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Remote offices gained popularity during Covid and have staying power in our post-vaccination world. Will any of us be the same again? How we work has changed for good. As we evolve into a new normal, employers are giving their employees more flexibility with hybrid time in and out of the workplace. We moved from conference tables to our kitchen tables to converted bedrooms suited for privacy and silence.
Work and lifestyle have been revolutionized; necessity did indeed become the mother of invention. At the very least, necessity is a good friend with helpful suggestions on how to optimize the work experience from our homes. Besides a computer, we have come up with a list to make your home/work life productive, healthy, and fun!
Here Are FIVE TOOLS FOR EVERY Successful REMOTE OFFICE
MESSAGING APPS
Communication is important and remote workers need a way to chat with co-workers just like we were at the office face-to-face. While email is a great communication tool, it is not the best way to have an on-going conversation. We like using team chat apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams and Google Chat or Hangouts. These are perfect for quick messages, replies and even file transfers. Plus, these apps also give you ways to organize messages, flag importance and keep a record of conversations. You can even use them for audio calls if there is something that needs to be discussed verbally.
VIDEO CONFERENCING APPS
Zoom is the default video conferencing app because of the simple nature of joining a Zoom; anyone can do it from their device or computer. It has excellent basic features like screen share, muting, video on/off, chat, hand raising and recording. Plus, the virtual backgrounds are fun. A second runner up to us is Google Hangouts.
TIME MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Your company may have you using a time management app to track employees time at work and task creation like Monday, Basecamp or Asana. If you are a freelancer, a time management tool can be helpful for you to get clear how much time you are spending on a given task or project. A great tool for personal productivity is Toggl. You can use this app to set up team and project planning and time tracking. Plus, it is free!
STANDING DESK
Your workspace should be productive and healthy. A standing desk allows you to alternate between sitting and standing for stretching and an increase in blood flow. VARIDESK made it a trend, but you can find more affordable models on Amazon that are compatible.
CLOUD BASED FILE SHARING
Who does not have a piece of the cloud these days? Dropbox, Google Drive, Adobe CC, box.com and other cloud services are great tools to have as a remote worker or freelancer. Your company may provide one, but it is a good thing to have for file sharing and storage. It gives you more flexibility handling large files than email does, and basic subscription plans will not break the bank. If you are like me, you have a few free or basic services across the internet to provide over hundreds of gigs of low cost, reliable cloud space.
HIGH SPEED CHARGERS
Phone and device chargers are necessary in your home office. There is nothing worse than looking down at your phone or iPad and seeing a low battery charge. Keep your devices plugged in while you work. This way, when break time comes around, you can move around your house or take the dog for a walk knowing you are juiced up and available to take calls and answer emails.
MUSIC STREAMING APP
Sign up and make sure you have a music streaming app. Listen to podcasts, your favorite music or find a playlist full of 528Hz Frequency for Healing or music for Deep Concentration to flow in the background while you work on your latest task.
Here is a tip: Play the app from your phone or iPad so your computer’s memory does not get bogged down. Let your RAM roam free!
Remote Office Tools WRAP UP
Is your remote office hooked up with the tools and assets for productivity and enjoyment? According to otter.ai, “Hybrid work is here to stay…Remote work liberated many workers from being tied to a home near their place of work.” Whether folks moved an hour away or out of state to find better living conditions, both companies and employees are now rethinking their work requirements and work-life balance.”
A new work age is here. How prepared is your remote office for the new normal? Look around your space and hook it up for your unique needs and wants. This is a great time to reassess how you want to work and under what conditions you require for optimal work health.
