When we thought the pandemic was finally slowing down in 2021, another new variant caught everyone off guard at the beginning of 2022. This only means one thing for both employers and employees — postponed back-to-office setup plans. As the pandemic continues to threaten workers in physical offices, some feel safe in a work-from-home setup. However, a WFH setup must be conducive to ensure optimal productivity. Read on to know what the remote working benefits are and what you need in a WFH setup.
Benefits of a WFH Setup
A FlexJobs survey in 2021 that involved 2,100 respondents concluded that 58 percent would jump ship if they couldn’t continue a WFH setup post-pandemic. People are starting to realize the benefits of working from home, and here are some of them:
1. Cost-efficient
Imagine having to travel back and forth every day to the office. That will cost workers around $4,000 per year for commuting. Expenses will include gas, vehicle maintenance, clothing upkeep, food, parking fees, and more. So instead of paying for these expenses, employees prefer to work at home and save this amount. On the flip side, employers also save up on overhead costs such as utility bills, transportation allowance, and more.
2. Comfortable WFH setup
Most employees make do with whatever office cubicle is provided. They would have to settle for the provided chair, table, and computer. Employees can ensure a conducive WFH setup when working from home by choosing their home office equipment. Plus, they no longer have to adhere to dress code requirements. They can work comfortably in their pajamas and still have the same productivity as when working in a physical office.
3. Customizable home office
As mentioned, a WFH setup means you can do whatever you want with your home office. This means you can customize it without thinking of your colleagues, employers, or office rules. For instance, you can keep your home office colorful and image-heavy by inundating it with pictures. Better yet, you can paint your home office any color you want! Overall, a personalized work-from-home setup helps motivate employees to work harder and smarter.
4. Less stress
Remote working means workers will experience minimal stress because they will be working alone. They don’t have to deal with stress from a public commute, traffic, rowdy colleagues, and unclean office spaces. As long as they also care to create a safe and conducive home office for working, they’ll likely experience a comfortable and hassle-free atmosphere.
5. Increased productivity
Depending on their locations, some people have to travel from their homes to offices for an hour or more. With a WFH setup, you can use this extra hour to complete projects and send deliverables. Moreover, working in a physical office would require employees to be presentable and professional.
This means prepping for more or less 30 minutes daily before embarking on your commute. If you calculate all the hours for preparing and commuting, you’ll realize why remote working is more favorable for productivity.
6. Inclusive
Some applicants are hesitant in applying for onsite jobs due to specific reasons such as travel time, work environment, and disability. With a WFH setup, a promise of a more inclusive work culture sounds very inviting. For instance, some people with disabilities don’t have to experience the troublesome commute from point A to B.
Working from home means they can be productive, even with any disability. Moreover, some might not be comfortable with office rules regarding their culture or beliefs. That said, remote working allows them to work and be comfortable in their own skin.
7. Increased employee morale
The future of remote working is a system that everyone, both employers and employees alike, is willing to adapt. Unfortunately, remote work is only suitable for employees who possess the right skills to be equally productive. Employees must possess excellent communication skills, be go-getters, have integrity, be passionate, and be smart enough for objective judgment.
A Global Workplace Analytics survey says that 90 percent of remote workers experience increased morale. This is because a WFH setup gives them more time for physical activities, encourages them to eat healthy, home-prepped meals, exposes them to minimal illnesses, and creates an ergonomic workspace. Overall, it boosts their mental and physical wellbeing.
8. Broad range of job opportunities
Another reason why most employees favor a WFH setup is due to the broad range of job opportunities. Many skilled workers are eyeing that attractive job package. Unfortunately, geographic boundaries can hinder them from applying. For example, the job position might mean you’ll have to move to another state or country.
To some, this might not be a possibility, especially for family-oriented workers. Working remote means everyone will get a fair chance of snatching the position, regardless of where they are in the world.
9. Minimal carbon footprint
Brands are now leveraging sustainability to appeal to their target audiences. And that means they should follow through on their promise of a more positive environmental impact. A Cone Communications study claims that 63 percent of Americans encourage businesses to push for sustainable means and systems.
That said, working from home means you and the brand will have a minimal carbon footprint. You no longer have to power air conditioning for an entire office. Employees don’t also have to emit fumes from driving to and fro.
10. Better work-life balance
When a schedule binds you at work, this can mean putting other things on hold. With a flexible work-from-home setup, you can do other activities that improve your wellbeing, such as exercise. You can also perform family duties like picking your children up from school or prepping for lunch or dinner. And this is also why remote work is only suitable for certain people with integrity and good time management skills.
7 Things You Need in a Work-From-Home Setup
Working from home will need a comfortable workstation to be more productive. For instance, your workspace should be clutter-free. Apart from that, here are 10 things or home office tools you need to make a WFH setup more contributory.
1. Ergonomic office chair
Office workers sit for extended periods. While this may sound harmless, prolonged sitting can take its toll on your spine and lower back. And this is why you must arrange an ergonomic workspace. Ergonomics is arranging and designing workplace systems, products, and tools to better suit the person working.
Here’s how to choose an ergonomic chair that will work for most people:
- Seat height must be around 16 to 21 inches from the floor
- Seat width must be approximately 17 to 20 inches and depth around two to four inches
- Make sure there is ample lumbar support
- The backrest must be about 12 to 19 inches in width
- Make sure there is comfortable padding to rest and sit on
- Ensure the armrests are adjustable
- Look for features such as swivel for convenience
2. Office desk
Experts recommend that you stand for 15 minutes after every hour of sitting on your office chair. This way, you don’t put a strain on your back for prolonged sitting. That said, choosing a suitable desk will also depend on the type of work. For instance, if your job requires you to put pressure on the desk, a wooden desk might be suitable. If you’re mostly on your computer, steel or glass may be more comfortable.
Also, a standing desk is recommended if you’re comfortable working either standing or sitting.
Here’s how to choose one:
- Find the perfect height by checking if your forearm rests on the surface comfortably with a 90-degree angle.
- The configuration of the desk. Do you want a rectangular or oval desk? Do you like it mounted to save space? Or do you want an adjustable one with pull-out features?
- Check for space and storage. If you’re dealing with a lot of paperwork, then make sure the desk is spacious, with ample drawers for storage.
3. Ergonomic keyboard
Choosing an ergonomic keyboard is crucial to protect your wrist when you’re always on your computer in a WFH setup. But the last thing you want is to be diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome for using your wrists in wrong positions doing repetitive tasks.
Here’s how to choose an ergonomic keyboard:
- Check the keyboard layout. Some keyboards have a split layout where the keyboard’s halves are split into a curved or standard design. See what works for you.
- Ensure the keyboard can be adjusted to find the correct tilt that you’re comfortable with.
- Try to look for a keyboard with wrist rests to protect your wrist from injury. When you have this, you will only use this item for resting your wrists. But experts say that when you’re typing make sure that your hands are elevated and not touching the wrist rest.
4. Ergonomic mouse
It’s recommended that you select a mouse that fits your hand and palm. Since you’ll be doing a lot of repetitive tasks on your computer, ensure you protect your wrist at all times. Choosing an ergonomic mouse promises a more comfortable working experience.
How to choose an ergonomic mouse:
- Check what type of mouse configuration works for you. Do you want a three-button configuration or a gaming mouse with a different setup?
- Choose the kind of grip you want. Do you prefer a flat or claw-like grip?
- Determine what DPI or dots per inch you need. DPI pertains to how fast the mouse pointer moves every inch when you’re physically moving the mouse. For people with dual monitors, a higher DPI is recommended. For those who work with design software, a lower DPI is advised.
- Polling rate refers to how many times a mouse indicates its position to the computer every second. Choose a higher number for smooth and accurate movements.
- Choose between a laser or optical mouse. Opticals work on opaque and flat surfaces, while lasers work on various surfaces, including glass.
- Consider a wireless or Bluetooth mouse to prevent entangling the wires in other office materials.
5. Natural lighting
Don’t underestimate the power of natural light. It provides you with a warmer view without the glare from light bulbs or desk lamps. Ensure that your table is facing the window. Better yet, face your workstation north or south to prevent shadows from sunlight.
You may also consider ambient light diffused throughout the entire space. Task lighting to focus on your workstation. Plus, you can add accent or decorative lighting to draw attention to other elements in the room for a visual appeal.
6. Online productivity tools
When working from a WFH setup, you want to maximize your time for productivity. This way, you can still do things outside of work, such as exercising, household chores, or groceries. However, some people might find it hard to focus at home, especially if they have kids or pets around.
That said, download productivity tools such as:
- Time tracking tools
- Communication and messaging tools
- Video conferencing tools
- File sharing tools
- Project management tools
- Cloud sharing tools
- Design and development tools
7. Stress-relievers
The last and most important thing in a work from home setup is any stress-relieving products, designs, systems, or decor. Whether you choose to beautify your workspace with plants, picture frames, oils, coloring books, or vision boards, these things will help you get through the day with ease.
PRO TIP: It’s also crucial to maintain a proper position when sitting for prolonged hours. Here’s an illustration of a proper work sitting position:
Wrapping It Up
A WFH setup is here to stay, especially since the pandemic is still looming over our heads. The only silver lining amidst the coronavirus is that you don’t have to commute to work or wear dress codes. You can sit in your pajamas and still submit the deliverables on time while enjoying work-life balance.
If you want to make your WFH setup interesting, let Penji’s professional graphic designers design it for you. Better yet, if you need work visuals, Penji’s unlimited design offer saves you money and offers quality outcomes. Sign up here for a special discount!
