Remote work enabled people to continue working and contributing to their organizations, even if they could not be physically present in an office. It also led to the rise of various technologies, such as video conferencing, online collaboration tools, and cloud-based software solutions, that made organizations rethink how people work.
Though the pandemic is slowly ceasing, the awareness it raised regarding the digital infrastructure and the need for businesses to be agile and adaptable remains. Many organizations that may not have previously considered remote work a viable option are now embracing it to stay afloat.
This has further led people to set up their home offices to avoid distraction and ensure productivity. From desk lamps to ergonomic chairs, here are five work-from-home essentials you shouldn’t miss.
1. A Comfortable Chair
A comfortable chair is your first and foremost investment when working from home. Most remote work involves sitting on a chair for long hours, attending meetings, drafting documents, or writing codes. Working from a chair that is not comfortable or supportive can lead to a variety of issues, such as back pain, stiff neck, and poor circulation. These issues can not only be uncomfortable, but they can also negatively impact productivity and focus.
Hence, you must invest in a good, adjustable chair that provides good lumbar support to help maintain proper spinal alignment. Features such as armrests and a swivel base can also help promote comfort and ergonomics.
2. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Blue light is emitted by devices like laptops, computer monitors, smartphones, etc. Excessive exposure to blue light, especially at night, is linked to various negative health effects, including sleep disorders, eye strain, and an increased risk of certain diseases. Hence, for people who work from home who spend long hours in front of a monitor, blue light-blocking or eye strain reducing eyeglasses can be a big help.
These days, glasses online can easily be personalized to include filters for blue light as well as to UV rays and other irritating or harmful environmental factors to one’s eye health. Blue light-blocking glasses are designed to filter out blue light from digital screens and other sources of artificial light. Hence, such glasses can help reduce eye strain and fatigue and may also improve sleep quality.
3. A Desk With Plenty of Space to Spread Out Your Work
A desk with plenty of space to spread out your work is essential when working from home for a number of reasons. To begin with, it allows you to have a dedicated and organized workspace separate from other areas of your home. This helps reduce distractions and improve focus, as you are not constantly surrounded by other household activities or clutter.
In addition, having ample space on your desk allows you to keep all of your work-related materials and tools within easy reach, which can help to improve efficiency and productivity. For example, if you have a lot of papers or documents that you need to refer to regularly, having a large desk surface will allow you to keep them organized and easily accessible.
Additionally, a desk with plenty of space can be more comfortable to work at, as it allows you to adjust your chair and monitor to the optimal height and position for your body. This can help prevent strain on your neck, back, and eyes and reduce the risk of ergonomic injuries.
4. A Good Lamp to Provide Ample Light
A good lamp helps reduce eye strain and fatigue, a common issue suffered by people who work on a computer for long periods of time. Adequate lighting helps improve focus and productivity, as it lets you see your work more clearly.
Furthermore, a good lamp helps create a more comfortable and inviting workspace. Poor lighting can be harsh, distracting, and unpleasant. In contrast, a lamp with a warm, soft light can help to create a more pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, which can be especially important when working from home for long hours.
5. Earplugs and Headphones to Help With Focus
You may be more likely to encounter interruptions and distractions from household activities, pets, or other sources when working from home. Earplugs and headphones help reduce distractions and outside noise, particularly if you live in a noisy area or have loud neighbors.
By blocking out some of the external noise, earplugs can help you to focus on your work and reduce the risk of distractions. Headphones can also be useful for listening to music or other audio while you work, as this can help to create a more enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere.
The Right WFH Essentials
Working from home can be a convenient and flexible way to get things done, but it can also present its own set of challenges. However, with the right tools and equipment, you can create a comfortable and efficient workspace that will help you stay focused and productive and succeed in your work-from-home endeavors.
