It’s no secret that the global pandemic has given the work-from-home job force a big push. But even before COVID-19 became a factor, increasing numbers of people have been saying goodbye to their commute to work. A survey by Global Workplace Analytics and FlexJobs indicates that remote work has grown 91% over the last 10 years, and 159% over the last 12 years.
As an employer, how do you set up your employees for success? What do employees need to work from home? While it’s important to create solid work from home guidelines for employees and give them access to a variety of communication platforms and the appropriate technology, they also need quality work from home gear to convert their home or apartment into an efficient professional workspace. Read on for our recommended WFH gear that will make working from home more productive and enjoyable.
Quality Laptop or PC
Working from home almost certainly requires a computer and wireless router. And who wouldn’t want a new computer?!
MacBook Pro (2020) – Apple’s newest MacBook Pro is the best for people that need a reliable and powerful laptop for work. If most of your employees’ usage revolves around a web browser, the base MacBook Air will suffice, and for a few hundred dollars less.
Acer Swift 3 – If Windows is required, this laptop has a great screen and battery life. Plus its Core i5 10th-gen Intel processor makes it plenty fast.
Asus Chromebook Flip C434 – If your employees can do all their work via a browser and that browser happens to be Google Chrome, then a Chromebook is the obvious choice.
Monitor
A monitor can do wonders. It is one of those things that will dramatically improve the work experience at home.
Acer SB220Q Bi 22-Inch Full HD Monitor – This simple 1080p monitor will do the job for most people and it’s about as affordable as monitors get.
HP 24F 24-Inch Full HD Monitor – This is another solid 1080p monitor for the price, and it’s quite similar to the Acer above. It’s ultrathin and shouldn’t take up much desk space.
Asus VA24EHE 24-Inch Full HD Monitor – This monitor is well built, looks sleek, and the screen is sharp and gets incredibly bright.
LG 34-Inch Ultrawide Monitor – A leading monitor in its class, ultrawide monitors are excellent for content creation. Users experience easier multitasking, quickly switch between applications and enjoy a full, unencumbered view.
Desks
A workstation starts with a good desk, and sometimes that means one that can convert into a standing desk to help refrain from sitting all day.
Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk – This is the perfect adjustable height desk for both environmentally and aesthetically conscious standing desk users.
Flexispot EN1 Standing Desk – An affordable motorized standing desk that can go from 24 to 48 inches.
Standard Computer Desk – There are many options to choose from here on Amazon or even IKEA. The key is to choose something with a sturdy frame that is easy to put together.
Comfortable Chairs
No workstation is complete without a comfortable chair to ease into.
Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair – This task chair is a smart addition to any office and features adjustable seat and arm height, adjustable headrest, lumbar support, tilt tension, and tilt lock.
Staples Ardfield Mesh Back Fabric Task Chair – The clean lines of this chair bring a modern style to the workspace, while the breathable mesh back allows for air circulation. A plush, contoured seat offers added cushion.
X-Chair – This is the Cadillac of desk chairs. Like mattresses, good chairs are worth the investment, especially if you spend eight or more hours on it every day.
Basic Office Chair – Amazon is your go-to source for a basic office chair.
Laptop Stands
The benefit of using a laptop is that one doesn’t need to be confined to a desk. And when working from home, sometimes a change of scenery feels necessary. A stand will help add stability, wherever you are. Here is a guide to the Best Laptop Stands.
Headphones
A good pair of headphones can tune the world out and help you focus. Whether you are looking for the best noise-canceling headphones, wirefree earbuds, the best of the best or just some cheap headphones . . . there is plenty to choose from.
In summary, COVID-19 continues to transform work and how it is done. For employers, working from home can boost productivity, reduce turnover, and lower organizational costs, while employees enjoy perks like flexibility and the lack of a commute. It also provides an opportunity to hire freelancers.
Whether you are a startup or a growing company with 50+ employees, HRO has the tools you need so you can focus on guiding your team to success.