Remote Workspace Checklist: Make Your Workspace Work for You

Last week, we explored the importance of having workspace options available for remote, hybrid, and travelling workers. If your WFH setup is interfering with your work-life balance, or if posting up on couches and cafe chairs is leaving you with aches and pains, you’re not alone. Maybe you’re a freelancer, a frequent business traveller, or a bonafide digital nomad. If you’re working without a dedicated workspace, then we probably had some advice for you. We looked at the importance of ergonomics, the impact of your mindset, and some of the ways that a dedicated workspace can help you have your best day.

This week we’re focusing on the type of equipment that makes a remote workspace work for you. As promised, we’re sharing our remote workspace checklist with all the essentials. 

Anything you add to your workspace should have a few defining traits. It should be reliable, so you can count on it when you need it most. It should be portable, ensuring ease of movement. And it should be adjustable, allowing it to adapt to both your body’s unique needs and the varying workspaces you might encounter. With this in mind, we’ve broken down our list into four categories: comfort, productivity, portability, personalization. Let’s dive in!

Comfort

Having a remote workspace that’s physically comfortable and ergonomically suited to you is key to long-term health and productivity. Ignoring ergonomics can lead to discomfort and even injury over time. Investing in equipment that works for your body is crucial. If you’ve been working from a couch or bed, a good first step is switching to a workspace with a desk and chair with proper back support. After that, here are some other key items to consider:

• Laptop stand: Screen position is an important consideration for anyone who works at a computer every day. If you don’t have a dedicated workstation, a lightweight, adjustable laptop stand can be a valuable addition to any remote workspace. A stand can help improve posture and reduce neck strain by bringing the computer closer to your natural eyeline. Look for stands that are foldable and easy to pack.
• Keyboard: A keyboard can also be worth considering, especially if your computer is elevated. Ideally, you should be typing on a surface positioned so that your elbows maintain a 90-degree angle. Your wrists should maintain a neutral position without resting on the desk. External keyboards come in various sizes and designs, some specifically built for portability with a lightweight and compact form factor.
• Mouse: For most people working on a computer, the mouse is used three times as often as the keyboard, making a comfortable and ergonomic option essential. Consider a compact wireless mouse for comfort and portability.

Productivity

Regardless of our industry, we all wish we could press a magic button to turn the general productivity level up to ‘high’. While there might not be such a simple solution, there are tools that will set you on the right path. These items can help you stay connected, focused, and efficient, wherever your remote workspace may be.

• Reliable laptop and charger: This is the cornerstone of any remote workstation. It might seem obvious, but make sure your laptop is dependable and meets your work requirements. Don’t forget a reliable charger too. Keep in mind that some chargers and cables are more durable and better suited to travelling than others. 
• Noise-cancelling headphones: A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can help you focus in busy environments. They can also be a life saver when taking calls. The issue of overhearing others is sometimes only half the problem. What about preventing others from overhearing your conversations? Coworking spaces like ours offer quiet space to work and dedicated phone booths and meeting rooms for private calls.
• Reliable wifi: A stable internet connection is crucial for most remote work. Relying on public Wi-Fi in places like cafes or hotel lobbies can be a gamble. Connections can be spotty or slow, and some even come with frustrating time limits. Dedicated workspaces, like coworking spaces, provide consistent connectivity whenever you need it.

Portability

We’ve already covered the need for your equipment to be lightweight and adjustable, but that’s not the only thing that needs to be portable. Your information should be just as easy to access/move as the rest of your workstation! If you’re not already using them, consider these essential tools: 

• Cloud storage: Cloud storage ensures your files are accessible from any device and provides a backup in case of device issues. Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and iCloud all offer free plans to help you access your data from anywhere. Of course, if you’re part of an organization, make sure you’re abiding by their privacy rules and requirements when it comes to file storage
• Project management tools: While some still prefer the classic post-it note reminder, if you’re working on the go, you may want to switch to a digital alternative. Project management tools like Asana and Monday are great for keeping track of what you’re working on, and can be especially useful for remote teams since they include collaborative options.
• Personal calendar: There’s a lot to focus on when you’re moving from place to place, and sometimes things can fall between the cracks. Diarizing  important meetings, deadlines, and other dates can be an easy way to keep yourself on track. There are virtually endless options for this one, from the project management tools we just mentioned to Google or Apple calendar and day planner notebooks. You just need to pick what works for you!

Personalization – Get What Works for You:

Building the right remote workspace is a personal process that will look different depending on your individual needs. The most important thing that you can do is to consider those needs, because your workspace should never be an obstacle to getting work done. At the same time, don’t forget that some of the most important elements of your remote workspace will be internal, rather than external tools.

• Adjustable equipment and digital tools: As we’ve already mentioned, it’s important that any equipment you use is adjustable so it works with your workspace and your body. Whether it’s a computer stand with adjustable height, or a pair of noise cancelling headphones that fit you just right, make sure your equipment adapts to you and your environment.
• A routine or schedule that includes breaks: It’s not all about physical equipment and fancy tools, although we’ve certainly established that those are important! Some of the most important elements of a good remote experience are internal. Establishing a routine that works for you is an important aspect of not just productivity, but your own well-being. Including time for breaks during your workday is crucial to preventing burnout.
• A positive attitude and growth mindset: This might just be the most important thing that you can bring into any remote workspace. Maybe the wifi at your cafe is spotty, or maybe your hotel is louder than you expected. How can you contend with that? Maybe it’s time to pivot and look for a nearby coworking space. The key is to have a positive attitude and a willingness to adapt to, learn from, and ultimately overcome any challenges you face.

The Remote Workspace Checklist:

Making your remote workspace work for you means making it comfortable, portable, productive and personalized. This checklist brings together the essential items we’ve covered for each category. Every individual will have different needs, but you can consider this your quick reference guide to pick and choose from when assessing your own remote workspace needs.

• Ergonomic laptop stand
• Ergonomic keyboard
• Ergonomic mouse
• Reliable laptop and charger
• Reliable WiFi
• Headphones or a designated quiet area
• Cloud storage
• Project management tools
• A personal calendar
• A routine or schedule that includes breaks
• Positive attitude and a growth mindset

Ultimately, it is most important to understand your individual needs so they are being met. Some people may want to incorporate everything listed above, while others may get by quite happily with just a few. The point is not to rush out and buy all the fanciest new tech and equipment. The point is to consider what works best for you! 

Make Your Remote Workspace Work For You:

Creating a comfortable and productive remote workspace is an investment in your well-being and your work. As we’ve explored this week, that involves looking at physical considerations and portable, reliable equipment.  Beyond the physical setup, having easy to access information (cloud based services) and a personalized workflow will help you optimize for productivity while avoiding burnout. Finally, maintaining a positive attitude and a growth mindset is essential for face any challenge that may arise.

For those looking to simplify their remote setup and ensure a consistently comfortable and productive environment, coworking spaces like Workhaus offer a valuable alternative. With comfortable seating, reliable wifi, and dedicated workspaces, you can minimize the need for extensive portable equipment. Explore our flexible membership options, including hot desks and dedicated desks, and find a Workhaus location that suits your needs.