9 Easy Steps to Set Up Your Remote Work Office CareerMetis.com

9 Easy Steps to Set Up Your Remote Work Office Source â€" DepositPhotos.comWorking remotely, once frowned upon as a fad by corporate employers, is here to stay. A 2016 Gallup study, “The State of the American Workplace,”found that at least 43% of employees now spend some portion of their time working remotely and employers report increased productivity as a result. However, now that the workforce is increasingly settling into home offices, it’s become clear that not all remote environments are created equal.One of the real benefits of telecommuting is being able to enjoy the comfort of your own home and a flexible schedule, but this same cozy environment can also be a distraction. Intentionally crafting a space that encourages productivity doesn’t have to be a chore, but it does take some careful planning and intentional design.Here are nine things to consider in a home office that make the most of your remote work opportunities with an efficient, organized, and comfortable setup.1) Survey your spaceevalevalWhere you deci de to locate the office within your home or apartment may be just as crucial as what’s in it. If possible, choose a space that’s away from the main traffic flow and noise of the household, preferably with a door that can be closed.You may want to divide your work computer from your personal laptop to enforce clear boundaries. Being able to close the door of your office at the end of the day and walk away helps eliminate the temptation to squeeze additional work Let’s chat about ergonomics for a second. No matter whether you take a seat on a traditional swivel chair or perch at a standing desk, you’ll want a setup that maintains good posture to avoid back and neck strain.Position your monitor or laptop slightly below eye level to relax your eyelids and reduce fatigue. Your keyboard height should allow your forearms to be parallel to the floor, so choose an adjustable chair that can accommodate.In response to several studies citing the risks of a sedentary lifestyle, more offi ce workers have embraced standing desks. There are a few inexpensive versions, but be careful to choose a desk with adjustment options so you don’t negate the benefits of standing with the persistent strain of misalignment.eval5) Get connectedWhen setting up your home office, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important aspects of efficiencyâ€"a capable internet connection. The speed you need is a factor of the kind of work you do. Most remote workflows consist of internet researching, email, and occasional video streaming.evalFor those who frequently download large files, you may need to spring for a more robust 50 Mbps. Even if you live in rural parts of the US, you can still find satellite internet ranging from12 to 100 Mbps.Staying connected doesn’t stop there. You’ll want a network router that is up to the task of managing multiple devices and has enough range to reach your home office easily.6) Set up your workstationHave a seat and stretch out your arms. Can you re ach everything you require for most daily tasks? Think of your office set up as a work trianglewhere your essentials should stay close to your computer.Reduce the number of devices competing for space by choosing multitaskers like printers that also scan, or slim docking devices. If you design or program, clear your desk for the multiple monitors you need to be efficient and stock the staples elsewhere.In addition to a comfy chair, there are two things in your home office that deserve a splurge: get a high-quality mouse and a keyboard to die for. They’re the workhorses of your home office and are worth the extra expense.7) Gear up for meetingsMost remote work comes with at least a few virtual meetings. This situation is especially true when you’re hunting for a new job via a Skype interview, or if you work as a freelancer who meets with clients. You’ll get a ton of mileage out of a reliable webcam and a quality microphone as well as a small set of speakers.Getting the right to ols for your trade also doesn’t have to be expensive. Most laptops now come standard with webcams, and you should always check with your employer to see if the cost of additional equipment can be reimbursed.8) Find your Comfort ZoneSo far, we’ve focused on functionality, but let’s not ignore one of the perks of remote work. Your home office should create a sense of comfort, either with casual seating, cozy throws, or little conveniences like a hot pot on standby. You’ll spend most of your day in this workspace, so think about making it somewhere you’d want to relax.Whether it’s surrounding yourself with your favorite books or adorable polka dot teacups, you do you.9) Secure and store your dataevalThose hulking file cabinets are probably overkilled, but your remote office needs some storage solution for essential papers. For vital documents and crucial records, opt for a fire-safe sturdy enough to survive any disaster but small enough to be portable.Most of the data you†™ll need to secure will be of the virtual variety, so consider external hard drives or cloud storage to backup essential files. And don’t forget safety measures like surge protectors to guard against destructive power spikes that wreak havoc on electronics.Once you’ve got your remote office up and running, remember to step out of it sometimes. Like any work routine, the same daily environment can stagnate creativity.Find a coffee shop with great Wi-Fi and even better lattes where you can get back on track. You can also check out local hubs where remote employees rub elbows and network. While you’ve created a perfect oasis of productivity at home, there’s nothing like the power of connection to challenge and inspire.