The way we work has changed dramatically in the last few years. Workers used to do the daily commute, sat in traffic, or packed onto overcrowded trains. But the arrival of the lockdown in March 2020 meant that we were told to stay home and work in the corner of the kitchen or on the bed in the spare room.
Although the days of staying home are behind us, our home office setups have become more permanent. Hybrid working has become a standard work setup. Up to May 2023, 39% of workers in Great Britain said that they had worked from home at some point in the previous seven days.
Many employers are championing a return to the workplace. However, over one-third of employees feel strongly about changing to how things were.
This hybrid way of working appears to be here to stay, so you might likely be considering your home setup.
Why is the home office setup necessary?
You can boost productivity and work efficiently by creating a dedicated working environment in your home. This helps you to get your job done effectively.
It’s also helpful for you in terms of your career. By working at home and working well, you can show that you’re a dependable team member wherever you’re located. Creating a dedicated home office setup can also help you with future job roles as more remote and hybrid job positions become available; having a reliable home office could be an essential factor in your next job.
To help you, here are some top tech pointers to make things easy:
- Internet connection
First and foremost, a reliable and fast internet connection is crucial for working from home. A stable internet connection ensures smooth communication with colleagues and clients. It also offers easy access to online resources and efficient file sharing.
When it comes to internet speeds, both upload and download speeds matter. Upload speed affects how quickly you can send files or collaborate on projects. Download speed, meanwhile, determines how fast you can access information.
To optimise your internet speed, consider choosing a reputable internet service provider and upgrade your plan. Installing Wi-Fi boosters in larger houses or rooms far from the primary router can help keep connectivity consistent.
Similarly, if you are considering creating a home office, installing your router within or close to the office room will help give you the best connection to the router and improve the overall speeds of the connection.
- Security software
Another critical aspect of a home office setup is security. Protecting your work and personal data is essential, especially when accessing the internet from home.
To safeguard against potential cyber threats, use comprehensive security software. A reliable antivirus program can defend your devices against viruses and malware. Additionally, employing a VPN will hide and protect your IP address. It also encrypts your online activities. This makes it harder for cybercriminals to infiltrate your home network.
Remote working has posed a greater vulnerability to businesses’ online security, so it is essential to remain vigilant and aware of the different types of attacks. This includes avoiding using the laptop for personal use where possible and making yourself aware of the signs of phishing attacks, ensuring to report any instances or attempts of cyber criminals trying to access your data through email or direct message.
- Hardware
A computer or laptop is the foundation of any home office. But enhancing your setup with additional hardware can improve productivity.
Consider investing in multiple screens. These allow for efficient multitasking and better organisation. With multiple displays, you can open your email on one screen while working on another project. A high-quality printer, scanner, and wireless headset can streamline your work processes and boost efficiency.
- Setup and comfort
The average working day in the UK is 7.28 hours, a long time for anyone to remain focused and productive. One way you can improve productivity is by increasing comfort by using ergonomic equipment. An ergonomic desk chair will allow you to sit comfortably while working from home, helping to avoid back pain and other strains that can come from an uncomfortable chair. There are many other tips for increasing the comfort of your home office, such as using an ergonomic desk that allows you to pull in entirely and properly rest your arms while using a keyboard. Similarly, you should set the height of your screens to meet your eye level, helping to promote good posture while working and reduce neck strain from looking downwards for long periods of time.
By creating a robust home setup with the necessary tech and equipment, you’re well-placed to work from home.
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