How to Set Up a Killer Virtual Workspace, From Start to Finish

As technology has become more and more advanced, an increasing number of workers in the United States have been given the option to work from home. In fact, as of 2020, over 40% of the American labor force works from home full-time.

Whether you’re brand new to working from home, or have been for a while but haven’t quite gotten around to setting up your virtual workspace, it’s time to do so. Working from bed or the couch might sound tempting, but the importance of a designated space for work cannot be overstated.

Without one, your productivity level will suffer, as well as your mental and physical health. To help you set up the ideal home office, we’ve put together a guide outlining all of the items you’ll need, as well as the specifications to look for in each.

Keep reading to learn more!

An Ergonomic Chair

The most important element of your virtual home office isn’t your desk or computer but your chair. Obviously, you need all three of these key elements in order to work from home, but your chair will make or break your office setup. If you can only splurge on one office item, it should be your chair.

The wrong chair can cause back and neck pain, not to mention it will make your workday more difficult, as you’ll struggle to stay comfortable. When shopping for a desk chair, look for one that follows the natural curve of your spine. Ideally, the back of the chair should be tall enough that it’s able to support your entire spine, all the way up to your neck.

Your desk chair should also be adjustable and have armrests. When seated in it, your thighs should be parallel to the floor, your knees at a 90-degree angle, with your feet resting flat on the ground. Tucking your legs beneath you will increase the risk of sitting with bad posture and put unnecessary strain on your knees.

A Desk

When you’ve found the perfect chair, it’s time to find a desk that suits it. The desk you purchase should be tall enough that your legs fit comfortably beneath it, but not so tall that your feet don’t reach the floor.

Look for a desk that has a space to put a keyboard. It’s better for your posture and shoulders if you’re able to rest your forearms on the armrests of your chair as you type. Like your knees, your elbows should be kept at a 90-degree angle while you work.

Ensure that your desk is large enough to hold everything you need, including any computer equipment and paperwork you’ll need to use throughout the workday.

If you don’t have the space for a desk or don’t have the room in your budget to buy one, you can use a table that you already have. However, the specifications to look for remain the same.

A Laptop and Monitor

Many of us work (and do just about everything else) from our laptops. It makes sense! Laptops provide the ultimate freedom and flexibility. That said, laptops aren’t the best for your neck and shoulders.

This is because, on a laptop, the monitor and keyboard are connected, meaning you either have to hold your head at a downward angle while you work or hold your arms at an awkward height.

In order to avoid developing chronic neck pain, your neck should be at a neutral angle as often as possible. This means it’s best to have a monitor to which you can connect your laptop. You’ll use your laptop as a keyboard while you work and when you’re done, you can disconnect it and restore its portability.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to break the bank buying your computer equipment. Check out www.lenovo.com for fantastic deals on both laptops and monitors!

Reliable Internet

When you’re only using your internet for watching the occasional video and online shopping, it’s okay to have a basic internet package. However, when you’re working from home, you’ll notice quickly that this isn’t enough.

If your workday includes virtual meetings, sending large files between coworkers, or video chatting with clients, you’ll need reliable, high-speed internet. In addition, if your office is far from the router, you might want to consider purchasing a WiFi booster to improve the signal to your office computer.