As the global Covid-19 pandemic continues and lockdown restrictions are put back in place, more people than ever are now continuing to work from home, with days at the office but a thing of the past and face to face meetings now replaced almost indefinitely by Zoom.
With no end in sight to the current set of circumstances, many home workers are looking to create a permanent office space they will be comfortable working in in the longer term, replacing that make-shift desk at the kitchen table or working from their laps in the living room with something all together more practical. With practicality, of course, comes all of the latest in tech, to help make working from home easier and more efficient than ever before – it’s not just about making your home workspace look pretty, but ensuring that it’s fully functional, too.
Trying your best to conduct business with your regular internet service and personal mobile phone might work OK for a short stint away from the office, but in the longer term, can cause complications and delays. Upgrading your home office with faster internet, Bluetooth compatible devices and VoIP calling services will make it faster, easier and more convenient to make money and do deals from the comfort of your own home, making the entire process stress free.
VoIP services
Despite the ease of working via computers, with emails, time management systems and instant messaging services keeping us all connected, sometimes, you just need to jump on the phone. It’s still the quickest and easiest way to catch up or to get some important answers fast, and ensuring your telephone services are the best you can get will allow you to do so with ease.
A reliable calling service is essential in business, and standard landline and mobile phones may not remain consistent throughout the day. Calls can drop, and personal calls may interrupt professional calls – so opt for a more professional VoIP set-up instead.
Investing in a decent Voice over IP service for your home office is one of the best things you can do to make working from home that little bit easier. All you’ll need is an internet connection and with one service subscription you can join group calls, video conferences, and long distance calls with ease.
A VoIP service will also allow you to keep track of call history and the pertinent information concerning each caller. When you need to speak with several clients in one day, this feature will help you to you recall previous discussions and key details of the transactions so that important details go unforgotten.
With VoIP services, you can work from anywhere with an internet connection, even allowing you to stay connected while you meet clients or coworkers at your favorite coffee shop, or in the future, while travelling. It’s not just an investment that will serve you well during the pandemic, but long afterwards, too.
Bluetooth accessories
With modern Bluetooth accessories, you can freely move around your home office while conducting your business, removing the need to stay chained to your desk. Wireless connections can help you feel more comfortable, as well, as without them, many home offices can become a tangle of wires, so combine the two in your home office for the utmost in comfort and functionality combined.
Bluetooth connections use ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves to connect devices and will allow you to take calls with a headset while printing documents, sending faxes, or even making a cup of tea. Headsets, speakers and keyboards may all use a Bluetooth connection, too, and are all you’ll need to keep the momentum going from anywhere in the house.
Ethernet
While wireless connections on many items work well for a home office, the internet is not one of them. It’s essential to have a reliable internet service to stay on task during work hours, or you can quickly find yourself losing valuable time.
Ethernet users enjoy less disruptions and faster internet speeds. With modern ethernet, you can use a splitter cable to connect more than one device, as well. You may still choose to use your home wireless network for some devices – however, ethernet will ensure that your main office computer remains reliable throughout the day.
Project management software
Project management software works well for group project organization, as rather than sending countless emails to various team members, you can set up a task schedule online instead. Important emails can easily become lost on a busy day, and in the past, businesses relied on spreadsheets to keep information organised. While group spreadsheets can help with some tasks, large groups will be able to stay better organised with the help of a project management app. Most of these also work on mobile devices, so employees can check in from any location.
In addition to project management tools, there are several other software solutions that can significantly enhance organisational efficiency in a business setting. For instance, time tracking software can help manage work hours efficiently, ensuring that project timelines are adhered to precisely. Similarly, financial management tools can assist in budget tracking and expense management, which is crucial for maintaining the financial health of projects. For a comprehensive solution that integrates these functionalities, businesses might consider exploring SenseHR (https://sense.hr), which has a unified approach to managing various aspects of business operations, facilitating better collaboration, and increasing productivity across teams.
With the right technology installed, your home office can soon become a professional and highly functional workspace that will allow you to keep making money and doing those deals, even outside of the traditional set-up. Creating a dedicated and private space with no interruptions and kitting out with all of the latest equipment will make working from home long-term a pleasure – and with working from home seemingly here to stay, there’s no time like the present.
