There are over 4.7 million remote workers in the U.S., according to the latest data by careers portal Flexjobs. This is a stark increase from 3.9 million in 2015. The COVID-19 pandemic has likely pushed you and other employees to join the millions of people already working from home. However, your space at home may not be as beneficial for your productivity. After all, it’s a place where you relax and unwind.
Make your designated workplace more conducive with these work-from-home essentials.
A Decent Webcam
The era of phone conferences is over, businesses that have switched to digital are now relying on video calls for meetings. Unless you have a laptop with one already built-in, you need a webcam with decent quality when touching base with your team.
A Logitech HD Webcam C270i is a great budget option, as it offers 720p resolution picture quality for under $100 on Amazon. If you don’t want to spend on a webcam, however, try to download the video calling app your company uses and use your smartphone instead.
A Proper Chair
If you’re at home, you’re probably used to lounging on the couch or just using a plain old kitchen chair when you’re on your computer or laptop. These are not great for work, as they promote improper posture by giving little to no support for your back and neck. Poor posture can lead to neck pain, back problems, and even slowed digestion. You don’t want to encounter these when you need to be alert and chipper for work. As such, you’ll need an ergonomic chair.
A Furmax ergonomic mesh chair is a comfortable yet affordable choice at just under $70. It has a thick, padded seat and a curved back that supports your spine nicely. You’re going to be sitting the whole day, so you may as well make sure your back and legs stay comfortable and healthy.
Ergonomic Peripherals
Repetitive movements, such as typing on a keyboard and moving your mouse all day can cause a variety of problems like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. You can minimize your chances of developing these with proper posture. But if you really want to have a completely comfortable typing experience, get an ergonomic keyboard and mouse.
Microsoft’s Sculpt keyboard (around $60) is curved and split according to the hand’s natural shape, making typing a breeze. As for the mouse, the company’s Sculpt mouse is also great for ergonomics. Its shape forces you to lift your wrist from the table. If you want to move it around, you need to use your forearm instead of stressing your wrist.
A Distraction Blocker Module
If you’re living with other people, it’s easy to get distracted in what they’re doing or saying. Apart from staying in another room until work is done, you should also invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones or earbuds.
For about $39, the Sony MDRZX110NC is a great value over-ear pair. It’s lightweight, so your head and ears won’t hurt after you use it for an extended time. It also features integrated noise-canceling that reduces ambient noise by nearly 95 percent.
Remote work may be convenient, but it can also throw off your productivity if your home setup makes you feel distracted or uncomfortable. Consider getting these items to make your work-from-home experience much more pleasant. Once you have a complete set, play your favorite music playlist, open up your tasks, and you’ll be in the zone in no time.
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