and mental health. So pull back your curtains, open your blinds, and let outdoor light enter your home. Meanwhile, working in the light with your computer as the only light source can cause eye strain that can lead to headaches, fatigue, and eye problems.
Bonus: Yoga mat
As mentioned, you will likely be working in front of your computer for 8 hours daily. Unfortunately, sitting for long hours can be detrimental to your health. Aside from an ergonomic chair for better back and neck support, you also need to stretch your body.
You don't need elaborate exercise machines to prevent poor posture and the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. A yoga mat is enough to get enough stretching exercises for better physical and mental health.
Stay Productive While Working From Home
Working at home has pros and cons. On the one hand, you can work in your pajamas and choose your work hours. On the downside, you are surrounded by "temptations" that can distract you from work, such as needless scrolling on your social media feed, sitting back on the couch, etc.
By having the WFH essentials listed here, you can make the most out of remote work. You can be productive and enjoy the benefits of working in the comfort of your home!