It’s the age of Work From Home (or as we call it at ATS, “Work From Wherever”) technology. That means that more people are investing in creating an inviting home office space with the right tools they need to get the job done. Our team knows that remote work isn’t limited to traditional home offices. You have to work from wherever you need to be productive.
We’re unpacking how to set up a productive home office and adapt to the flexibility of remote work:
Designing Your Home Office
Selecting the Right Space
Choose a quiet and comfortable space within your home where you can focus. Natural light and good ventilation can boost your productivity.
Ergonomic Setup
Comfort is key! After all, you’ll be sitting at your desk or in one location day in and day out. You don’t want to develop an injury. Invest in an ergonomic chair and desk to prevent discomfort and improve your work efficiency. An adjustable chair can make a significant difference in your work comfort. You can also opt for a standing desk or walking pad if you’re someone who loved walking around your office space.
Organizational Tools
Keep your workspace organized with shelves, drawers, or storage bins for all your office supplies. Amazon has a ton of options for organizing based on color scheme and function. A clutter-free space can help foster concentration.
Communication Tools
Call us biased, but we’re believers that the right communication tools can prevent the silos and isolation that some office traditionalists complain about when it comes to WFH. With tools from Wildix, your team can talk more efficiently and effectively about work, meaning you’re more productive without sacrificing the chats and community that you so loved about in-office work.
High-Speed Internet
This is A MUST. A reliable internet connection is paramount. Choose a high-speed plan that can handle your work requirements without interruptions. This will look different for everyone based on their company and their roles, and employers should be ready to reimburse employees for additional internet requirements for certain programs.
Video Conferencing Software
Collaboration is key! Platforms like Wildix’s Wizyconf, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams are essential for virtual meetings and collaboration with colleagues. Make sure your computer’s camera and microphone are of good quality. If your company collaborates with clients on a variety of virtual platforms, consider Wizyconf which integrates seamlessly to a variety of conferencing tools.
VoIP Phone System
Let’s make this clear: Employers shouldn’t expect employees to use their personal cell phone lines, personal cell numbers, and/or personal devices to do business — especially if they’re a remote office. Using personal devices not only puts a burden on your employees but it can also lead to security issues, information loss, and inability to monitor client conversations. For example, if your sales guy uses his personal number to make calls, your business is still liable for conversations and promises made to a customer that you can’t track.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems can alleviate all that headache. It gives you crystal-clear, cost-effective voice communication. VoIP infrastructures like Wildix often come with apps and independent numbers for your employees. You get the peace of mind seeing a record of calls and the security of knowing your company’s information is safe.
Headset
This is an added perk that we’re fans of at ATS. A comfortable headset with noise-canceling features can enhance the quality of your calls and help you concentrate.
Flexibility Beyond Home
Remote work doesn’t have to be confined to your home office! Sometimes, you might need to work from other locations, like planes or coffee shops. (We’ve even had clients use Wizyconf on a boat!) Here’s how to adapt:
Mobile Apps
Like we mentioned earlier, many communication tools and VoIP options have mobile apps. Install them on your smartphone or tablet for working on the go. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, be sure to schedule your notifications to turn off on those work-related apps once you’re done for the day.
Cloud-Based Storage
Use cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive to access your work documents from anywhere.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
If you’re working on public Wi-Fi, a VPN can ensure your data remains secure. It can also be a relatively inexpensive add-on for employers to provide to their employees, and something employers should consider if they’re worried about information security.
Hot Desking
Some remote workers take advantage of “hot desking” at co-working spaces, libraries, or even within their original offices. Essentially, hot desking means any desk within your office is equipped to handle any employee sitting there at any point in time. If you’re a company interested in hot desking, make sure that you’ve got the proper equipment and plugs available for each role within your company.
Time Management
Working From Wherever often means having a shorter time frame to work compared to working from home. When working outside your home office, time management becomes crucial. Plan your tasks and prioritize, so you make the most of your time. We like project management tools like Monday, Hive and Asana that can keep you on track and help prioritize tasks across the company.
Remember, setting up a productive home office and adapting to remote work flexibility is not just about the right tools but also about creating a conducive work environment and managing your time effectively. Embrace the changing landscape of work, and make it work for you.