Working from home is much easier with a dedicated and properly equipped workspace.
A laptop may be enough for occasional tasks, but regular home-based work benefits from a larger screen, comfortable peripherals, reliable internet and equipment that is ready whenever the working day begins.
Use this checklist to create a practical home-office technology setup.
Choose the Right Location
Before purchasing equipment, consider where the workspace will be located.
The area should have enough desk space, reliable Wi-Fi, suitable lighting and access to power. Positioning the desk away from glare can make monitors easier to view and improve the appearance of video calls.
A permanent workspace also helps keep cables, chargers and work equipment organised rather than being packed away every day.
Computer and Docking Station
A business laptop provides flexibility for employees who divide their time between home and the office. A desktop may suit someone working permanently from one location.
A docking station can connect a laptop to the complete home-office setup through one cable, including monitors, keyboard, mouse, network and charging.
Before purchasing a dock, confirm that it:
- Is compatible with the laptop
- Provides enough charging power
- Supports the required monitors
- Has the correct USB and video connections
- Includes wired network connectivity if needed
Checking compatibility before ordering prevents problems with charging, screen connections and missing ports.
Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse
An external monitor creates a more practical workspace than relying entirely on a laptop screen.
One monitor may be enough for general office work, while two screens can help when using multiple applications or comparing documents. Consider the screen size, resolution, height adjustment and available desk space.
A monitor arm can improve positioning while freeing space underneath the display.
A separate keyboard and mouse also provide a more comfortable setup. Full-size keyboards suit employees who frequently enter numbers, while compact wireless options can keep a smaller desk tidy.
Headset and Webcam
A suitable headset helps improve communication during Microsoft Teams, Zoom and phone calls.
Noise-cancelling microphones are useful in homes with background activity, while wireless headsets provide greater freedom to move away from the desk.
Most laptops have a built-in webcam, but an external webcam can provide better quality and positioning when the laptop is connected to a monitor or kept closed in a docking station.
Good lighting should also be considered so the employee can be seen clearly during customer and team meetings.
Home-Office Printing
Not every home worker needs their own printer.
Employees who regularly handle contracts, forms, shipping labels or customer documents may benefit from a compact printer or multifunction device. Consider whether they require colour, scanning, automatic double-sided printing or a document feeder.
For occasional printing, access to the main office printer may still be the more economical option.
Internet and Power
Reliable internet is essential for cloud applications, video meetings and remote access.
If Wi-Fi coverage is weak, the solution may involve changing the router location, using a wired network connection or adding suitable networking equipment.
The workstation may also require:
- Surge-protected power board
- Compatible spare laptop charger
- Ethernet cable or adaptor
- USB-C and monitor cables
- Uninterruptible power supply
- Cable-management accessories
A UPS can provide temporary battery power for important computers or networking equipment during an outage.
Home-Office Checklist
A complete setup may include:
- Laptop or desktop computer
- Docking station
- One or two monitors
- Keyboard and mouse
- Headset and webcam
- Printer or scanner
- Charger and power protection
- Required cables and adaptors
- Reliable internet connection
Complete Your Home Workspace
Selecting the computer, dock, monitor and accessories together helps ensure everything is compatible and suited to the available space.
Hunter Office Technology can help businesses and home workers choose suitable computers, monitors, printers, networking equipment and accessories. Equipment can also be delivered directly to the home or workplace.
Contact Hunter Office Technology for help creating a complete home-office technology setup.