Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that work from home in the Philippines may be the new normal and not just a temporary setup for many. If this is the case, it's time for you to invest in equipment to make a productive working area at home.
To help you get started, here is a list of equipment, furniture, and tools to invest in for a conducive work-from-home setup.
A great desk
A good workstation starts with a great desk, making it one of the first things you need to purchase. Whether you're working in a corner of your room or a dedicated office space, you need a desk.
If you are short on space, you can opt for a corner desk that tucks away neatly but still gives you plenty of leg and arm room. Adjustable desks that transition from a sitting to a standing desk are also rising in popularity among people who work from home.
An ergonomic chair
Lying in your bed all day while working may be tempting but it can be detrimental to your productivity. That is why no work-from-home setup is complete without a comfortable chair.
In this case, it's best to buy an ergonomic chair. Its immense lumbar support will ease your back as you spend the entirety of your shift glued to your seat.
A laptop stand
A benefit of using a laptop is that you don't need to be confined to a desk. A laptop stand will help add stability, wherever you choose to work for a time.
Aside from its portability features, a laptop stand helps you angle your laptop at a more comfortable eye level. Working with a laptop stand will not only spare you from back pain but will also be more gentle on your eyes and neck. You won't have to worry about hunching over as you sit and type at your desk.
An external keyboard
If you're using a laptop stand, it may be more difficult for you to access your laptop’s built-in keyboard. To make up for this, you will need an external keyboard that allows you to continue typing in a comfortable position as you work. Since official work requires a lot of time spent with your laptop or PC, you need your hands and wrist to be comfortable at all times. Invest in an ergonomic keyboard as much as possible to avoid the risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. You can also use your external keyboard for your other Bluetooth-compatible devices such as your smartphone, smart TV, and tablet.
Video conferencing accessories
Working remotely means having multiple video calls throughout the day. These meetings will require a microphone, a functioning camera, and headphones. While you can make do with standard video conferencing equipment such as the built-in camera in your laptop and your trusted pair of earphones, there are a few upgrades you can make to ensure all your video calls are top-tier.
A few suggestions include investing in noise-canceling headphones, a high-quality microphone, and even a ring light camera with adjustable light levels.
A file cabinet
When you're working at home and handling your own files, organization can be tricky. To avoid misplacing important documents, it's best to have a filing cabinet and a filing system in place. For added security, you can choose one that comes with locks.
If you have limited space in your home, you can opt for accordion-type folders that come with built-in dividers that make it easier for you to organize your files and documents.
Floor or desk lamp
Your home office needs plenty of light to help you stay focused and alert throughout the day. If your work-from-home setup is short on natural light, make up for it by setting up a desk or floor lamp. This will help you prevent headaches and eyestrain by giving you enough light exposure.
A laptop or PC
If you don't have a company-issued laptop, you'll need a good one that can accommodate all the tasks you do on a daily basis. The necessary specifications differ based on industry-related needs and your personal preferences.
The best laptops for remote work don't have to be expensive. You can find models that cost less than PHP 35,000 that will let you stay connected with co-workers and work efficiently. If you have the budget, a high-end laptop will prove to be a smart long-term purchase, providing overall better experience and longevity.
Ask your IT department for recommendations. They're the best ones to ask for suggestions as they know the features you need in your line of work.
Purchase all the WFH equipment you need with the help of Metrobank
Working From Home has been the new norm during these times and it looks as if it will be here to stay.
Purchase all the essentials you need to set up a conducive WFH environment now without carving into your savings with Metrobank Credit Cards. Your MB Credit Card offers a number of Installment options to get you ready to work from home without worrying too much about heavy payments. Which option suits you best?
- Metrobank has a wide network of merchant partners that offer 0% installment options for credit card payments with tenors ranging from 3, 6, 9, 12 and even 24 months to ensure that you get what you need now while spreading the payment into easy monthly terms. Choose from a wide variety of participating partner stores such as Abensons. Electroworld, SM Home, etc. For a full list of stores, visit https://metrobankcard.com/promotions
- If you need cash, you can convert your unused Metrobank credit card Limit into cash via our Cash2Go feature. Visit https://metrobankcard.com/cardsservices/cash-2-go or call 88-700-700 to avail and get cash as early as the next day deposited into your bank account. You can enjoy very low interest rates and terms from as low as 3 months to as much as 60 months. It's perfect for all those big ticket items you can't just pay using your credit cards. Set up your home office station now.
- If you've purchased using another bank's credit card and you find the single payment too high, you can click on https://metrobankcard.com/cardsservices/balance-transfer or call 88-700-700 to avail of a Balance Transfer feature. This allows you to transfer all your other card balances to your Metrobank credit card and convert them into installment for a very affordable interest rate.
- What if you've purchased everything already on your Metrobank credit card and you think the straight payment is too high? Visit https://metrobankcard.com/cardsservices/balance-conversion or call 88-700-700 to request to convert straight purchases into installments with our Balance Conversion feature.
As long as you spend within your means and build your work-from-home setup bit by bit, you can achieve the ultimate home office that lets you be your most productive self.
You can also check out this article for money habits to develop in the time of COVID-19. The tips will help you save up for emergencies and build the conducive WFH setup of your dreams without falling into debt.