Contributor Naomi Shaw returns with a thoughtful article about how to work from home and what essential gadgets and “tools” you might need to help improve your productivity.
Work from Home: Essential Gadgets for Productivity
by Naomi Shaw
Working remotely has been, and continues to be, an adjustment for most telecommuters. We universally love logging into work in our pajamas and keeping our own house but are also universally struggling to maintain our previous level of activity with so much other action around our homes. Remote workers are turning to technology to eliminate the noise created by partners, kids, and normal household distractions, during their work hours.
3 Photos from https://www.pexels.com/.
2 Photos from Amazon.com
1. Get a good pair of earbuds
Roommates, partners, kids, and even pets can be a huge distraction when working from home, and Wireless earbuds are a great way to shut out the ambient noise and focus on work. Great earbuds have comfortable noise-canceling options, easy one-touch controls, and even an ambient setting, to allow you to wear the earbuds while you tune in and out the needs of the household.
2. Bluetooth & Ergonomic keyboard
We rely on laptop computers and smart devices to stay connected while working from home. Many workers are finding Bluetooth and ergonomic keyboards are an easy option to take the stress off our arms and hands when typing and working. Ergonomic keyboards allow you to sit more comfortably and naturally, while the Bluetooth function allows you to move your screen further away, reducing the stress on your eyes.
This specific keyboard —iClever BK06 Bluetooth Keyboard – Multi-Device Portable Keyboard works across most computer platforms: Apple, Android, Windows, tablets, and lots more. This keyboard is ergonomically correct and you will find that this keyboard is small enough to be taken with you into offices or on vacation. It has Bluetooth capabilities and can be folded in half! This keyboard is rechargeable as well as affordable. This keyboard is available on Amazon.com
3. Gel wrist rest for your mouse
Remote workers are experiencing increased issues with their wrists, elbows, and shoulders, due to overuse of trackpads or computer mice. A gel wrist rest is a great way to take the pressure off joints and keep arms and wrists healthy and mobile while using them for long hours.
4. Desk pad
Desk pads come in many different styles and materials, often with a cork or sticky backing, to ensure it doesn’t slide on your table-top. Desk pads can be used as mousepads, reducing the clutter on your table-top, and also protecting your surface from scratches or spills. Pair a brightly colored desk pad with a desk organizer, for a fast, new, and inviting look for your workspace.
5. An affordable 27-inch monitor
Focusing on a small screen is difficult for your eyes. Luckily, larger monitors are very affordable, and a great way to reduce physical or mental stress and fatigue during your workday. Large monitors hold more material, and by viewing both the large monitor and your computer screen at once, you can get much more done in much less time. If a new monitor isn’t in your budget, pick a used computer monitor or small TV screen up at your local thrift shop, for an instant boost to your home/work productivity.
6. Webcam for video meetings
Online meetings are great for wearing pajama pants but aren’t wonderful when your background is your headboard or messy kitchen. Many remote workers rely on professional webcam technology for their video meetings. This technology often has noise-canceling functions, and allows you the option of changing your background, for increased privacy and locational flexibility.
7. A USB or USB-C hub
An increasingly large number of devices means a large number of connectors needed for all your electronics. Some PCs have eliminated the USB port, making connections even more complex. Purchase a USB drive or USB-C hub, that will allow you to easily connect your devices to your PC, or store information in a secure location outside your device. Hubs can also be used to easily connect your devices to home appliances like TVs, stereos, and smart home controls.
8. Wireless speakers
Ambient noise like the washing machine might not disturb you while you read or watch TV, but loud and repetitive noise will certainly take your mind off work. Investing in a set of wireless speakers is a great way to drown out distracting home noises, and focus on your work. You can also use these speakers to pipe music into your workspace or add some extra volume to a meeting.
Working from home might be living the dream, but we must ensure we have everything we need to stay focused and productive, in an environment we traditionally only used for relaxation. We need a shift in mindset, and a real investment in technology, that will keep us equally productive, or even more productive, than we were in our office environment just 2 years ago.
Thanks to Naomi Shaw for the very interesting and insightful post about how to make your at-home work environment easier to use, more productive and also improve the ergonomics of working at home!
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Follow Naomi Shaw on these social platforms:
Twitter: @naomijshaw
Website: naomijshaw.weebly.com
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