Earlier this year during the shutdown, I wrote a blog post about my work from home station. Never did I think that I would have to write an updated post but I also think this is very necessary as most of us have received confirmation that we are not returning to the office at least for the remainder of the year.
Here is an updated list of what I use on a daily basis (new and old) and the things I’ve purchased to make my WFH situation as efficient and comfortable as possible.
1. A wireless mouse and keyboard
This definitely an essential. The funny thing is, I didn’t have a wireless mouse and keyboard when I was working from my office downtown. The reason both so essential right now is because it allows me to change positions and use my screens effectively. Because I am working from a laptop along with an additional monitor, I have my laptop propped up on a stand so to use my trackpad and keyboard on my laptop is just awkward and uncomfortable.
I purchased my wireless keyboard and mouse from Miniso and it was really affordable around $20, there are a number of options that you can find online on amazon as well.
2. A laptop stand
During the summers I spent a lot of time working on the balcony so I was working off one screen, as things are beginning to get back to the “new normal”, I’ve been doing court appearances and discoveries from my own home, I needed a more permanent space and one that was as close to my office. I got a laptop stand so that I could use both my screens and position them in a way that made it seamless. The stand allows both screens to be at the same level which is so important when you are reviewing lengthy documents or multitaskings.
3. Lighting
Another thing I invested in recently which I know will make a huge difference for me during my video appearance is a ring light and tripod. I got this on amazon for my home office because I don’t have a window unfortunately and the lighting is awful. I think that in order to maintain the appearance of professionalism it is important that you make your video image as clean and crisp as possible.
Get rid of the junky background, choose a clean and neat corner in your home and one with good lighting. If you don’t have a window, purchasing a ring light with a tripod is a really nice alternative. Prior to this, I tried using a lamp which I could direct to myself behind my laptop camera to give me some lighting but the light was way to harsh on my eyes and was very unflattering, so I am more than happy with my recent purchase.
4. An office chair
This is a MUST. For the sake of your long term back health, it is important that you have a good chair that you can spend hours in. For the last few month (embarrassingly) I have been using a dining chair which is certainly not meant to be sat on for hours on end. I decided to take the plunge last month and buy a proper office chair and I could not be happier. Here is a link to one I purchased at IKEA, I love it so far.
5. A magnet board or bulletin board
I am a big proponent of magnet boards or bulletin boards. You can find these at a number of places. I purchased mine from IKEA but I have even seen a few at the Dollarama.
The key is to position the board in a spot that is easily visible to you when you are working at your desk. There are just some things I like to have on paper rather than an electronic document that I need to keep pulling up.
These are just a few of my WFH favourites that have really been game-changers in the recent weeks, what are your WFH favourites that you have acquired since the pandemic? Why do you love it? I’d love to hear from you!
