Best Proven Tech Tips When Working Remotely

Are you still struggling to create a work-from-home space that fits you like a glove while also ensuring maximum privacy and productivity?

You are definitely not alone, as this has been the main concern for telecommuters in the past year and a half. Here is a list of tech tips that will make your remote work easier from now on:

Work-From-Home Space Do’s and Don’ts

Pick a spot around the house where you feel you can be the most productive. This includes staying away from distractions, such as the TV, and having a good light source, preferably natural. Buy a comfortable desk chair and stay away from beds, couches, and recliners, however cozy they may seem.

If you cannot benefit from a sunny corner, supplement the artificial lighting with either a desk lamp or a floor lamp. If you’re not sure the light is enough or not, just listen to the signs your body is giving you. Are your eyes feeling tired after a few hours? Upgrade the lighting or position it better.

Make sure the desk is close to a power outlet or you have an extension cord with multiple plugs available. Your computer isn’t the only piece of tech you will need, so take into account having to use your phone and printer at the same time, without having to walk to another room.

Last, but not least, don’t hesitate to ask your office for any supplies you need to do your job properly, whether it is an additional monitor, a printer, or regular paper and post-it notes.

Work-From-Home Schedule Do’s and Don’ts

Whether your office requires you to stick to a certain schedule or you are free to make your own, it is important that you keep track of everything. Use calendars, to-do lists, productivity and time management apps, and set alarms for video calls.

Make sure you get enough focus time by turning off your phone and e-mail notifications every now and then, and don’t forget to schedule breaks and time for daily exercise. Batch together similar tasks and automate as much as you can.

Schedules templates are great tools which allow users to easily develop and manage their content strategies.

Video Call Do’s and Don’ts

If you are still wondering how to do video calls, the best practice would be to schedule large downloads outside video call hours and make sure you have a proper signal in your designated work-from-home corner.

The equipment necessary for making video calls consists of:

• Webcam and ring light. Even if the laptop has a built-in camera, it’s highly likely it won’t provide a clear, well-lit picture. Walk that extra mile and get a better webcam and an additional light source.
• Microphone and headset. Again, laptops come with built-in microphones, but they can pick up all sorts of noises. Opt for a noise-canceling headset with an external mic instead of relying on speakers.
• Strong internet connection. Monitor the connections to your router and upgrade your internet plan if needed.
• Video conferencing software. Your company may prefer a certain video conferencing platform, or you can host video calls through free apps if you don’t need too many features.
• Portable green screen. This might be an optional element, but very welcome if you care about privacy and being professional. Nobody needs to see what the rest of your house looks like, or how your family members are walking around behind you in their pajamas. Set a neutral or office background and you’re good to go.

As far as etiquette goes, dress appropriately, connect early and limit side conversations, just as you would in an in-person meeting at the office.