Are you considering embarking on a telecommute position? If so, you’re probably aware that working from home requires essential home office equipment. Each company requires specific equipment to be used based on company requisites. Many do not provide equipment, however there are a few that do. Check out this awesome list! Generally, telecommuters are expected to own and use their own equipment. Find out what most telecommuters need to get started.
1. Designated Workspace
For starters, you’ll need a distraction and noise-free workspace in which you can efficiently get your work done. Ideally, it’s great if you can dedicate a whole room to you home office setup, with a door that can be locked to prevent distractions. Keep in mind that your designated work space may be visible to contacts if you’re collaborating through webcam. So you’ll want to select decor that is aesthetically friendly and non-offensive in nature.
2. Proper Equipment
Office Necessities and Supplies
It will be important for you to have access in your home office to the same supplies you would use in a traditional office. Here is some of the equipment you’ll need:
- A printer and professional-grade paper
- A scanner (and related software)
- A copier
A fax machine isn’t as crucial as it used to be, but your industry may still depend on that technology. Most all-in-one printers cover everything from scanning and copying to faxing, so you should be able to get everything you need in one affordable, space-saving device.
Telephone
Whatever remote or telecommute position you embark on, you’ll have at least a few people that you’ll have to maintain contact with at some time or another. In order to keep in contact with collaborators, clients or customers, you’ll need communication tools. At the very least, you’ll need a dedicated phone and reliable high speed internet service.
For most work from home positions, especially the customer service genre, require a landline. This typically means you’ll need to have service through a traditional or digital telephone provider.
7 Features Needed for Remote Telephone Usage
- Caller ID
- Speed Dial
- Conference calling
- Call Forwarding
- Voicemail to Email Transcription
- Do Not Disturb
- Telemarketer Block
You might be asking yourself whether you should opt for a landline or a cellphone. That will depend largely on the company you’ll be working with, however, most important differences between a landline and cell phone most often involve reliability, security, and sound quality. Landlines tend to function better for telecommuting because:
- Landline calls typically sound better than cell phone
- Landline offers enhanced security
- Landline phone can improve the quality of your cell reception
You may want to check out some home landline options that can save you money. Relying on a mic and speaker can easily result in poor sound quality and a lot of annoying echo. Headsets come in handy for remote positions as they free up your hands to type notes during important calls. Bluetooth headset can also be helpful if you prefer to use your cell phone.
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Computer
Make sure your desktop or laptop has enough USB ports to connect all of your devices, or get a hub if you need more capacity. It will be essential that you have adequate disk space and RAM, and that you have adequate bandwidth from your high-speed Internet service provider.
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3. High Speed Internet
Internet Service
In order to initiate internet service in your home, you’ll need to set up an account with your local internet service provider (ISP). Dozens of big-name companies, such as AT&T, Spectrum, Time Warner, and Frontier offer internet service. Here are some great tips on selecting an internet service for work from home positions.
The current fastest home internet speed is 2,000 Mbps, or 2 Gbps. The best internet speed for working from home depends on what type of work you will be doing. If you frequently download and upload large files, internet speeds of at least 40 Mbps are recommended. You can measure your current internet speed by taking an online speed test on a computer that’s connected to your home Wi-Fi. Many internet speed tests also tell you your ping time and differentiate your connection’s upload and download speeds.
High speed DSL, fiber optic or cable modem service refers to the type of technology your ISP uses to deliver internet service to your home.
- Cable modems transmit digital data via cable television lines. Obtaining cable internet service does not require cable television services, but you will need the same wiring for both types of service.
- Satellite internet service is delivered via a satellite dish placed on your house or property. Be aware that many companies do not allow employees to use satellite internet service because the technology may not carry enough strength to get the job done.
- High speed DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) transmits digital data across the internet via telephone lines, however, dial-up internet service, DSL won’t tie up your phone line while you’re online.
- Fiber optic internet service comes to your house through high-tech fiber optic cables.
Each type of technology has various pros and cons. It will be important for you to research your options based on what your area provides or based on what your company requires.
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Larger companies provide nationwide service, while smaller companies only operate in certain states or areas. Search the database at DecisionData.org to find ISPs in your area.
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4. Furniture
Additionally, it will also be important to put comfort in the forefront when selecting your office furniture, especially because you’ll be spending a great deal of time utilizing it.”Ergonomically-friendly” should be at the top of your furniture must-haves list.
5. Back-up Office Option
It’s always a good idea to have a back-up plan when it comes to getting work done. The key is to identify viable options that you can use if or when you need them. Unexpected computer issues, or other home office challenges can occur when we least expect them, it’s important to have a plan in place to ensure your tasks and possible deadlines are still met. For example, you might entertain utilizing an affordable co-working space or exploring local coffee shops or libraries in your area that offer free wi-fi access. Knowing your options can truly save the work day. it wont necessarily require two of every supply item you own, but it might be helpful to keep a laptop bag stocked with crucial items so you can grab it on the go without loosing too much valuable time.
