We’re all living in very uncertain times, and while some of us are adjusting to the new normal of a remote workspace, others are finding creative ways to make the most of it. Today, we’re looking at the ways one digital nomad is leveraging their employer’s work from home stipend to increase their productivity and create a comfortable workspace. Read on to learn about the 11 items they purchased to create an efficient remote work setup.
1. Embracing the Work from Home Lifestyle
Now that an increasing number of companies and employees are embracing work from home (WFH) lifestyle, there are certain benefits and challenges that come with it. As companies realize that WFH can help in increasing employee productivity, they are opening up to the concept for the long-term.
For employees, there are both advantages and disadvantages to this work style. On the plus side, WFH eliminates the stress of commuting, allowing employees to enjoy more time with their families. Work and leisure activities are becoming more integrated, allowing workers to be more productive and flexible in managing their hours. Furthermore, it gives employees more access to a wider variety of job opportunities as geographic boundaries do not limit them.
- Benefits:
- No Commuting
- More Time with Family
- Integration of Work & Leisure
- Wider Variety of Job opportunities
2. Splurging on New Tech Tools to Increase Productivity
Technology is an essential part of life today, and there’s no doubt that new tech tools can be a useful investment for anyone. By splurging on the right tools, you can increase your productivity and efficiency while also improving the quality of your work. Here are a few ideas to consider if you’re looking to invest in new tech tools:
- Tablets: Tablets are great for taking notes, collaborating on projects, or having digital versions of documents on hand. Whether you’re a student, professional, or artist, the portability and convenience of a tablet can make a huge difference in your productivity.
- Laptop/Computer: If you need to access a wide range of applications or programs, a laptop or desktop computer can be a worthwhile investment. This is especially true for designers, programmers, graphic artists, and other professionals who need more advanced tools for their projects.
- Software: There are many different kinds of software available that can help you become more productive. From project-management programs to organizational tools, software can streamline the workflow of any sized organization.
When it comes to splurging on new tech tools, make sure you select options that best suit your needs. Research the specs and features so you make the most cost-effective purchase for the greatest productivity gain. The right tools will make all the difference in your day-to-day work.
3. My 11 Must-Have WFH Items
Working from home has become the “new normal” for many of us during the pandemic, as it is both an ideal way to remain safe and healthy while still being productive and advancing professionally. Below are the essential items everyone needs to make their home work-space a success!
Laptop or Computer: The most obvious item you’ll need for your work-from-home setup is a computer. Make sure you’re investing in one that takes your goals into consideration and is equipped to keep up with any intensive tasks you may be doing.
- Headphones:
- Wireless Mouse & Keyboard:
- Ergonomic Chair:
- Standing Desk:
- File Cabinet:
- Webcam:
- Monitor(s):
- Internet Router or Modem:
- Printer:
- Desk Lamp:
- Surge Protector:
Headphones: Quality headphones are an absolute must for anyone who wants to control their workspace. Being able to tune out distractions and test out your audio sound quality is so important to staying productive.
- Noise-cancelling Headphones:
- Gaming Headset:
- Wireless Headphones:
4. Upgrading my Home Office Setup
These days, working from home has become the new normal for a lot of us. We must make sure the work environment we create allows us to perform our best day in and day out. Upgrading our home offices can be a great way to refresh the space and make it more productive. Here are four great ways to upgrade your home office setup:
- Get a bigger and better monitor: Having a larger monitor allows us to have all our documents and applications open and within easy reach. Investing in a bigger monitor can provide improved colour accuracy and better responsiveness for a better viewing experience.
- Optimal seating and lighting: Seating shouldn’t be underrated. It can be easy to fall into the habit of sitting in front of our desks for hours at a time. Great lighting can reduce eyestrain when our office lights are turned off. Invest in a comfortable chair and a desk lamp with adjustable settings.
- Organization: A cluttered workspace contributes to a cluttered mind. Investing in some desk organizers and filing cabinets ensure that we can easily access and store all our documents, books and supplies.
- Noise Cancelling Headphones: To drown out the noise from other people in the house, along with the occasional unwanted distant noises, having a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can be useful. It also allows us to work and video call in peace.
These upgrades may take a bit of an investment, but investing in the right equipment allows us to perform more productively and efficiently. Incorporating these four great upgrades can transform our home offices into the productive yet comfortable workspace that we need.
5. Taking My Workday to the Next Level
Find Your Focus
The key to taking your workday to the next level is focusing. It’s easy to get lost in the cycle of switching tasks and quickly hitting deadlines. But to start achieving more and unlock better results, you need to be aware of how and where you are spending your time. Prioritize tasks with an aim to create a workflow that makes progress without overextending yourself.
Set Boundaries
Establish boundaries within your workday so you don’t exhaust yourself. The best way to do this is:
- Assign time limits to tasks
- Take regular breaks away from your desk
- Set aside specific times for emails and other notifications
Creating discrete blocks of time for different activities and reducing multi-tasking will help you stay motivated and make the most of every working hour. Make sure to give yourself time to relax and recharge your brain. Once you get the hang of it, you will be prepared to take your workdays to the next level!
6. Discovering New Levels of Productivity with a WFH Stipend
It can be difficult to maintain productivity when working from home (WFH). From finding a comfortable workstation to frequently being distracted by family and pets, it can be tough to stay focused. But there are ways to make the most out of the situation and discover new levels of productivity.
One effective way is to take advantage of a WFH stipend. Here are some of the benefits you can look forward to:
- Invest in comfortable and ergonomically designed equipment that reduces physical and mental wear-and-tear.
- Purchase software that helps streamline the workflow.
- Create a dedicated workspace with decorative objects that inspire and motivate.
- Set up a budget for snacks and other amenities that make work an enjoyable experience.
By offering employees a WFH stipend, companies make it possible for them to discover new levels of productivity and remain in the zone longer. This in turn increases efficiency across the organization and leads to better overall performance.
Treat yourself and your workspace with an upgrade – you’ll be surprised by the results! The 11 items I bought with my WFH stipend not only increased my productivity, they also made me feel more organized and comfortable while getting the job done. You’ll be thankful for the investment in no time.