The estimates vary, but most researchers agree that between 30 & 40 percent of Americans could work from home regularly. With many of us working remotely, it makes sense to make our home office space more productive and efficient. If you would like to upgrade your home office without breaking the bank, here are some suggestions.
Upgrade to Smart Lighting
Do you know that the type and intensity of light effects “… levels of alertness, well-being, mood, quality of sleep, circadian entrainment, and cognitive performance?” (Münch, Mirjam & Brondsted, Adam & Brown, Steven & Gjedde, Albert & Kantermann, Thomas & Martiny, Klaus & Mersch, Danielle & Skene, Debra & Wirz-Justice, Anna. (2017). The Effect of Light on Humans.)
Since light and lighting have such vital impacts on the ability to work productively, it makes sense that we should try to adjust the light to provide the maximum benefits. One easy way to do this is to have a window in your office space. In the research noted above, the authors state that “Daylight influences virtually every aspect of human physiology and acts via three main routes: (1) visual, (2) direct skin absorbance, and (3) nonvisual ocular actions on the circadian clock in the brain and on other neuronal pathways.”
Another way to improve our home office lighting is through the use of smart lights, which can automatically control the lighting in your home office or elsewhere. There are a growing number of solutions when it comes to smart lighting. CNET has published a list of the “The 25 best smart lights to buy right now”. If upgrading your lighting makes sense to you, this article is a good starting point for your research.
Consider a standing desk to improve your health.
Do you know the health consequences of sitting for long periods?
- According to Healthline, “Sitting too much is seriously bad for your health. People who sit a lot every day have an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and early death
- Additionally, sitting all the time burns very few calories, and many studies have linked it to weight gain and obesity
Sitting for long periods is a major problem for office workers because they sit down for most of the day. Fortunately, standing desks are becoming increasingly more popular.
Webcam
Have you considered upgrading your webcam? Go to Meetings, Zoom meetings, and other video conference calls are becoming quite the norm these days. Even when working in a home office, you want to look your best to customers, clients, and whoever else might be on a video call. Having a quality webcam can help.
There are many quality webcams on the market today for less than $100.00. They often come with features like built-in microphone or tripods.
Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)
If you do not have a UPS, you should consider getting one. Being in the middle of a video call or video chat and losing power can be bad for business. If the power goes out and you have a backup, the meeting can continue. Generally speaking, the money you pay for a UPS the longer if we keep supplying power to your computer or other devices. For around $50.00, it’s possible to get a UPS that will provide 3 hours of power to your laptop or PC.