The Remote Work Starter Kit — Desk Stuff Edition
10 Desk Necessities for Remote Work
I’ve been working remotely for seven years, and during that time I’ve gathered a few key items that make remote work better. When I started this list, it overflowed, so I had to limit it down to “just the stuff that makes sense for your desk.” Lots of these things apply to non-remote work as well, but that’s just a happy coincidence!
Let’s dig into this list, shall we?
Critical items while working at home
- An uninterruptable power supply (UPS)
- Two computers
- Meeting key light
- Meeting sound dampener
- A quality microphone/camera setup
- All the ergonomics
- Blue-blocker glasses
- Coding slippers
- Amazing desk notepad
- Sit/stand desk
An uninterruptable power supply (UPS)
Is a UPS a place that mails stuff? Yes, but it also stands for uninterruptable power supply. These battery backups help you save hours of work that can disappear in the blink of an eye.
Add a UPS on any computer that does not have a battery backup (desktop PCs/iMacs). I like the ones with USB chargers for an extra surge-protected perk.
Two Computers
If your computer breaks, is updating, or is limited by only running a single OS, it’s life-saving to have a backup. I recommend that the backup is used just as frequently as the original and that both are kept up to date.
At least one computer should be a laptop for mobility. Of course, that laptop won’t need a UPS, but if you have two desktops, you’ll need UPSs on both.
I can’t tell you how many times a co-worker has been limited to a single computer and having it “in the shop” has completely destroyed their productivity. You can defend against this by having and constantly using two computers.
I’d even go so far as to suggest two different operating systems. Too far?
Having a backup computer frees you. You can always improve, experiment, and be reliable when you have a dependable backup.
Meeting key light
I know a lot of people use a window to light their face in meetings, and when it rains or the sun sets and they look like the living dead.
At a minimum, you’ll need a light to be able to turn on to light your face. This prominent light is often called the key light. It’s a significant professional upgrade to control your own lighting.
A key light can be any light that’s in front of you. Sometimes these are lamps you can reach, and other times they are more sophisticated and directed.
I highly recommend a light that allows you to control brightness and direction easily. My key light is the Elgato key light air.
Meeting sound dampener
Whenever someone talks and you hear a good bit of reverb, you’re hearing the room. Most remote workers have an echoing room to accompany their audio, but a few well-placed sound dampening panels can kill that audio and make your microphone sound much more crisp and clear.
The cheapest way to handle an issue is to buy the ugly and small foam panels in a 12 pack and place them on the walls in the direction you’re speaking. However, there are fancier and more beautiful alternatives that can supplement your workspace.
If you’re able to hear reverb on your voice you’ll need noise-canceling panels. I’ll leave it to you on how schmancy you’re willing to go.
I personally have the 4 fancy panels displayed but I have a few foam pieces places strategically in less visible locations for awesome sound clarity.
A quality microphone / camera setup
Getting quality audio and video is critical when all your communication is via remote. You can spend a LONG time working on this.
My simplest advice is this, “Don’t use the default webcam/microphone.”
Upgrade both to get yourself up to standard. Default webcams and microphones are always sub-par. Now, how far should you upgrade? That’s up to you. Here are two blog posts I wrote on the subject that can launch you down the rabbit hole of unlocking a professional setup.
Audio:
Video:
All the ergonomics
Pinched nerves, stiff necks, and hurt wrists show up long after months or even years of disservice to your body. It’s always best to avoid damaging your body rather than trying to mend damage after it’s been done.
Get an ergonomic keyboard, mousepad, shoes… whatever you can. Take care of your body so you can properly focus.
Blue-blocker glasses
Do you wear contacts but still want to look smart? Get some cool-looking blue-blocker glasses. These glasses reduce blue light and help stop strain and damage to your eyes.
These glasses are well priced and come in a variety of styles.
While there hasn’t been a LOT of studies on blue light with computer screens, it’s a trend that’s taking off. Blue light has been shown to affect sleep, so these are a must-have for any after-hours work.
Coding slippers
WHAT? Yes, coding slippers. Or desk slippers if you don’t code.
Don’t punish your feet when no one can see them. Get some memory foam, machine washable slippers, and give your feet a spa day while you work.
Amazing desk notepad
Computer notes are awesome, but they always hit a wall. Most people I know have to draw, sketch, and write with a pen. Yes, you could use a super-fancy iPad for this, but I generally go with the good-ol pen and paper.
Several of my co-workers swear by the Remarkable2 tablet which lets you sign PDFs, convert your notes to text, and export drawings and text to PDFs with ease.
Buying empty notebooks feels magical but you’ll probably only need to do this once a year, so I recommend you grab a high-quality one that really fits your style and quality. This way your desk is Instagram ready.
Sit/Stand Desk
I get that you’re a young spry chicken and you don’t need a cool sit and stand desk that wows your friends.
Or maybe you’ve been sitting for too long, and now you don’t even feel an urge to stand and walk around anymore. Sitting is the new smoking.
It’s important to invest in your health, and if you’re at a desk for work, make it an amazing desk. You only change a desk when you change jobs, but if you’re a remote worker, not even then! Buy yourself a forever desk and feel healthy.
You can spend a lot of time working on a desk configuration, but if you’re looking for a friendly process to follow to get pretty good results, you should check out Uplift Desk.
If you like to shop around a bit more, you can find the parts that fit your particular needs and assemble your ideal desk from websites like https://www.btod.com/Electric-Sit-to-Stand-Desk.php
AND, you can get a stationary desk and just use a stand/sit chair. The “RedRocker Technology” chairs are great for this.
We’re not done
This is only the list of things for you to get started with your desk. Creating a dependable work environment for remote work is an ongoing endeavor. I hope at least a few of these items already exist in your work environment, and hopefully you picked up a few more.
I also have a blog post on your remote office! Check it out here:
What did I miss?
Are you a remote worker with something amazing on your desk? Add your tip to the comments or tweet it at me @GantLaborde.
Gant Laborde is a co-owner and Chief Innovation Officer at Infinite Red, published author, adjunct professor, worldwide public speaker, and mad scientist in training. Clap/follow/tweet or visit him at a conference.
