Many companies are letting people work remotely or in a hybrid environment, so more people need to invest in home office equipment. For most people that means chairs and desks, keyboards and webcams. Others like to include decor items such as lights or cozy blankets for chillier days. Here are some of products that we recommend for getting comfortable while working from home.
Standing Desk
Standing desks, also known as height-adjustable desks, are great for office ergonomics. The desk can change heights so you can work while sitting or standing, giving yourself some time to stretch your back. Not only does having an adjustable desk offer comfort and flexibility, but it also has tons of benefits for your health! It has been shown to reduce back pain and increase energy levels! Plus, they come in many stylish colors, so you can easily get one that matches the rest of your home office furniture!
Office Chair
Obviously, next on our list has to be a good office chair. If you’re someone who spends a significant amount of time working in front of a computer, having a chair with good lumbar support is an absolute must. To maintain a good sitting posture and a healthy back and spine, you should be able to sit with both feet flat on the floor, your knees and hips parallel, and with little pressure on the back of your thighs. A great chair can also help with back pain, reduce neck pain, and improve your blood circulation.
Keyboard
Having a keyboard that makes typing more comfortable for your body is essential. While it’s not something everyone thinks about, it should definitely be on your list of things to invest in while working from home.
You can only achieve a seamless typing experience with the best keyboards. A random, low-quality keyboard from Amazon may be able to handle your normal typing needs, but it won't be as fast and responsive as a top-notch keyboard. In addition, ergonomics will not be a priority.
Everyone will have their own opinion on what keyboard is the best, but we recommend going into stores and trying out some display models so you can see what feels the most comfortable for you. Do you prefer larger keys? Do you want your keyboard to make noise? Do you want a pretty keyboard that lights up? Is responsiveness important to you? There are tons of considerations when choosing a keyboard, so take your time!
Webcam
Depending on your company, you may have been provided with a webcam already, or you may be expected to have your own. So what should you take into consideration when buying a new webcam? To begin with, choosing a higher-resolution webcam will always be better. Everyone likes a crystal-clear picture! The second is frame rate—a higher frame rate will prevent your webcam from freezing frequently. You can also look for webcams with built-in microphones if you don’t want to invest separately in a microphone.
Headphones
Whether it’s for a meeting or to jam to music, headphones are a must for every job! In any office or work environment, you need versatile headsets. It should be comfortable enough to last throughout the day without causing fatigue, with a battery that won't need to be recharged mid-day.
By blocking out background noise and chatty coworkers, active noise cancellation (ANC) can also help you stay focused on your work. It is also possible to crank up your music without bothering the people around you, so it’s best to use headphones with minimal leakage. Some headphones do include their own microphone as well, so depending on your job, you may consider looking into headphones that have one.
Wireless LAN
The wireless local area network (WLAN) is a network of co-located computers or other devices that is wireless rather than wired. If you’re in a hybrid type of environment and have multiple devices, this may be worth looking into! Wireless LANs transmit information via radio waves, like broadcast media. The data is sent in packets. Layers with labels and instructions in packets enable routing to intended locations, along with unique MAC addresses (Media Access Control) assigned to endpoints. An example of an infrastructure-mode WLAN is a home or office Wi-Fi network. Communication between the endpoints is done through a base station, which may also provide internet access.
WLANs can be set up with just a few parts: a wireless router that acts as the base station and endpoints such as computers, mobile devices, printers, etc. Wireless routers are often used as internet connections as well.
Second Monitor
What better way to maximize your space while increasing your productivity than with a second monitor? With a second monitor, you can have tons of information up and work on things seamlessly. Much like a webcam, keep your resolution in mind. The higher the resolution, the more clear your screen will be. Refresh rates are also important. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother your picture will be. And, of course, size may matter to you! A typical monitor is between 21 and 24 inches. Make sure to get one that will fit on your desk. It’s also important to keep both monitors roughly the same height. If you’re using a laptop, consider investing in a riser to put beside your monitor.
At Mann, we believe in educating you to ensure that you’re able to safely run your business while having remote employees. Our team of experts can work with you to help set up home and remote office networks using Cisco Meraki and position your business for success. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business thrive!