There is no doubt that the Coronavirus pandemic has made massive changes to the way we work – more people are now working from home than ever. For some, this is just a temporary change, but others are now reviewing the way we work and asking; ‘why didn’t we always work from home?’.
It remains to be seen just how many businesses will retain homeworking for at least some of the time – others may decide to go ‘officeless’ for a longer time. Either way, working from home and setting a home office up is easy – once you know how and are sorted with all the equipment and technology you need.
Read on for advice on setting up a home office.
Telecoms and Communications
As a VoIP telephone system provider, the first thing we recommend you get sorted are your communications!
Communications, whether via telephone, conference call, video calling, email, or messages are vital to the success of a business. From staying in touch with colleagues to customers being able to reach you, businesses just won’t work without effective communications. Alternatives to face to face meetings are especially important, given the current situation.
The number one item on your list should be set up your internet. Most homes already have internet access these days, but running a home office adds load so you will need to ensure you have plenty of bandwidth and that your wi-fi is working effectively in the area you intend to work from.
A good internet connection is also vital for many internet-based telephone solutions – VoIP phone systems are a fantastic solution for businesses that have home workers as they enable employees to effortless connect with each, no matter their location. But a good internet connection is required so check with your provider first.
If you run your own business or are self-employed, you can still benefit from a VoIP phone solution in your home office. With a virtual landline, for example. Virtual landlines are a simple concept, you choose a landline number for your business and it will ring straight through to your mobile, no matter where you are. Having a landline number is one of the simplest ways to get customers to trust your business. It is an especially useful tool for online businesses.
Get Comfortable, Stay Safe
Equally as important as your communications are your comfort and safety whilst working at home.
When you work in an office, your desk, chair, and environment will have all been optimised to ensure you are comfortable and aren’t going to be injured, either by an accident or long term damage (poor posture, eye strain etc)
A home office shouldn’t be treated any different – assess the area you will be working as though you are a health and safety inspector!
First, it is important to have a designated office area – an area you only use for work and will be free from distractions. If you don’t have a spare room or garden building you can dedicate for working, it works just as well to set up your workspace in the corner of another room, such as the kitchen for example, but just be mindful of the hazards.
It might be tempting to sit at the kitchen table or on the sofa to work but this isn’t ideal in the long run and you could end up with back, neck or shoulder injuries. A proper desk and suitable chair are a must.
This blog from ComputerWorld provides a brilliant checklist of equipment you will need for working from home long term, plus why you need them.
Can VIP VoIP Help?
If you are a business owner or even if you are self-employed and are trying to get to grips with the best phone solution for your new home office, then please get in touch and a member of the team will be happy to offer you advice.
VIP VoIP is a top-rated VoIP solutions provider with options to suit all types of businesses, including those interested in becoming a reseller.