Remote Work Tips: Computer Monitor and Other Must-Haves

Working remotely has its pros and cons, but there are some things you should be aware of with this kind of setup. For example, a laptop can be your life-saver if you need to bring it anywhere you go. If you’re going to embark on a profession that’s on-the-go, here are several tips you should remember.

Invest in devices that won’t let you down.

Don’t rely on other people’s computers. When you work remotely, you have to invest in the following devices:

• Laptop – A modern laptop with the right specifications to fit your job. Don’t use a standard laptop designed for students if your work is in video editing or CAD. If possible, always buy higher specifications. If you’re down to choosing between a big-sized laptop or a smaller but more powerful laptop, pick the latter.
• Laptop desk – You’re going to be the one “making” your own office, so a readily available laptop desk makes this possible.
• External hard drive or cloud storage – Your choice would depend on the type and size of files you need to upload/download. Go with cloud storage or an external hard drive (or both), as long as you’ve got storage, you’re good because you’re responsible for saving your work files.
• Portable monitor – If your laptop is small and you need to expand your workspace or make presentations on the field, you can invest in a portable monitor.
• Pocket wi-fi – Your internet connection is one of the most important elements of your remote work. You have to ensure your internet is stable and always connected when you need to be online. Devices like pocket wi-fi or mobile hotspot sticks are great backups for when the hotel wi-fi isn’t letting you work.
• Powerbanks, surge protectors, extra batteries – Don’t let power surges in the island you’re currently visiting be the reason you lose work. Arm yourself with extra laptop batteries, rechargeable batteries, and powerbanks so you will always be in reach by your superiors.
• Noise-canceling headphones – Take your work anywhere, even by the beach, if you have headphones that could block the noise. Note that you’d probably have to physically move to somewhere quieter if you’re the one presenting or talking.
• Wireless keyboard and mouse – Because all of your devices are portable, it’s more appropriate to go wireless for your keyboard and mouse.

Learn how to communicate.

Most professionals know how to communicate with colleagues. They’ve either learned it in college or on the job. But working remotely is definitely something different and you’d have to learn how to communicate in more ways than one.

You also have to be on top of your own schedule, your own tasks, group meetings, meetings with your superiors, explaining your projects to teammates, and making sure everything you’re working on your own is reported and compensated properly.

Communicating these things can be very challenging, especially if you’re used to face-to-face interactions and going with facial cues or body language. It takes extra work, but it is doable.

Be familiar with your environment.

Wherever location you are assigned to work on, or whichever city you plan to visit next, make sure you’re familiar with your environment. This is particularly important if you don’t have a backup laptop or power with you.

If you need to meet with your boss, submit a file for work, or simply just go online for your shift, but your primary gadgets (laptop, pocket wifi, and so on) do not work, you’d have to be able to find an alternative nearby. Find coworking spaces, computer shops, and other similar commercial spots you can use as your temporary office.

Master the work-life balance.

One major problem about having no boss behind you and an actual office to go in and out of is that time passes by so quickly. When this happens, remote workers forget about lunch or logging off completely, so they sacrifice something to get work done. This shouldn’t be the case.

Your company already has a results-oriented approach, which is why remote work is an option given to you. You’re the one responsible for balancing work with your life because nobody else would do it for you.

Make sure to enjoy remote work.

What’s the use of working remotely if you’re just going to be cooped up indoors day in, day out? The beauty of having the freedom of remote work is that you get to enjoy the world and visit places while being employed with a stable job.

Enjoy the perks of remote work by:

• Traveling to your bucket list destinations.
• Giving yourself pamper time regularly.
• Eating out and exploring culinary from around the world.

Yes, it is possible to work remotely and be successful at your job. You just need to hone additional skills to ensure your devices, environment, and mindset are all prepared to take on remote work.