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Make the Most of Your Workspace

Man working remotely

Discover home office tech gadgets that help get you organized

The home office might be here to stay. Technological innovation and global connectivity ― not to mention social distancing ― have caused a re-evaluation of what was once called "telecommuting." The challenge for many working people, especially parents, is how to designate the home office. Keeping the work zone separate from the rest of the home is important for professional success and critical for personal lives outside of work. Thankfully, there are many tech tools that can help. Here are some tips for setting up a home office.

The brains of the operation

A work-from-home design guide must include a discussion around processing power. You are the heart and soul of your home office, but your computer is the brains of the operation. A dedicated desktop computer is ideal, particularly when you work exclusively from home and also have plenty of space on your desk. These PCs offer plenty of storage space and lots of memory.

Laptops are a good choice if you have a hybrid work schedule between the home office and the corporate office. They are also easy to carry into a coffee shop for an occasional change of scenery.

Tablets are popular thanks to their portability and ease of use. You might consider a 2-in-1 laptop to get the best of both devices and enjoy the versatility of multiple features.

Get settled and maximize your space

Quality home office furniture ranks highly among things to make your home office functional and comfortable. Not only does it provide a physical place to sit while you check things off your list, but it can also be more ergonomically supportive than a counter stool at the kitchen island or a pillow propped up on a bed or couch. A high-quality office chair can deliver everything from orthopedic relief to a contemplative rock-and-swivel.

Of course, a good-sized desk will likely be your first furniture purchase. Be sure to look for one that fits the footprint of your computer while also leaving enough room for your phone and other gadgets.

Some homes have more elbow room than others. This means that you might have to get creative with making the most of the space that you designate as the home office. Standing desks offer a host of health benefits while increasing productivity. Desk converters can maximize what you already have in your home office. Some new desks offer adjustability ― even automation ― to shift between standing and sitting as the workday goes on.

For many jobs, file storage is critical, so look for units that keep the essentials at hand without cluttering your space. Drawers and shelves come in many shapes and sizes to conform to the needs and dimensions of your office. 

Another integral part of a fully-optimized workspace is a printer. A compact, wireless all-in-one printer meets your home office needs without overtaking the space. And, it also eliminates the need for a separate fax machine, scanner and copier. If you have kids who need to print homework, consider a device that has a higher printing capacity and handle multiple printing sizes.

If you’re the type of person that likes to multitask, adding a second monitor can increase your visual landscape, and may even increase productivity. Curved monitors create broad displays for multiple windows and optimal efficiency. They also come in handy when you’re taking a break and playing video games or video chatting.

Find your focus

Some tools help set the right tone for the space, which can mean finding the ideal lighting or blocking out noise from the rest of the house out when necessary. Home office tech accessories create an environment where you can concentrate on the project at hand.

Smart bulbs can produce a wide array of colors to suit your mood. They can simulate daylight to bring a natural feel to your home office and shift to warm colors that soothe active eyes. Find the ideal light for your workspace with smart light bulbs.

Noise-canceling headphones block out unwelcome sound, but many have a talk-through feature that lets you hear when you need to. Cellphone headsets and headsets with microphones let you get more done since you can hop on video conference calls and still have your hands free to type.

Improve efficiency

Some modern home staples can also benefit your office and vice versa... Is your router up to speed? A home office must have optimal connectivity to a Wi-Fi network, especially when there are internet users in the house that place demands on your bandwidth. A new, state-of-the-art mesh Wi-Fi system can improve signal strength in all areas of your home and provide the security you need to protect your personal and professional data from cyber threats.

An office phone is a worthwhile investment for professions with high call volumes. Some kits include comprehensive plans for low monthly payments. Also, while label makers might not be the highest tech, they are helpful for finding things quickly when you need them. Making sure your office accessories are visibly tagged can also help remind kids and roommates that these items belong in your office.

Plan ahead

While there are plenty of important details to consider when designating your workspace, the best home office setup tip is to first determine your needs and then find the right tools that satisfy your needs and your budget. Setting yourself up for success with a purposefully planned and outfitted home office space will make your work-from-home experience even more productive and enjoyable.