Working From Home: A Remote Work Checklist to Stay Productive

March 23rd, 2020 | Best Office Furniture

Working remotely is challenging and unlike what most people think. You are surrounded by the most powerful distractions like the TV, your family, your bed, etc. A quick 5 minute break can easily turn into an afternoon of sitting and slacking on your favorite chair. But with the right tools, office managers can help their team members retain their productivity even while working from home. 

In light of the recent events (COVID-19 Outbreak), work from home setup is one of the most practical solutions for businesses to keep their operations going and at the same time, ensure that their staff are safe and healthy. 

Here at Arenson Office Furniture, we care about our clients and their employees’ safety in times like these. To help your team get started with remote work, here are some tips to help your staff remain productive with a remote setup.

 

Encourage a Fixed Workstation

An essential part of good remote work is having a designated work station. You don’t need to set up your work area in the morning and break it down every night. Having a desk that’s dedicated for work can free employees from distractions and help them shift to productive mode.

Comfort should be a priority. Choose a desk that comes with keyboard trays for good ergonomic support. Or, keep your employees’ energy levels up with an adjustable desk. Texas A&M University research reveals having 45% increase in productivity for employees who tried using standing desks for work.

 

Accommodate Multitasking with Computer and a Monitor

A recent study by Jon Peddie Research showed that having two screens drove a 42 percent rise in productivity. Equip your remote team members with either a desktop or a laptop and a computer monitor that can serve as a second screen. Give them options to help achieve the best setup that fits their needs.

 

Good Ergonomic Chair 

Instead of grabbing a chair from the dining room or kitchen, give your remote employee a comfortable office chair. Make sure the chair can be easily adjusted to accommodate different preferences. Consider these factors when getting an office chair: armrest height, seat depth and width, reclining function, and lumbar support.

A good chair mat does not only protect the flooring but it also makes it easier for chairs to roll. It improves movement and offers ergonomic support by reducing back and leg strain.

 

Comfortable and Durable Headset

Working remotely means spending a lot more time on the phone. Make sure your employees are equipped with a good pair of headsets. The right headset has great sound quality, reduced background noise (which is common in most home offices) and prevents neck strain. Talk to your employees about their preferred headset.

 

Office Supplies

Give your remote team the same easy access to office supplies by providing them with what they need. Consider handing out office kits like paper products and writing tools, filing materials, or hook them up with a scanner for easy document management if necessary. A debit card can also be helpful so that they can make their own supply runs from approved vendors in case of an urgent task.

By providing resources for remote employees, you help them remain productive team members even while working from home.