What Do You Need For a Remote Work Setup? An Honest Guide

So you recently managed to snag a remote job? Congratulations! But now the question is, what do you need for a remote work setup?

Working remotely can be amazing. You can work whenever you want and sit in your pajamas all day if you like.

However, working from home can also present some unique challenges, especially if you don’t have a proper setup.

To work efficiently and productively, and avoid the distractions and discomforts of a makeshift workspace, you need to have a space that is functional, comfortable, and personalized to your needs.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the essential items and nice-to-have accessories you need for your remote workspace.

What Do You Need For a Remote Work Setup?

In the vast majority of cases, you only really need two things.

A Decent Laptop

You don’t need the latest and greatest machine, but you do need a reliable and fast laptop that can handle your work tasks efficiently.

A good laptop should have a good battery life, sufficient storage for all your files, and be easy to carry around.

Reliable Internet

Your internet connection is a critical component of your remote setup. You need a stable and fast enough connection that can handle video calls, streaming, and downloading/uploading large files.

If your Wi-Fi isn’t cutting it, consider investing in a wired internet connection or a mesh network to maximize coverage.

Other Items That Will 10X Your Productivity

While a laptop and a decent internet connection are all you technically need to work remotely, there are a few other items that will drastically elevate your remote work experience.

Desk

First and foremost, you need a proper desk that is comfortable and functional.

Ideally, your desk should be big enough to accommodate your laptop, a monitor, some paperwork, and any other accessories you might need.

Adjustable height desks are great since you can change the height to switch between sitting and standing positions, which can help avoid back pain and other related issues.

Chair

An ergonomic chair is absolutely essential for your remote workspace.

It’s important to invest in a high-quality chair that provides adequate lumbar support, can be adjusted for height and tilt, and is made of breathable material to minimize sweating.

Avoid office chairs with hard, unbreathable material that can make you feel uncomfortable over long sitting periods and even cause back pain.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Whether you’re working in a noisy cafe or a busy home environment, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can be a game-changer.

They can help you stay focused, minimize distractions, and even help you relax during breaks.

Look for headphones with a long-lasting battery, comfortable to wear for a few hours at a time, and clear sound quality.

External Monitor

An external monitor can make a huge difference.

It can help you multitask by allowing you to work on two screens at the same time and make it easier to focus on specific tasks.

External monitors come in all shapes and sizes, so find one that fits your workspace and budget.

Nice-to-Have Accessories

Besides the essentials, there are some nice-to-have accessories you can add to your remote workspace to make it more enjoyable and comfortable.

Keyboard

A keyboard is an important tool for any remote workspace. It should be comfortable and easy to use, allowing you to type quickly and accurately. My favorite everyday work keyboard is Apple’s Magic Keyboard.

Mouse

A mouse is also essential for a productive remote work setup. An ergonomic design will allow you to enjoy comfortable use during long sessions without straining your wrist or fingers. My all-time favorite is Logitech’s MX Master Series mouse.

USB Hub

A USB hub can make it much easier to connect and disconnect from your battle station and keep your cables more organized while freeing up ports on your laptop. The main things to look for in a USB hub are a video output that is compatible with your external monitor (i.e. HDMI), a power cable input, and multiple USB ports including USB C if your laptop supports it. Something like this one.

Mouse Pad

To ensure accuracy and extra comfort when using your mouse, get a soft mouse pad with plenty of cushioning between it and the desk surface below it. This will help reduce fatigue while making sure your cursor moves precisely where you want it to go each time you click the mouse button. You can go for a classic size but I personally prefer using a gaming mouse pad for extra comfort.

Webcam

Whether you’re attending online meetings or having video chats with clients or colleagues, having a good quality webcam is indispensable in a remote workspace setup. Look for models that offer high-resolution image quality and wide-angle views. My everyday webcam is Logitech’s 4K Pro webcam.

External Microphone

To make sure everyone can hear you loud and clear during virtual meetings or calls, an external microphone is a great addition to any remote work setup. This allows you to be heard clearly even if there’s background noise in the room while providing excellent sound quality during Zoom calls, team meetings, and when you have to record a video of yourself. A top-of-the-line option in this field is RØDE’s NT-USB+ Professional USB Microphone.

Summary

Now that you know the essential and nice-to-have items for a remote workspace, it’s time to create your perfect setup!

Remember, your workspace should be tailored to your specific needs and likes, so don’t be afraid to experiment and customize.

With the right tools and environment, you’ll be able to work productively, without sacrificing comfort or style.

Happy remote working!