As more people continue to cultivate lifestyles that primarily exist within the four walls of their home, it is important to recognize the important tools that can facilitate an efficient process. This is especially true for those who opt to work from home. If you are a work-at-home professional, consider ten of the best accessories you can use in order to get the job done well.
1. Ergonomic Keyboard
If you spend a lot of time at the keyboard, invest in an ergonomic keyboard. In order to protect your hand muscles, your wrists and joints, you will want to provide support. An ergonomic keyboard provides a significant amount of support that protects you from developing issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome. If you already have carpal tunnel syndrome, this type of support will decrease the level of tension or strain you place on your wrists.
2. Desk Lighting
When you work from home, it is not uncommon to meet with clients, co-workers and bosses on a regular basis. However, the method of choice tends to be video conferencing. Do your best to provide a clear picture when you are in meetings by investing in great lighting. An adjustable ring light works perfectly. Furthermore, you will want to invest in good lighting for your desk. If you are working for long periods of time, you don’t want to squint or strain to see what you are doing.
3. External Hard Drive
You never know when an accident is going to happen. This is why it is always wise to remain prepared. When you are working from home, your biggest form of communication is your computer. Your computer contains all of your important files in digital form. You would never want to lose those files if something happened to your computer. Always backup your data by saving it on an external hard drive. It is an investment you will never regret.
4. Microphone
In order to facilitate clear communication with your co-workers during virtual meetings, purchase a microphone that is specifically for work. It is fine if the microphone is attached to a headset or headphones. Investing in a good microphone will help you provide a more professional and clear delivery when it is time to record videos, podcasts or interviews as well.
5. Camera
When you are taking video conference calls, it is a lot easier to facilitate them through your computer than your phone. If you are taking a call on the go, the phone is fine. However, if you are going to be in a meeting that will last a while, it is helpful when your co-workers can really see you clearly. By using a good camera, you can provide a crisp picture.
6. Supportive Back Pillows
Back support is essential when you are sitting at a desk for a number of hours each day. Even though you might not feel the pain immediately, sitting with a lack of support will hurt your back in the long run. Knowing this, look into a good back pillow to make your work experience safe and supportive.
7. Printer
A printer is really helpful when you need to print hard copies of important documents. If you are preparing to ship items, you will need to print out shipping labels. While you can also purchase a label maker to take care of the job, a printer is universally efficient for your office printing needs. Even though a printer might seem irrelevant in the digital world, it is still very essential when you are dealing with work and business.
8. Whiteboard
A whiteboard is really helpful for those who are visual. They need to organize their thoughts and plans on a large scale. Use various dry-erase markers to organize certain notes by color.
9. Planner
It is easy to become scatterbrained when you are working from home because you have so many tasks to complete. Organize your thoughts and your day by keeping a planner close by. At night, jot down everything you would like to take care of the following day. The next morning, you can see what you need to do and seize the day.
10. Headphones
Whether the children are playing in the other room or a construction worker is fixing the roof next door, you will need something to block out noise at times. When you are working and looking for ways to help you focus, purchase noise-canceling headphones.
When you are working from home, it can be challenging to focus. Distractions such as chores, your to-do list or a phone call from a friend can easily throw you off-course. However, when you develop the right routines and collect the right accessories, you will be able to maintain a system that helps you remain productive and successful.
