Nothing beats the freedom of being able to work remotely from home. However, it is not unusual to encounter a lot of distractions when working from your couch or bedroom, which brings in the need to have a home office as long as you have some space where you can place one or two things and create an office.
Whether it’s an extra room in your home or a secluded space in your living room, it’s not until you have a specific set of equipment, furniture, fittings, and other items, that you can call your workstation an office. From including a statement desk to adding creative storage options, its items like these that bring the professional look and feel of an office while creating a conducive working environment. For both entrepreneurs and remote employees in large firms, work-from-home opportunities are on the rise and nothing can be more cost-saving than having an office in your home.
You don’t want to succumb to the various distractions while working from home, neither do you want to invite clients to a place that looks unprofessional. You need convenience and you need your office to be up-and-running, clients or no clients. Here are some must-have items you should prioritize on when setting up or revamping a home office.
Desk and Chair
Workstations are what makes an office an office. Even though an ergonomic table and chair can do the work, a spacious office desk will make you look more professional. This also needs to be paired up with a comfortable, ergonomic office chair that is adjustable both in terms of height and inclination. You don’t want neck sprains and backaches to be the order of the day and discourage you from working from home.
Computer and Monitor
It goes without saying, you’ll definitely need a computer in your home office. The fact that you’re working from home means that most of your tasks or operations will be done from here. From typing or to creating or reading documents, performing searches online, keeping tabs with your clients, responding to emails, or even monitoring your employees, most, if not all tasks need a computer when working from a home office. While a desktop computer will definitely need a monitor, you may also need one to improve your office ergonomics if you’re using a laptop.
Telephone
Communication is key in any kind of work or business, especially remote work. Whether it’s your business or you’re employed by company ABCD, you just can’t afford to lack a phone service in your home office. Based on your specific needs, preferences, and type of work, there are various options to choose from, including the traditional landline, mobile, VoIP, and Internet-based phone services.
Storage Furniture
For easy retrieval, books, files, stationery, and other office supplies will need somewhere they can be placed or securely contained. From shelving to file cabinets, there’s a wide range of office furniture that you can add into your home office to give it a professional touch, add convenience and create an organized place that feels great to work from.
Network/Internet
If you’re employed, higher chances are that you’ll be using the internet for most of your communication and operations. Your computer will also need internet access from time to time if you’re an entrepreneur, where research is critical for the running of your business. You’ll want to consider getting a high-speed internet solution such as a broadband connection and perhaps install a wireless router to enable connection from any part of your home through any device.
Having a home office is great; especially considering the convenience, liberty, and savings it comes with. However, setting it up can be a bit of a daunting task. Nonetheless, it can be a breeze if you know the essential items to get, and the few pointers pointer above have got you covered.
