If you are moving into a role that requires you to work from home, you might be wondering where to start with your home office. It’s easy to underestimate what you’ll need to create a fully functioning office space and without the right supplies, you’ll find yourself getting disrupted.
To make sure you’ve got everything you need to be productive on a daily basis, experts at Syntax IT Support London have compiled a list of the 10 most important items.
Computer
Whether it’s Windows or Mac, you’re going to need some type of computer to work from home. If you don’t already have an appropriate device, do your research before shopping for one to find a machine that meets your needs. If you’d like a dedicated computer for your office, a desktop is a good option, but if you anticipate that you’ll also need to work on the move you should consider a laptop.
High-speed internet access
To work effectively from home, you’ll need to have a good broadband connection. Internet connection speeds have considerably improved in recent years and you can secure high-speed internet for your home inexpensively. Do some research to see which data plan is best for your home. Firms such as EPB Internet, for example, will have fiber internet, which could be considered the fastest among its rivals.
Desk
Making space for a traditional desk is important, as this gives you a dedicated work area where you’ll feel productive. You might choose one that also provides storage for important documents or office supplies so you can keep your workspace organised, or even opt for a standing desk to reduce back pain.
Chair
If you’ll be working in your home office on a regular basis, it is incredibly important to invest in a comfortable chair. There are many ergonomic designs available for you to choose from. Make sure the chair you invest in provides good support.
Monitor
If you’ve opted for a desktop computer you’ll be needing a monitor, but it can also be beneficial to invest in one if you are using a laptop. Plugging your laptop into a monitor and doing your work from there can improve your posture and reduce neck pain, as the screen will be at eye level and doesn’t require uncomfortable stooping.
Printer, scanner and fax machine
You might think you don’t need a printer, but chances are there’ll be a time you wish you had one. A multi-purpose machine is great for any office space, as it enables you to scan, fax and make copies. You don’t have to invest in a large or pricey device, either, as all-in-one printers are now smaller and less expensive than ever before.
Phone service
Whether you opt to use your mobile phone, to invest in VoIP technology or have a traditional landline installed within your home office, you’re probably going to need access to a phone service at some point and you should consider the easiest way for you to take business calls.
Surge protector and Air Conditioning
Many people who work from home don’t consider this, but a surge protector is important to have in your home office if you’ll be using electronic equipment. For even greater protection, searching https://kalahari-electrical.com/whole-house-surge-protector/ when in the planning stage of your home office might be a wise idea. Plug your gadgets into a surge protector rather than directly into a power outlet, as this protects your computer equipment and the data stored upon it.
A working air conditioning unit can keep you comfortable during summer days. The right temperature and humidity in a workplace can have a direct impact on productivity. So get your home office air conditioner ready and maintained by calling a reputed HVAC company like friendsandfamilyhvac.com/ac-maintenance-corona-ca/.
Back-up drive
You’ll need to be responsible for the protection of your data once you start working from home and an external drive is a good place to start. If you want to be extra safe, you could use both a physical drive and a cloud-based services for backups.
Paper shredder
If you have hard copies of documents that you no longer need, the safest way to dispose of them is by using a shredder. Shred all documents before throwing them away to ensure no sensitive information falls into the wrong hands.
