We have come a long way with tech. Today’s business environment demands that we be more connected than ever. From expanding our fulfillment channels to hiring staff remotely, the way we do business today is instant and transcends time zones.
This is why it’s so important to make the best use of your time in your home office. A lack of productivity and focus can mean losing out on a big opportunity to take your business to the next level.
Whether you are running a home business or work remotely from home, the right technology upgrades can create a more productive home office environment that you will love to work in day in and day out.
Integrate Smart Home Tech
Smart home tech can be best described as web connected devices that can be controlled by your smartphone, computer or a voice-activated smart home speaker. Examples include everything from your home office lights, thermostat to even robot vacuums that clean up while you are away from the office.
By switching to smart devices you can begin to automate small tasks that take up valuable time during your work day. This translates to a more comfortable office environment and a more productive daily routine.
Devices like smart thermostats and wifi ceiling fans will allow you to change the temperature of the room without having to get up from your desk. While accessories like smart LED lights and surge protectors can be placed on automatic timers to save energy. When these devices are paired together you start to build a smarter home office that is hands-free, streamlined and more productive.
Switch to Daylight LED Lights
Did you know that the type of light bulb you use in your home office can affect your productivity? According to Journal of Circadian Rhythms, natural light can enhance concentration, mood and wellbeing. While this is great for those of us who can work outdoors, many of us with home offices will have to stick to the next best thing; daylight LED bulbs.
Light bulbs come in a variety of light temperatures (or tones) that are measured in Kelvins. The higher the Kelvin, the “cooler” or more blue hue the light bulb emits. On the other end, the lower the Kelvin the “warmer” or more orange the light.
Many people use warm temperature bulbs in their homes because it creates a sense of intimacy and relaxation that is beneficial at the end of a long day. But when it comes to work environments, cool toned light will help the most with alertness and productivity by mimicking natural sunlight. Take advantage of this productivity hack by switching out your home office lamps and overhead lights to “daylight” LED bulbs that are rated 5,000k and up.
Upgrade to an Ultrawide Desktop Monitor
Anyone running an online business knows how much having the right computer gear can make or break their bottom line. Although it’s common to upgrade computers every few years, one upgrade that many people overlook is their computer desktop monitor.
The average LCD computer monitor has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and although it’s an upgrade from those big bulky 4:3 monitors of days passed, it’s still may not be enough screen space when dealing with photo editing, multiple text documents and spreadsheet work.
A popular upgrade with many computer aficionado’s is installing two or three monitors side by side to increase their screen real estate. But this can be a complicated (and expensive) upgrade. Fortunately, there is a new generation of computer monitors called “Ultrawide” that have aspect ratios of 21:9. To put this in perspective, this is the equivalent of 2 or 3 regular 16:9 monitors side by side. By switching to an Ultrawide monitor you can gain more screen real estate and instantly boost your productivity.
The world of tech has changed dramatically in the passed few decades and this is especially true for tech used in business. From more capable cell phones to high speed internet on the go, business is now wherever you are. By following these tech upgrades, not only will you be boosting your daily productivity but you will work in a home office that is ready for whatever the future of tech may hold.
