What You Need To Work From Home
There are many different things that you will discover you need as you begin your work-from-home journey. My home office includes a lot of the same stuff a standard public office would have. I have post-it notes, notebooks, a printer, pens and pencils, a photo of my family, and a little set of drawers containing items like paperclips and staples. I even have an electric pencil sharpener on my desk!
Depending on the type of work you do, you may need very little, or if you are more hands-on (like me), you may prefer to have notebooks and post-it notes. I think post-it notes are always a good idea. It’s better than realizing you may have accidentally deleted that critical sticky note on your computer (oops). In this article, I’ll go over some of the things you need to work from home.
A Computer
Although it should be pretty obvious, you need a computer to work from home. You can do work on your cellphone for some companies, but you still need a computer to log in and do the qualifications or testing for that job. While your cellular device may be the latest and most updated version, it still can’t compare to a computer. Keep your cell strictly for on-the-go communication and use a computer for work.
As you are shopping around for computers, it is vital to consider the kind of work you want to do. If you are working mainly in customer service or data entry, you might not need a device with a lot of storage space, for example. If you frequently download documents, images, and videos for work, you will want a machine with adequate storage space.
There are many different types of computers available, and not everyone is good for the same task. My laptop is great for my work, but it’s not a gaming computer, for example. If you are unsure what type of computer specifications you need, ask someone what kind of computer specs they think you need and tell them precisely what you will be using the computer for (phone calls, chatting, video chats, taking calls).
Internet
You have to have a reliable, stable internet connection that is not public. One of the biggest problems people have where I live is that they cannot get a reliable internet connection because they don’t have access to cable internet. We don’t have fiber available here, so our only choices are Cable or Satellite.
The satellite internet is not stable enough and is too slow to do any work online. I cannot stress this enough. Many employers will have you run a speed test if you aren’t freelancing to ensure your computer meets the minimum requirements. Some of them will also do a system test on your computer.
You cannot be safe and secure during work if sharing an online connection with other public users. So while you may think that you can go to a public space and use their free WiFi to work, this is not ideal. Your connection and information are easily accessible by others on the same shared network as you. If you are away from home, your best option is to use your hot spot on your cellular device to work.
Cell Phone
A cellular phone is essential to have when you are working from home. Most companies have moved over to platforms that have apps for your phone available. If you are working from home for a company, they will likely have a payment and benefits app you can access. You might use production apps, task lists, and a banking app if you are a freelancer.
You don’t have to have the most excellent or updated cellular phone available. Just get one that will allow you to download and use the apps needed for work. Some employers that work with freelancers, like Appen, even have mobile apps that you can use to do some of your work. As long as your phone is still receiving updates to its operating system, you should have no problem using it for work. If you want a fancy phone that you can also work on, then go for something like a Samsung Galaxy Note, but still plan to use your computer as needed.
Headset
You will need a headset if you work from home, regardless of what kind of work you do. Clients, customers, and coworkers will all want to connect over a chat platform such as Zoom, Uberconference, or Skype. You can call in from your phone sometimes, but others often want to screen share while talking, so it is better to attend a meeting on your computer. Other clients and employers may want to see your face live on camera so that they can confirm your identity.
If the computer you get has Bluetooth capabilities, that is also an option for chatting through an online platform. It is always better to have your work meetings on your computer rather than on your phone because it is easier to multi-task should you need to take notes. If your computer doesn’t have Bluetooth capabilities, purchase a headset with a USB connection. I also recommend getting a good-quality headset that has volume control and background noise cancellation. Make sure that the headset you purchase is compatible with your computer’s operating system.
A Distraction-Free Environment
A common mistake when working from home is to assume that you can work from home without distractions. When you are at home instead of at an office, there are tons of distractions. If you have kids or pets, then you share the house with them while you are working. Being interrupted shouldn’t mean that you have to stop working to take care of them. In most work from home jobs, employers require you to have a distraction-free environment with no background noise, even more so if you have a customer service job because the employers do not want customers to hear background noise in your office.
One misconception is that this is to be mean, but this is not the case. If your customers hear background noise, they may feel like they do not have your undivided attention. If you are already dealing with a frustrated customer, this could make them even more irritable. So keep tabs on your kids and your pets and make sure that anyone who is home while working understands to be quiet and not interrupt you while completing your tasks.
These are some things that you have to have to get started working from home. As you grow and progress on your work from home journey, you may find you need other equipment. You might even purchase software that makes your life easier. If you wanted to narrow this down even further, I would say you at least have to have three things on this list; you have to have a computer, internet, and a working headset.
If you have a home office, please let me know your favorite office equipment in the comments below!