Our Top Tips to Optimise Your Work From Home Office Setup

Attention all work-from-homers! Do you find yourself feeling sluggish and unproductive when working from home? Are you constantly distracted by household chores or the lure of the couch? Don't worry, we've all been there. But fear not, because we've got some tips that are sure to help you optimise your home office setup and make the most of your remote work experience.

Why Is Having a Good Home Office Setup So Important?

Working from home can have its perks - no commute, no office politics, and the ability to wear pyjamas all day - but it also comes with its own set of challenges. It can be hard to separate work life from home life, and it's easy to get distracted by the many temptations that being at home brings. That's why it's so important to set up your home office in a way that allows you to be productive and focused.

Since working from home is the norm more than the exception these days, it's important to have a solid home office set up in order to perform your best work for when you’re not in the office. Below are some of the top benefits of a good home office set up.

Comfort

A comfortable home office setup can help you stay focused and reduce muscle strain and fatigue. This is especially important if you're going to be spending long hours at your desk.

Productivity

A well-organised, efficient home office can help you get more done in less time. You’ll have everything you need at hand, and won't have to waste time searching for things or being distracted by clutter.

Health

A good home office setup can also help improve your overall health. For example, a comfortable chair and desk can help prevent muscle strain and improve your posture, which can reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

Professionalism

If you're going to be working remotely, it's important to have a professional-looking home office. This can help you take your work seriously and show your co-workers and clients that you're committed to your job. This goes for your equipment as well. Running meetings from home can be tricky if you aren’t set up properly. Quality headsets, and video and audio equipment are a must have.

Taking all the above into consideration you will work more efficiently, be more productive, and stay healthy and comfortable.

What Equipment is Essential for Your Working From Home Office Setup?

Let’s talk about equipment. We love talking about our headsets and related bits and bobs. But there are other factors that can help you have the best home office setup for your needs.

Headset

A headset is essential for anyone working from home, especially if you're on calls all day. A good quality headset will help you hear your colleagues more clearly and reduce background noise, making for a better overall communication experience. You can choose from either a corded headset for plug and play convenience, or a wireless headset for freedom and mobility. And if your home is noisy, consider a headset with active noise cancelling to cut down on noisy distractions.
Here are a few top picks that you can purchase directly from Simply Headsets.

Corded Headset - Jabra Evolve 40

Similar to most wired headsets, the Jabra Evolve 40s offer seamless usability. Simply plug them in, and you're good to go. Featuring a noise-cancelling microphone, these headphones ensure that your voice remains clear, regardless of your surroundings' noise levels. The speakers are designed to deliver high-quality audio for calls and are ideal for enjoying music during your leisure time. The earcup is equipped with a busy light, indicating when you're on a call (or signaling a well-deserved break). Additionally, the leatherette ear cushion and added headband padding make these wired headphones an excellent choice for comfort.

Wireless Headset - Plantronics Voyager Focus 2

Ideal for remote work, the Plantronics Voyager Focus 2 stands out as an excellent wireless headset. Its compatibility with various video conferencing software is seamless, and it even offers an MS Teams certified version, enabling you to effortlessly open Teams and answer calls with a simple button press. This headset facilitates dual connections to both your mobile phone and computer through Bluetooth wireless technology. With its Active Noise Cancelling feature, it effectively eliminates background noise, allowing you to stay focused on your tasks. Notably, the ANC has been improved by 50% compared to the previous Focus (B825), making this headset their most advanced in noise cancellation performance to date.

ANC Headset - Jabra Evolve2 75

For those seeking tranquility, these Jabra headsets boast advanced active noise cancellation within the earcup, providing an effective barrier against the outside world, be it the noise of trains, colleagues, or kids. The feature is adjustable, allowing you to decide when to reintroduce external sounds. Thanks to eight precisely positioned microphones, clients will exclusively hear your voice, as the headsets adeptly filter out ambient noise. The inbound and outbound sound quality is remarkable, complemented by an 'on head detection' feature that intelligently pauses music or mutes a call when the headset is removed. These exceptional noise-cancelling headsets, optimised for conference calls, seamlessly connect to both your PC and Mac.

Computer

Obvious, yes, but many overlook the importance of a good quality PC. You’ll want a fast processor and enough memory to run the programs you need for your job.

Monitors

A good quality monitor can help you see your work more clearly and make it easier to multitask. A large screen can help you keep your windows and documents organised while you work. The standard office monitor is 24”, but you can go up to a 27” or 32” if you require more screen real estate. Another thing to consider is screen resolution, 1920x1080p is most common, especially with 24” monitors, but if you go up in size you may want a higher resolution to offer a greater pixel density, in which case we would recommend 2560x1440p resolution or higher. Large monitors can help reduce eye strain and make it easier to see what you're working on. This is especially useful if you're working on design or video editing projects that require a lot of screen real estate. For some workers, having multiple monitors may make certain tasks easier and faster to perform.

Mouse and Keyboard

A mouse and keyboard are also important pieces of equipment for anyone working from home. A comfortable and responsive mouse and keyboard can make a big difference in terms of your productivity and comfort level.

Ergonomic Chairs

Ergonomic chairs are another must-have for anyone working from home. They help reduce back and neck strain and can make a big difference in terms of your comfort level when sitting for long periods of time. Don’t underestimate the importance of a good chair, especially if you spend most of your work day sitting. An ergonomic office chair will help you stay comfortable and focused while working from home.

Desks and Standing Desks

A sturdy, well-organised desk is a must. Don’t set up at the dining table, or coffee table while watching re-runs of MASH. For the best home workspace, you need a good desk with everything you require at hand. A good quality desk will provide a stable and comfortable workspace, while a standing desk will help you stretch your legs and reduce sitting fatigue!

Plants and Decorations

Plants and decorations can also add a touch of personalization and creativity to your home office. Not only do they look nice, but they can also improve air quality and boost your mood.

Webcams

If you're going to be spending any time in video meetings, you'll need a good quality webcam to look your best. Webcams are a crucial piece of equipment for anyone working from home, and a good quality one will ensure that you look your best on camera and make it easier for your colleagues to see what you're presenting. Browse our huge range of options to set up your meeting space at home. Below are a couple of choice webcams to consider for your home office.

Plantronics Poly P5 Webcam

 

The Poly Studio P5 webcam ensures a polished appearance for your video calls, whether at home or in the office. Equipped with finely tuned camera optics, it consistently delivers clear and vibrant images. Additionally, automatic low light compensation guarantees excellent video quality in any setting. The directional microphone is designed to focus on your voice, effectively minimising background noise. Moreover, an integrated privacy shutter empowers you to control when you're on camera, enhancing security. For IT convenience, Poly Lens cloud management offers robust tools for efficient remote device management.

EPOS Sennheiser Expand Vision 1 Webcam

Enhance your hybrid work setup with the EXPAND Vision 1, a portable USB webcam tailored for professionals working from home, on-the-go, or in individual office spaces. Boasting a 4K camera optimised for optimal picture quality in any lighting condition and exceptional voice pickup through two noise-cancelling microphones, you'll consistently present your best self in every video call. Seamlessly adjust picture settings with the smart floating menu, allowing control over key elements like field of view, light, and color. The integrated mounting clip accommodates any monitor, and the 90-degree angled plug guides the USB-C cable to avoid interference with other devices. Certified for leading UC solutions such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, the EXPAND Vision 1 includes a two-year warranty and access to the EPOS Support team for questions and assistance. Its protective carry case ensures portability, and the integrated shutter guarantees privacy wherever you go.

Jabra Panacast 20

It's time to elevate your video collaboration experience with the Jabra PanaCast 20, representing the next generation of intelligent, secure, and portable video solutions. Leveraging advanced on-board AI, this personal camera introduces an intelligent feature set that propels your video experience to new heights. The PanaCast 20 is not just a camera; it's a perceptive device that anticipates and delivers precisely what you need, precisely when you need it.

7 Tips to Optimise Your Work From Home Office Setup

This is the part you all came here for, so, without further ado, here are our top 7 tips to optimise your work from home setup:

Tip # 1 - Choose a quiet, well-lit space

It's important to have a quiet, distraction-free space where you can focus on your work, whether it's a spare room or just a corner of your living room. It can be tempting to work from the couch or bed but having a designated workspace can help you stay focused and be more productive. This will help you establish a work routine and minimise distractions. Make sure the space is well-lit and as quiet as possible - this will help you stay focused and avoid eye strain. . A well-lit space can also help improve your mood and productivity. Make sure you have good lighting. Good lighting is important for your comfort and productivity. Consider investing in a desk lamp or other task lighting to help you see your work more clearly.

Tip #2 - Set up your computer and other equipment at the right height

Poor ergonomics can lead to muscle strain and fatigue. Make sure your computer monitor is at eye level, and your keyboard and mouse are at a comfortable height to help prevent strain. It's also a good idea to invest in a comfortable and adjustable chair to help you sit comfortably for long periods of time.

Tip #3 - Use a good quality headset

If you're on calls all day, a good quality headset is a must. Not only will it help you hear your colleagues more clearly, but it will also help reduce background noise and distractions. Trust us, your co-workers will thank you for not making them listen to your dog barking in the background. If you are unsure about what headset is right for you, be sure to check out our headset buying guide.

Tip #4 - Use a good quality webcam

Use a good quality webcam for video meetings. Poor quality audio and video can make it hard for co-workers to understand what you're saying and frustrating for everyone involved.

Tip #5 - Use a whiteboard or bulletin board

A whiteboard or bulletin board can be a great way to stay organised and on top of your tasks. Use it to keep track of your to-do list, jot down ideas, or post important documents and notes.

Tip #6 - Keep your workspace clean and organised

A cluttered workspace can be distracting and can make it harder to focus. No matter how much you love the epic figurine collection of Harry Potter characters. They say a cluttered desk leads to a cluttered mind, and we tend to agree. So, take a few minutes at the end of each day to tidy up your desk and put things away. This will help you start fresh each morning and keep you focused on your work.

Tip # 7 - Use a timer to stay on track

It's easy to get side tracked when you're working from home, especially with all the distractions that come with it. One way to stay on track is to use a timer to break up your work into manageable chunks. For example, you could work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This can help you stay focused and avoid burnout.

The Perfect Home Office Set Up

Picture yourself settling into your new home office. You can't help but feel excited about the possibilities that working from home offers. You've spent the past few days setting everything up just the way you like it. You've chosen a quiet corner of your home with plenty of natural light and a comfortable chair. You've also invested in a large monitor and a standing desk to help reduce eye strain and improve your posture. You've even added some plants and decorations to personalise your space and boost your mood. With your headset and webcam at the ready, you're prepared to tackle the day's tasks with energy and focus. You're confident that your home office setup will help you be productive and comfortable throughout the day.

Now that you have a better idea of what makes the perfect home office setup, it's time to make it a reality. And if you need any help or advice on choosing the right equipment for your needs, Simply Headsets is here to help. Our team of experts can assist you in finding the best headset, webcam, and other home office equipment to fit your needs and budget. So don't hesitate, give us a call today at 1300 889 728 and let us help you make your home office dreams a reality.