Office equipment and setting up your office
Office setup – setting up your office may seem like quite a daunting task but don’t worry we are here to get you thinking about what you actually need to do. So what is a remote office? How do I complete an office setup so I can remotely work from home? What office equipment do I need?
Where possible you should have a dedicated space to work from. Is the dining table really the right option if you have to move everything to have your evening meal? Could you utilize a spare bedroom as a dedicated workspace? Is there room in the garden to allow you to install a garden office? Could an attic space be converted or could you hotdesk in rented office space?
Furthermore don’t forget to consider the type of chair you are going to be seated in for most of the day and also the height of the worktop you will be working off – remember if they are too high or too low you could end up with serious back problems.
Basic requirements
Undoubtedly you will have already considered the basic requirements such as heat, light, power, broadband, Wi-Fi signal, etc. and if you are intending on working from a home office most of these will already be operational in your home life.
Make sure there are no unnecessary background noises – it’s amazing what some microphones can pick up these days – washing machines, barking dogs, lawnmowers, and crying children…
We have come up with a list of some of the equipment you might need to carry out your day-to-day work but obviously, a lot of this is dependent on the type of services you are going to offer.
So in no particular order here goes
| OFFICE EQUIPMENT | PC | Laptop | Monitor stands |
| Office Chair | Monitor | Mouse/mouse mat | |
| Office Desk | Phone | Shredder | |
| PRINTERS | Laser or inkjet | Scanner | Multi-Functional Printer |
| Print capability A3/A4 | Color or monochrome | Replacement toner costs | |
| PERIPHERALS | Camera | Microphone | Keyboard |
| SOFTWARE | Time tracking | Diary management | Accounts package |
| TRANSCRIPTION | Foot pedal | Earphones | Transcription software digital download or disc |
| BACK-UPS | External hard drive | Cloud-based | |
| INSURANCE | Professional indemnity | Public liability | Business interruption |
| Health insurance | Equipment insurance |
You may also like to have a look at the overall style and ambiance of your office space – it doesn’t have to be all work and no play.
| OPTIONAL ITEMS | Dehumidifiers | Salt Lamps | Air conditioning unit |
| Plants | Radio | TV & Gaming unit | |
| Water cooler |
Remember you don’t need to purchase everything in one go. Just think of the absolute basic equipment that you need to start with and then build on that.
Summary
1. Have a dedicated workspace
Where possible you should have a dedicated space to work from. After all, is the dining table really the right option to work from if you have to move everything to have your evening meal? Could you utilize a spare bedroom as a dedicated workspace? Is there room in the garden to allow you to install a garden office? Could an attic space be converted or could you hotdesk in rented office space?
Remember to make sure there are no unnecessary background noises – it’s amazing what some microphones can pick up these days – washing machines, barking dogs, lawnmowers, and crying children!
2. Are you sitting comfortably?
You should give careful consideration to the type of chair you use. After all, you are going to be seated in this chair for most of the day. Things to consider are:
- Consider purchasing an ergonomic chair
- Adjustable armrests
- Adjustable height
- Lumber support
- Type of material
3. Organize your space
Try to position your desk in natural light with good airflow. Keep your workspace clean and clutter-free by organizing your files, paperwork, and other office supplies. Use drawers, shelves, and storage boxes to keep everything in order. These simple steps will allow you to remain productive.
4. Get personal
Add some personal touches to your office. Choose bright, natural colors for walls and window dressings. Also, family photos, artwork, or plants are a simple way to make a functional office also an inviting space.
By following these steps, you can create a comfortable and productive home office that will help you be more efficient and successful in your work.
We have also looked at details regarding an ergonomic workplace assessment which you might find useful.
If you can think of anything else just let us know.