If you have the opportunity to work from home, and want the best results for your efforts, it’s important to set up your office for maximum productivity from the start. A home office has many benefits, most popular being the freedom and flexibility to set your own hours and design a workspace you love. As you peruse packages from your local internet provider and start picking paint colors, though, don’t forget to consider these 5 essential elements for a truly productive work-at-home experience.
Connectivity: In today’s working world, no matter what you do, high-speed internet is absolutely essential. Choose a local internet provider that offers secure, reliable, and high-speed internet. Even if you live in a rural community, advancing technology has made it possible for people in remote locations to enjoy the same high-speed connectivity as their urban neighbors. That means you can upload videos, participate in conference calls, lead a webinar and hold a Facebook chat, no matter where you’re located.
Security: Along with the freedom and flexibility of having a home office, you also get the risk of security issues that can occur outside protected corporate networks. Start by asking your internet service provider about their security protocols and how they can help you work securely from your home office. Invest in antivirus software. And use your office computers only for work-related activities (no online shopping or gaming allowed).
Productivity: Need a printer connected to your home network? Does your PC need a tune-up to protect it from viruses and malware? Productivity depends on systems running smoothly. IT support is just as important in a home office, but you probably won’t have access to the same support as a corporate environment. Before you turn to your local geek squad, check with your internet service provider. Many offer support services that will fit your needs.
Comfort: Just because you work from home, doesn’t mean your office doesn’t deserve corporate-level comfort. Invest in ergonomic seating, good lighting, and a desk with plenty of space and storage. Add art and décor items that inspire your creativity. Or a fancy coffee machine to feed your caffeine addiction. Or you can even dedicate a corner of your office as a studio for YouTube videos and conference calls so you don’t have to keep setting up and breaking down backdrops and lighting every time you go online. Whatever it takes to motivate, inspire, and create more efficiency in your work is worth it.
Organization: Even if your work is mainly high-tech, you can’t avoid a certain amount of paperwork. An organized office is essential, keeping you focused and free of distractions. Check out these 3 simple strategies for organizing everything from cords and cables, to books and paperwork that inevitable clutter up any office no matter where it’s located.
The best support is the one that is there when you need it. From dedicated high-speed internet, to designing and installing a secure network, we have the experience and tools necessary to get your home office connected – fast. Here at Softcom, we provide premier Technical Support seven days a week, which means that if there’s ever a problem, we’ll be nearby to take ownership of the issue and resolve it to your satisfaction. Whether you’re just getting started or already working from home, we can help you create the perfect environment for a productive environment. Give us a call at (800) 982-7675, or ask us a question on our Facebook page, we’re here to help!