Our work from home starter kit consists of a few basics to get you started on optimum ergonomics and productivity:
1.) Laptop/PC
The company I work with provides my laptop, and I have a separate PC for everything outside of work.
If you need to acquire your own computer, there are a million options to choose from. From a high level perspective, you can go with a personal computer (PC) or laptop. If I had to choose just one, I’d go with a laptop due to its portability. You can connect additional monitors to it when working from home as well. However, if you plan to stay glued to your desk, you can’t go wrong with a Mac Mini.
You’ll have to decide how much power you need, graphics capability, etc. to decide on what exact make and model to go with. I recommend checking for sales as there are always good deals to be had on powerful machines.
I highly recommend going with a new computer (as opposed to some of the used options I recommend below) to ensure you’re protected with a warranty and hopefully some product support.
2.) Desk
This one seems pretty obvious. We recommend a standard work/computer desk or an upgraded sit-stand desk – either of which will work as we piece together your ergonomic setup. I’m still using my old and trusty Ikea desk which withstood multiple moves.
I was able to custom build it in-store and went with the bamboo wood top, one set of drawers (that double as one side of legs), and two legs to support the other side. It measures 55″x25″, and I don’t recommend sizing down from there.
If money isn’t a barrier, check out these premium options by Jarvis.
3.) Chair
Another obvious choice. you’re going to need somewhere to sit. I’m using a discontinued Ikea chair that’ll be due for replacement soon. It’s served me well for several years, but I’m ready for an upgrade.
I’ve been eyeing the second hand Herman Miller market for an Aeron. Staples, Ikea, and Amazon all have highly recommended chairs too, but Herman Miller takes the top mark. Brand new, these chairs go for $1500+. I’ve seen them around the $300 mark used and have been checking locally to see if one pops up.
The used Herman Miller market is comparable to what you’d be paying for a new Staples/Ikea/Amazon chair. I’m highly leaning towards a used Aeron at the moment.
4.) External Monitor
This one is job dependent. For me, an external monitor is a must-have. I’m bouncing between multiple tabs and documents throughout the workday, and this is tough to manage on just a laptop screen alone.
Elevating the laptop off my desk ensures I’m not hunched over and craning my neck all day as well.
5.) External Peripherals (i.e., keyboard and mouse)
If you demand working off the laptop alone (and most likely maintaining poor posture by doing so), I recommend a mouse at the very least. I’d lose my mind using the trackpad alone. Get a Bluetooth one to minimize cables. I went with one that came with a Bluetooth dongle to not have to worry about software issues on the company laptop.
If you add an external monitor, I recommend adding an external keyboard as well. This beats staying hunched over the laptop typing all day. Raise your laptop and external monitor screens to the appropriate height to maximize ergonomics.
6.) Headset
Another job dependent item. Built-in laptop mics are typically poor quality and pick up a lot of background sound. I went with the Platronics Voyager 5200 with the base.
This model comes with a Bluetooth dongle (again, to not have to mess with software on the company computer), and the base doubles as a battery charger for the headset which is a lot more convenient than having to plug a wire in directly to the headset between calls (you can plug it in directly if your headset is about to die while on a call). The base opens up to store the dongle and headset which is nice while traveling.
The mic has built-in noise cancellation, and it’s nice to have the option to move around a bit while on calls.
Mine is going on around 3-4 years and is still working great.
