35 remote working essentials you need in 2025 updated!
This metal accessory lifts up my iMac to eye level and offers some extra space to store my CalDigit Thunderbolt dock, tame cables and house any other accessories I may need from time to time. My apartment is seriously lacking in the outlet department, especially now that I’m charging two laptops, a printer, a phone, a smartwatch and various other gadgets throughout the day. This Kasa power strip doesn’t just provide plugs; it’s also smart, so I can turn it on and off using my voice with Alexa. This laptop stand not only adds some ergonomic adjustment to my WFH setup but it also looks sleek on my desk or table even when I’m not working.
A Laptop Stand Also Helps
Having no requirement was second-most common at 25% of responses. It also found that about 18% of vacancies listed by London companies in February 2023 were hybrid or remote, up from about 4% in February 2020. These results may vary based on the type of sample collected. Certain groups may have fewer office-workers, e.g., in more urban locations or industries requiring more manual labour. As such groups may find remote working impossible, their presence or absence in these samples may affect the analysis. According to a Gallup poll in September 2021, 45% of full-time U.S. employees worked from home, including 25% who worked from home all of the time and 20% who worked from home part of the time.
- You have a second screen that doesn’t take up any desk space.
- The webcam in your laptop probably outputs potato quality.
- The Casa Pop-Up Desk is a great option if you’re a hybrid worker who needs to head to the office a few times a week.
That doesn’t mean you should get an active chair (or a standing desk). Set a timer for every 30 minutes to stretch or walk around. A smartwatch is sufficient for delivering automatic alerts when you’ve been sedentary for too long. We’ve collected some advice here on setting up your desk ergonomically. If you’re working with limited desk space, a monitor arm mount is a great way to reclaim some room.
Get the right tools.
If you need a bigger laptop display, go for the 15-inch MacBook Air, which also upgrades the speakers. We’re guessing you have a laptop or desktop PC, whether a personal device or your company’s.
Lighting can be a major influence on the comfort of your workspace. Natural lighting is best for a full day of productivity. Throwing together a makeshift home office in an unsuitable environment may negatively impact your transition to remote work.
Remember that having the right equipment is essential for remote work success, so take the time to research and invest in the right tools for your needs. With the right setup, you can work efficiently, comfortably, and productively from the comfort of your own home. As we wrap up our list of remote work essentials remember, ladies, your home office is more than just a space—it’s a sanctuary for your productivity and well-being. Ditch the stiff office wear, but don’t stay in your pajamas all day either.
Remote Work Essentials + Printable Checklist
Work–life balance is something you build intentionally, and with the right habits, you can create a remote lifestyle that feels healthy and sustainable. This makes your home office not just a space for working, but a fully functional extension of your professional environment. Many remote workers find a dual-monitor setup to be a game-changer. It allows you to multitask efficiently, view reference materials alongside work documents, and keep communication tools open without switching tabs constantly. If you prefer a single monitor, make sure it’s large enough to display content comfortably with minimal eye strain.
If you work with screens all day, consider lighting that reduces blue light exposure or helps balance contrast. Proper lighting keeps your eyes comfortable, reduces fatigue, and helps you stay productive from morning to evening. Spaces with sunlight improve energy levels, mood, and focus. A window nearby reduces eye strain and helps you stay awake throughout the day. However, avoid placing your desk in direct sunlight that hits your screen, it can cause glare and discomfort. The next item you will need to work remotely is a desktop computer or laptop.
- A best practice during these meetings is to give each team member a chance to speak and contribute so everyone feels open to sharing.
- It recharges via USB-C, which Staples claims lasts more than 10 hours.
- If you work for a company, don’t be afraid to ask your employer for the things you need to be productive when working from home.
- They can pair via Bluetooth, 3.5-mm wired connection, or a 2.4 GHz dongle for ultra-low latency.
- Items you need daily, like notebooks, pens, and your phone, should be within arm’s reach.
Set a schedule
At least once a day, step outside to get some fresh air and maybe a bit of exercise. Remember that your body and your mind both need a daily dose of sunlight in order to stay healthy. It’s easy to be so totally absorbed in your work when working from home that you lose track of time. You won’t be able to remain productive for long periods of time, though.
Asynchronous communication, often used in remote work, can require greater coordination and management than synchronous communication. Remote workers may have the opportunity to relocate to another city or state for potential job opportunities and or lower cost of living. A 2020 survey found that 2.4% of people or 4.9 million Americans say they have moved because of remote work in 2020. Surveys by FlexJobs found that 81% of respondents said they would be more loyal to their employers if they had flexible work options.
Free Workplace Productivity Guide
From August to September 2022, approximately 72 percent of private-sector businesses reported little to no telework among workers, compared to roughly 60 percent from July to September 2021. During the Information Age, many startups were founded in the homes of entrepreneurs who lacked financial resources. In the early 1970s, technology was developed that linked satellite offices to downtown mainframes through dumb terminals using telephone lines as a network bridge. The terms telecommuting and telework were coined by Jack Nilles in 1973. In 1979, five IBM employees were allowed to work from home as an experiment. By the early 1980s, branch offices and home workers were able to connect to organizational mainframes using personal computers and terminal emulators.
A June 2023 survey of 2,000 full-time workers found that 6% of working arrangements were fully remote, 46% were hybrid, and 48% were fully onsite. Countering the above results suggesting a peak around 2–3 days per week, an April 2023 survey of 1,000 office workers found a peak of five days per week required onsite. Requirements for fewer days were progressively rarer, culminating in 0% saying they must work onsite less than once per month.