Working remotely, while flexible, can also be challenging. If you’ve ever worked remotely, you know how distractions, disorganization, office setup, and internet problems can be not only counterproductive but also damaging to your career.
However, all those problems can be easily solved with just the right tech gadgets. The right technology and hardware are what you need to be a successful and productive remote worker. So, to help you set up your remote office correctly here are 8 must-have tech gadgets.
Ergonomic office chair
Let’s start with one gadget every remote worker needs – a good office chair. Office back pain is the number one problem many office workers face, and in most cases, the chair is the issue.
To avoid health issues and create a comfortable remote office, you should invest in an ergonomic chair. These types of chairs were specifically designed to support your back and make prolonged sitting more comfortable. The materials ergonomic chairs are made from are high-end, and they feature armrests, adjustable lumbar support, and a 360-degree swivel option.
Ergonomic office chairs aren’t cheap but buying one can be a great investment. These chairs are not only comfortable but also protect you from back pain. As a remote worker, this gadget should be number one on your list.
Standing desk
Hand in hand with an ergonomic chair goes a standing desk. If you want to optimize your remote workspace, adding a standing desk is also a great idea. Standing desks, just like ergonomic office chairs, are made to reduce back pain, improve posture and keep circulation going all the while boosting your energy, focus, and mood.
Most standing desks are easily adjustable which means that you can adjust them to your desired height. Similarly, they are either mechanical or electronic. Of course, electronic ones will be more expensive. But the point is that you can seamlessly switch between standing and sitting.
There are also other features that you can consider, but these are the most important ones.
Laptop stand or monitor riser
An ergonomic office setup also features a laptop stand or monitor riser. Both these gadgets are there to help you set your laptop or desktop to a perfect eye level.
With these gadgets in your remote office, you will avoid neck pains and aches, eye problems, and stress.
A convenient screen position also offers many other advantages such as increased productivity, better focus, and workspace optimization. The best thing about these gadgets is that they come in a variety of types and models.
You can get whichever type you think best fits your remote office.
Printer
You may be surprised by this gadget, but printers are still very much valuable despite all the technological advancements. So, don’t get rid of your printer because you may need it.
Hard copies of reports, government documents, and contracts are still something unavoidable in many companies and not having a printer on hand can be tricky.
Not to mention that to some people, reading printed documents is a welcome respite from the digital world. That’s why a printer is still one of the gadgets a remote worker should have.
Not only is a home printer handy, but it saves you the trip to the print and copy shops. And if you’re having some technical issues with your printer, you can always take it to the printer service specialist and have it fixed.
Webcam and microphone
While all computers and laptops have a built-in camera and microphone, they are not always all that good. There are many advantages of getting these gadgets separately.
If you’re someone who has a lot of online conferences and live streaming during a workday, getting these devices can be a great investment.
A high-quality webcam and microphone can record crystal-clear video and audio. With a separate, high-quality camera and microphone, you won’t have to worry about poor-quality video/audio. So, if you don’t have these gadgets yet, you should look them up.
Headset
Getting a headset can also be very useful for your remote office. As someone who spends a lot of time live streaming or assisting many online conferences and meetings, this gadget can help you a lot. A headset can be especially useful if you can’t escape loud environments. If your family is home when you’re working, a headset will cancel out the noise. However, for this, you’ll need to invest in a high-quality headset. And most high-quality headsets aren’t cheap.
Just like all remote office tech gadgets, if you want high-quality, you’ll need to splurge a bit.
Mobile hotspot
We can describe a mobile hotspot as one of the most important gadgets for all remote workers. And investing in one is a smart move.
Whether you travel a lot or just like having a backup, a mobile hotspot is a lifeline. These gadgets connect to the same 4G or 5G networks, as mobile phones do. Today, there are different mobile hotspots available for local or international networks, so you don’t have to worry about being connected.
With this gadget, you won’t have to rely on a sketchy public hotspot. Instead, you’ll have a personal Wi-Fi network wherever you go. Plus, with a good hotspot, you’ll be able to connect not just your laptop, but other devices as well.
Signal booster
Many remote workers rely on their smartphones to get the job done. That’s why a signal booster can come in handy for those remote workers who travel frequently. The purpose of this device is to boost or amplify a weak cellular signal within a given area.
This piece of tech will not only improve your voice quality on the phone, but it will improve your mobile internet.
So, if you travel a lot to remote, rural places, this gadget is a must-have for you.
Bottom line
Working remotely may sound super simple. You can work from just about anywhere, but only if you have all the necessary equipment and tech. And these 8 must-have gadgets are there to make your remote work easier and more comfortable.