It’s not a secret that work from home setup has been more accepted during the surge of the COVID-19 in 2020. Companies, nowadays, have become more flexible in their work setup; employers can hire staff, and they can have different models for working such as remote, hybrid, or on-site. For OFWs or digital nomads with companies with a hybrid or remote setup, you must have your remote work essentials to help you be productive and efficient.
Your workspace should be customized and comfortable enough in your home so that you’ll be excited to work since not only it looks aesthetically pleasing but it’s like having a mini office! Here are the top remote work essentials you should invest on!
1. Laptop or Computer
It’s a must for you to have a laptop or computer when you’re working remote or hybrid. There are companies who are willing to provide company laptop or computer for their employees, but of course you must take good care of it!
However, if you’re a freelancer or a seasoned remote worker, then you know the importance of having a reliable laptop or computer. It also depends on your work whether you’re a writer or an architect having the gadget that has the right specs depending on your preferences and needs. Whether you want a portable laptop for on-the-go typing or documentation or a computer laptop to handle your heavy editing or rendering, it’s definitely the main star of your workstation.
2. Office table and chair
Having your own office or ergonomic table and chair will make all the difference to your workspace! Not only you’ll feel energized to work since you have your own space to hustle or get your creative juices flowing , but it will also make you feel enjoyable, since you’ll be working for hours, you will feel less back aches and can concentrate more on the tasks at hand.
If you’re still starting out on your career, you can work anywhere in your home whether it’s the dining table or the coffee table situated in your balcony, wherever that makes you comfortable to work. However, nothing beats having your designated table and chair since you know it’s work mode. Don’t even think about working on your bed since the next thing you know, you’ve fallen asleep or feel less productive because of it! But if you’re sick or for women who have menstruation but needs to work remotely, you can always use a laptop table on bed.
3. Headset or headphones
Zoom meetings or online meetings are a work staple for many remote workers or even those who are on the hybrid setup. Companies or employers expect their staff to have a functioning headset or headphones for meetings especially if they have to present or speak during a meeting, it will be better since both parties can hear each other well. It would be best to have a noise-canceling headset or headphones if you’re an OFW living in a space or a noisy home.
4. Strong internet connection
Aside from your laptop or computer being your bread and butter, having access to a strong internet connection is important for everyone who will be working at home. For OFWs who are living in a shared apartment or space, it would be best to ask your landlord about the internet connection or tenants if they are experiencing problems with the internet connection. If all else fails, you can always go to a nearby cafe with a strong internet connection or have mobile data as a backup.
5. Keyboard and mouse
You will definitely need a functioning keyboard and mouse since it will help you work in an organized manner. There’s plenty of aesthetically pleasing keyboards in the market that has satisfying typing sounds even lights up your workspace ( literally). A keyboard and mouse is not just a computer accessory but a must-have for every remote worker!
6. Lamp shade/ desk lamp
Are you often burning the midnight oil, or perhaps you’re on a nightshift schedule? Having a lampshade or a desk lamp is a holy grail! Not only it would make your workspace brighter but it’s also help reduce eye strain. Another option is you can use a monitor light for your workspace especially if you like to work with all the lights switched off, you’ll see the difference it makes!
7. File organizer or multi-tray document
The typical setup of seeing your work desk or setup with documents or papers when you’re busy hustling is not unusual, however, having a file organizer will help make your tasks easier and important documents accessible when you need them. There are plenty of file organizer or drawer like wire mesh, or stack drawer is another alternative.
8. Webcam
Depending on the specs of your laptop, sometimes the quality of the camera is not high-quality or clear, a webcam is a great work remote essential since it can make your online meetings better, a webcam is also great for presentations or taking selfies!
9. Whiteboards/ Cork bulletin board
If you’re a remote worker, having a whiteboard or cork bulletin board makes your desk look work-friendly and makes your job easier since you can jot down plans, concepts, or to-do lists. A whiteboard or cork bulletin board will keep your notes or important lists in a secure place. Concentrating on your work or brainstorming is easier if you have a whiteboard near your workspace.
10. Desk fan
It would help if you have mini fan or desk fan to keep your cool while you hustle. Sometimes the ventilation in your room is not enough and especially during the summer, it can be sweltering hot. Having a desk fan can make your hectic working schedules a breeze!
11. Portable laptop stand
Having a portable laptop stand will help make your laptop spill-proof and reduces your risk of having carpal tunnel syndrome from prolonged use of your laptop or typing away on your keyboards, this will make your hands and arms more relaxed and in a better position.
12. Pen Holder
You don’t want your pens or any whiteboard marks getting lost or disorganized whenever you’re working or not. Investing on a pen holder will make your pens or stationery look tidy. You can place not only pens but other stationery that needs to be within your reach whenever you’re working!
13. Paper or notebooks
You will need notebooks or a paper if you’re working from home, whether you need to quickly jot meeting notes, brainstorm on a social media copy or whenever you have an idea to make the company protocols better, having a notebook for work is essential. A paper is also necessary whenever you need to print a document or write something down. Some companies provide stationery for employees, which is a win-win for those who love utilizing these.
14. Small trashcan
Most people don’t realize that they need a small trashcan nearby their workstations since if they have scratch papers, or eating snacks while working, it can be easier for them to throw garbage without leaving their desks. It will also help your work station clean and free from insects or dust.
15. Portable hard drives/ memory cards
If you’re a freelancer or a remote worker, it’s important to always have a backup for your files, especially if you’re a creative. However, if you’re a full-time employee, these are mostly provided by companies and it’s for your safekeeping. Portable hard drives or memory cards are great investment for remote workers to secure their outputs from unforeseen circumstances.
16. Extra containers or drawers
It’s better to have extra containers or drawers on your desk so that you can easily place your things without cluttering your work space. These extra containers can be used as place holders either for books, paper works, and other important things you will need for work, it’s never a bad thing to have extra drawers or containers that you can utilized.
17. Scented Candles
If you’re the type who wants to light a candle before working to set the mood or to have a relaxed mindset while working, having a scented candle will help you stay focused and productive. The recommended scents to help your work station inviting and keep you alert are clove, vanilla. Lavender, rose and chamomile. You can choose whichever scents you want to personalize your workspace at home!
18. Potted Plants
Other people like to place a small pot of plants on their desks to keep their workstations organic and fresh. If you want to make your remote workstation more lively, adding a pot of plants can make a huge difference; not only can it help reduce stress and improve the air quality whenever stress starts to sink in or your work feels stuffy. You can also place a vase of flowers to make your desk look lovely and fresh too!
19. Phone holder
If you’re the type who uses their phones to work or multitask during work hours, you will need a phone holder to keep your phone elevated and within your reach. It’s great for online video calls or if you want to use it for other work purposes like research or playing music to set the ambiance while working as an alternative.
