As home working with the use of software, such as mindmap workspace for remote team, becomes more popular you might find your company asks you to start remote working. Alternatively, you may already work this way. Either way, you will need or already have a home office or a section of the house that is yours for work. You may also want to add or buy some smart stuff from a smart home store near you.

When Working from home having your own office is pleasant but there are many ways you can step it up a bit. Consider upgrading a few areas of the office and you might find your day more enjoyable and surprisingly, more healthy in some ways too. 

Add some music to your day

Music can help you relax and be more productive. Obviously, there are times when you need to concentrate and silence is called for but studies have found that music can reduce stress in patients and general life, therefore making you more productive.

The Sonos One or the Bose Soundlink Revolve can fit on your desk without taking up too much space and operates wirelessly leaving your work area free of cables and clutter. 

Stand up to work

Might sound a little strange, but standing to work is fast becoming the next big thing. You can buy an adjustable office desk which comes with manual adjustments or electric and this lets you set the height as you wish. If you aren’t convinced the look at some of the benefits:

• Increased concentration
• Less stress
• Improved health
• Reduces back pain
• Burns more calories
• Gives more energy
• Increases productivity

There are good scientific reasons why these desks can help you work more effectively including speeding up your metabolism, making you more mobile, firing up your muscles, and getting the blood to flow. Slumping in a chair is bad for your posture and not good for your general health either. 

Switch to wireless and Bluetooth

Desks and office floors get covered with wires at times and by reducing them you will feel freer to work at your desk and be able to work more efficiently, not to mention the reduced hazards from tripping.

Switch to a backlit Bluetooth keyboard. Ideally, look for one that is USB chargeable so you don’t need to keep a stock of batteries. The backlit versions are especially helpful as the evening draws in or for those early starts when the world outside is still a bit gloomy. A Verbatim Wireless Mini Travel Mouse and mouse pads with wrist support will also help and try out ergonomic versions too. 

Buy a gaming monitor

Although you are looking to work and not play games, these monitors are ideal for the home office. Look for one around 28 inches with 4K resolution. Check that there are enough ports for your needs and look for special features. Some monitors are built with a feature that reduces blue light. This is the light that TVs and monitors emit and too much of it can stop you from sleeping. This is one of the reasons doctors recommend not using devices late at night. 

Smart lighting

Eye strain is a problem for anyone using a computer for an extended period of time. To help this you need to get the right lighting. Natural light is good but you don’t want reflections on your screen. Avoid fluorescent lights and look for a good desk lamp. Also, take a look at the latest 7-inch tablet reviews and learn all the ways you can implement it on your work.

For the rest of the office, you could look for smart light bulbs. These bulbs can be controlled through WiFi and your smartphone to make them lighter or dimmer depending on your needs.

You could also get an LED light to help you with conference calls. This little device sits on top of your monitor and will add some lighting to your face while you are on a video chat. 

Buy a gamer chair or good office version

Although standing up is better for you there will of course be times when you want to sit down too. A good chair is vital for office work for it adds energy to increase focus and productivity at work. It is easy to think you can just borrow one from the dinner table or use a fold-out one but office and gaming chairs exist for a reason. They are designed for long periods of use.

Regardless of which type you decide to buy you want a chair that can swivel 360 degrees, has plenty of padding and adjustable headrest, plenty of widths, and good lumbar support. Chairs can be surprisingly expensive but it is an important area to consider. 

Other tech to think about

Depending on your work role there are a few other areas you could consider.

• Noise-canceling headphones – for when you are sharing your workspace
• Quality microphone – for those important calls and for teaching online
• Graphics tablet – for freelance designers and architects
• Mini treadmill – combine with your sit-stand desk for mini work-outs
• Laptop stands – elevate your laptop when away from your regular desk

Summary

The home office is your private work area and personalizing it can help to make for a more pleasant workday. Adding and upgrading your equipment can help productivity, reduce eye strain and even aid in your health. You can even think about adding cable tv services for your free time.