Curating your home office technology may sound like a task only for the most tech-savvy among us, but rethinking your work from home setup is something we can all benefit from.
Even if you don't have your own home office, chances are you've created a small workspace somewhere in your home. After all, according to the Office of National Statistics, the number of people working from home (either permanent or hybrid) has risen to around 44% of the UK workforce in the last recorded period.
The pandemic is largely to blame, but advances in smart home technology and remote work systems have contributed to this shift in work patterns. If you work from home – either full time or a few days a week – a few small changes to your WFH setup can make a big difference to your comfort and efficiency…
Re-evaluate your hardware
(Image credit: Future/Kazia Fiszer)
While many remote or hybrid workers may work on company-provided computers, if you're buying your own supplies or have a choice of what to purchase, it's worth shopping around.
Samsung's Smart Monitor, for example, lets you seamlessly connect your tablet to provide an additional screen on which to respond to work messages via Slack or Google Chat, so you don't have to spend all your time switching from one window to another .
32″ M80d Uhd White Smart Monitor
This super stylish computer screen can also be rotated 90° (like a giant phone screen) so you can read content or documents with less scrolling.
Meanwhile, if work bothers you with a boring, rickety keyboard, check out Logitech's new Pop Icon series. The compact, wireless and stylish looking keyboard comes with a matching mouse in different colors that will make your desktop a little less boring.
This keyboard and mouse set is made from 37% to 70% recycled material, depending on which of the four fun colorways you choose.
Sort out your workspace
(Image credit: Future/Tim Young)
Whether at work or at home, sitting at a desk for too long is simply not good. Standing desks promote better posture and can help reduce the risk of long-term problems like lower back pain.
However, if you work on a laptop, a laptop stand is a must to keep your screen at eye level and avoid straining your neck. Logitech's Casa Book features a laptop stand, wireless keyboard, touchpad, and storage that you can fold up like a book at the end of the day.
Available in ten color combinations, this desk moves up and down with the touch of a button so you can sit or stand at any time.
Logitech Casa pop-up desk
This stand fits laptops up to 17 inches in size and comes with a matching wireless keyboard and touchpad. When you're done using them, they can all be neatly folded up and stored in the book-shaped box.
If you're looking for a standing desk with a more timeless finish like real oak, this is an excellent choice. The mechanism that converts the desk from sitting to standing height is also whisper quiet.
Get up to date
(Image credit: Future/Anna Stathaki)
One of the biggest problems with working from home is broadband speed. If you regularly upload, download, stream, or use the Internet, you need a strong Wi-Fi signal. This is even more true if your children are consuming the signal through their console or social media use. EE's Smart Hub Plus has a special setting called Wi-Fi Enhancer that allows you to prioritize the signal to where you need it most.
Alternatively, you can boost your broadband speeds by investing in a mesh network system. It covers your home with a virtual blanket of Wi-Fi signals across multiple hubs, so there are no dead spots anywhere in your home.
Amazon Eero 6 Mesh WiFi Router
This ingenious duo boosts your existing WiFi signal to create 1,500 square feet of coverage in your home, eliminating dead zones and annoying buffering.
Keep it cozy and warm
(Image credit: Future/Katie Jane Watson)
Working from home may save you on commuting costs and buying lunch, but you'll undoubtedly spend more on energy bills. By investing in a smart heating system, you can keep your bills lower than if the heater were left on all day, as it will only heat the rooms you need to heat, and only to the temperature you need it to be .
Stay well lit
(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)
Every desk needs good lighting – smart lighting or not – especially in the winter months when both mornings and afternoons are dark.
Lumie's beautiful task light therapy desk lamps mimic natural daylight, ensuring your surroundings and mood are always light and bright.
Lumie Task Sad light therapy desk lamp
Available in five fun color options, this light therapy lamp mimics natural sunlight, helping to reduce eye strain and improve your mood.
Whether you're a WFH pro or are committed to balancing your home and work life better, these small improvements should help you become a little more productive every day.