10 Work From Home Essentials You Need in 2024
- Ergonomic Desk and Chair Setup
- Reliable High-Speed Internet
- External Monitors
- Quality Webcam and Microphone
- Proper Lighting
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Cloud Storage and Backup Solutions
- Productivity Apps and Task Management Software
- Comfortable Keyboard and Mouse
- Plants and Personal Touches
- Office Printer
- Docking Station
- Extension Cords and Surge Protectors
- Cable Management
The modern work-from-home environment isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We all have different requirements based on the type of work we do, but there are some pretty useful work from home essentials that most setups can benefit from. Let’s look at a few of these essentials and how they can elevate your work-from-home experience.
Ergonomic Desk and Chair Setup
One of the most crucial work from home essentials is an ergonomic desk and chair setup. Sitting for long periods in a poorly designed chair or working on a desk that’s too high or too low can lead to discomfort, or worse, long-term health issues like back pain and repetitive strain injuries. An ergonomic chair with proper lumbar support and adjustable features is worth investing in, especially if you’re spending several hours at your desk.
The desk should be at the right height so that your arms are at a comfortable 90-degree angle when typing. If you’re short on space, consider a standing desk or an adjustable sit-stand desk. These allow you to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, which has been shown to improve circulation and reduce the negative effects of sitting all day.
Reliable High-Speed Internet
In today’s digital world, your internet connection is one of the most important work from home essentials. A slow or unreliable connection can disrupt virtual meetings, delay project deadlines, and create unnecessary stress. Ensure that you have a strong and stable connection by investing in a good router, and if your work requires heavy internet usage (like video conferencing or uploading large files), consider upgrading your internet plan. Many ISPs offer packages designed specifically for remote workers or households with multiple devices connected simultaneously.
If your home Wi-Fi is spotty in certain areas, a mesh Wi-Fi system can help ensure strong, consistent internet coverage throughout your entire workspace. It’s also a good idea to keep an Ethernet cable handy for a direct connection during critical meetings or when working on bandwidth-heavy tasks.
External Monitors
Working on a small laptop screen can get exhausting, especially if you’re juggling multiple windows, spreadsheets, or tasks at once. An external monitor (or two) can significantly improve your productivity by giving you more screen space to work with. Plus, it reduces eye strain by allowing you to adjust the height and angle of your monitor to the most comfortable position.
For those who work with visuals or code, a high-quality monitor is a game-changer. Look for monitors with adjustable height and tilt options, and ensure it offers eye comfort features like blue light filters and anti-glare screens.
Quality Webcam and Microphone
With so many meetings happening virtually these days, a quality webcam and microphone are essential. While most laptops come with built-in webcams, the quality is often lacking, especially in low-light situations. Upgrading to an external HD webcam will give you much sharper and clearer video quality, making you appear more professional during virtual meetings.
The same goes for audio. If you’re using your laptop’s built-in microphone, your voice can sound tinny or unclear. An external microphone, or even a good pair of noise-canceling headphones with a mic, can drastically improve sound quality. This is especially important if you work in a noisy environment or share your home space with others.
Proper Lighting
Good lighting can dramatically change the look of your video calls and your overall workspace. Harsh lighting or dim conditions can strain your eyes and give you headaches. Consider adding a desk lamp with adjustable brightness and color temperature to match your environment. Warm light can create a cozy, welcoming ambiance, while cool light can help you stay focused during the day.
Related: Lighting Ideas for Your Home Office
If you’re frequently on video calls, consider a ring light or a small LED light designed for webcams. It brightens up your face evenly, ensuring you’re seen clearly without harsh shadows.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
One of the hardest parts of working from home is dealing with distractions. Whether it’s household noise, kids, or roommates, being able to focus can sometimes be a challenge. Noise-canceling headphones are a must-have work from home essential for cutting out background noise. They’re perfect not only for work meetings but also for getting in the zone during deep work sessions.
The right pair of noise-canceling headphones will help you stay immersed in your tasks, improve concentration, and even make virtual meetings clearer by cutting out distractions around you. There are many options on the market, from over-the-ear to in-ear models, depending on your personal preference.
Cloud Storage and Backup Solutions
If your work involves handling sensitive or large amounts of data, having a reliable cloud storage solution is critical. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive allow you to access your files from anywhere, which is particularly useful if you’re transitioning between different devices throughout the day.
Moreover, setting up a backup solution ensures that your data is safe from unexpected losses like system crashes or accidental deletions. External hard drives are a good backup option, but for an additional layer of security, consider cloud-based backup services that automatically save your data in real-time.
Productivity Apps and Task Management Software
Staying organized when working from home can sometimes be tricky, especially if you’re juggling multiple projects. Having the right productivity tools and task management software can help you stay on track and meet deadlines without feeling overwhelmed.
Tools like Trello, Asana, or Todoist are great for organizing your daily tasks, setting deadlines, and collaborating with team members remotely. Many of these apps also integrate with calendar tools and communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams, making it easier to stay connected and manage your workload efficiently.
Comfortable Keyboard and Mouse
Typing on your laptop’s keyboard all day is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to strain on your wrists and fingers. An external ergonomic keyboard and mouse setup can significantly improve your typing posture and comfort. Mechanical keyboards are known for their satisfying tactile feel and long-term durability, making them a great option for heavy typers. Meanwhile, an ergonomic mouse can reduce strain on your wrists, especially if you’re prone to wrist pain from prolonged use.
Plants and Personal Touches
Finally, a few personal touches can go a long way in creating a workspace you actually want to spend time in. Adding a plant to your desk can not only brighten up the space but also improve your mood and productivity. Research has shown that having plants in your workspace can reduce stress and create a more inviting atmosphere.
A photo of loved ones, a cozy rug, or even an inspiring piece of art can make your home office feel like a personal retreat rather than just a functional work area.
Office Printer
An office printer is essential for a seamless home office setup, especially if you need to print documents, reports, or presentations regularly. You don’t want to keep running to a print shop or struggle with tangled wires just to print a few pages. The key is finding a model that connects effortlessly with your devices—whether you’re using a laptop, desktop, or phone.
Printers like the HP OfficeJet Pro offer wireless printing via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so you can print directly from your devices without the hassle of wires. Many models now come with smart features, allowing you to print from anywhere through cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Docking Station
A docking station is a game-changer if you’re working with multiple devices or using a laptop but need the connectivity of a full desktop setup. Docking stations provide additional ports for HDMI, USB, Ethernet, and more, so you can connect to multiple monitors, external hard drives, and accessories without needing to swap cables constantly. With everything plugged into the docking station, it’s as simple as docking and undocking your laptop when you move between rooms or office locations.
Related: Best MacBook Docking Station
Extension Cords and Surge Protectors
It’s surprising how quickly we run out of outlets, especially when you consider all the devices you need to keep powered during the workday—your laptop, phone charger, printer, desk lamp, and maybe even a fan. A reliable extension cord or surge protector can be a lifesaver, allowing you to plug everything in without overcrowding the outlets. Surge protectors, like those from Belkin or APC, offer added protection for your electronics, safeguarding them against voltage spikes or power surges that could potentially damage your equipment. Many models now come with USB ports for convenient phone or tablet charging, further reducing clutter.
Cable Management
With so many devices connected, it’s easy for cords to turn into a tangled mess. That’s where cable management solutions come in handy. Using products like Velcro cable ties, under-desk cable trays, or even cable sleeves can help keep your desk organized and clutter-free. A clean and organized workspace not only looks better but can also improve your focus and productivity by reducing distractions.
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