The number of people who work from home has increased by 173% since 2005. As telecommuters’ rate increases yearly, the need for a better home office also rises.
From a strong internet connection to gadgets that improve productivity, there are plenty of ways to improve the quality of your work-from-home experience. Take a look at these nine information technology tips to strengthen your telecommute lifestyle.
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Get Quality Video Calls
One of the main ways telecommuters communicate with their fellow employees is via video calls. However, video call quality depends on several factors, such as internet connection strength and camera quality.
Be sure to invest in a good-quality camera for video calls. The difference is reflected in your visual and audio quality, so sacrificing these two factors will make video calls a frustrating experience.
Also, update your internet package to something that sustains your workload. This is especially important for telecommuters who need to use the internet for their job and make several video calls a day.
Use Internal Communication Software
Being away from a normal office may feel isolated due to a lack of in-person communication. Internal communication software helps alleviate some of this isolation by allowing employees to communicate digitally.
This software is simple to download and allows companies to organize employee groups and departments into channels so project-specific communication isn’t drowned out among other conversations. Employees can even message co-workers and managers directly for private discussions.
Install a VPN
If your company issues you a laptop or phone, it is within its rights to track what you do on these devices. Plus, your computer is at risk from cybersecurity attack security.
For most people, a lack of digital most people, especially those who work from home in the comfort of their own homes. Consider installing a virtual private network (VPN) on your devices to sidestep this privacy invasion.
Installing a VPN is easy; it takes a few simple steps and only a moment of your time: https://setapp.com/how-to/how-to-setup-vpn-on-mac. Once you install a VPN, you’ll feel better knowing your every cyber move isn’t getting tracked or potentially exploited.
Use Blue Light Filters
Blue light emission from tech devices tends to cause eye strain and sleep disruption. The less you expose your eyes to blue light, the better. However, 9-5 telecommuters often can’t avoid staring at a computer all day.
Many devices offer built-in features that reduce the intensity of blue light. One helpful solution involves setting up blue-light filters on your device. This setting gives your devices a yellow tint that is much easier on the eyes.
Make File Sharing Easier
If you’re in a work-from-home environment, you need a way to access work files from your home computer. A storage system is a great way for you and your co-workers to upload and share files easily.
A file-sharing system is also a great way for companies to uphold transparency and ensure everyone can access the files they need. Projects, brand images, and company information can all stay organized in one place for easy access.
Improve Your Internet
Your WI-FI is the most important part of your work-from-home setup. A bad WI-FI connection negatively impacts your video call quality and productivity.
Before committing to a telecommuting role, it is vital to upgrade your WI-FI network with a package that will sustain your increased internet usage.
Good WI-FI is essential if multiple people use the internet in your home. The more your WI-FI can handle, the more likely you won’t experience work interruptions.
Get Helpful Accessories and GadgeWorkinging from home requires an internet connection and a computer, at minimum. However, various tools can help make your telecommuting experience more comfortable.
Depending on your job, you may benefit from gadgets that aren’t a normal laptop. For example, accountants may want an external number pad, which makes punching numbers into Excel much easier.
A computer mouse, noise-canceling headphones, and a second computer monitor positively affect productivity rates. Plus, extra charging cords and batteries are good to have on hand if needed.
Take Advantage of Company Perks
Your company may provide benefits and perks for telecommuters. Before you spend your money upgrading the tech in your home office, contact human resources and ask if they offer these items for free. Companies sometimes reimburse home tech costs, so asking doesn’t hurt.
Remember to contact your company’s information technology department if you have any questions or concerns. For example, if your work laptop suddenly stops working, your company’s IT department should handle the situation, not you.
IT workers are also there for you if you have tech-related questions. They can even access your computer remotely to install software or fix issues.
Set Boundaries
Working from home often blends your work life with your personal life. To avoid this, it is vital to create a separate workspace for yourself and make it easy to escape when needed.
The best way to do this is to separate your personal space from your workspace. This usually means converting a bedroom or den into a dedicated office space. Once you finish your work for the day, leave the room and close the door until your workday starts again.
If you can’t create a separate workspace, consider turning off all of your work devices as soon as you finish your work for the day. This means completely shutting down your computer, phone, and any other tech device you use.
Technology Tips for a Better WFH Experience
Adjusting your home to match your previous high-tech office environment is lengthy. But with these nine technology tips and tricks, your home will be comparable, if not even better, than your office’s tech—all without the pesky commute.
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