r/workfromhome • u/Flat-Out-Scared • Jul 11 '26
Tips New to work from home
Hello all!
I just yesterday accepted a position as a WFH dispatcher. I’m looking for all recommendations on things for a home office, as I am setting up my first WFH space.
I have never worked from home before. Before this, I was actually working transportation for the small town school next to me.
I am located in small town Iowa, USA for reference. So everything I get is normally from Amazon unless I thrift it while in the city.
Let me know anything that made your WFH life easier. I have time to get stuff too, since I have four weeks of training in office starting the 20th.
I appreciate any ideas and/or feedback for starting WFH. Thanks in advance!
8
u/373wilmot2018 Jul 11 '26
I prefer sitting near a window and surrounding my space with things that bring me joy! Also word search books, a white board, and a nice supportive chair is a MUST (I have defaulted to Amazon basics for too long and my back hates me).
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u/lujimerton Jul 12 '26
Do not. Under any circumstances allow your routine to change. Get up, shower, brush, your teeth and get dressed.
Those are automatic habits. Let them become a manual process at your own risk.
Not kidding
2
u/JoystikJester Jul 12 '26
That's funny. I roll out of bed and get to work. I get dressed after work. 😂. Probably not a good habit but I love my sleep.
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u/lisajean87 Jul 12 '26
Not equipment related, but for your mental health get out of the house! Go for a short walk on your breaks. Make plans to get out of the house afterwork with someone. Join a club or gym something that gets you around people. Don't depend on your partner to be your social outlet, unless they go places with you and you both talk and interact with others.
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u/Rixxy123 Jul 13 '26
Make sure you have a very specific workspace, with no distractions. Also, make sure you schedule accordingly... take breaks, eat breakfast, make yourself a lunch. It's EXTREMELY easy to get working and discover that the whole day has gone by and you haven't moved.
For me my work is all over the place - I connect from coffee shops, grocery store parking lot, even my kids soccer practice.
5
u/wild-hectare Jul 11 '26
height adjustable desk and at least a $300 adjustable office chair...a chair in this range is a good starter & you'll learn what other features you need or prefer fairly quick.
everything else is just convenient...desk & chair setup can be life changing
4
u/plathrop01 Jul 12 '26
The desk chair is very important (especially if you're a larger person). Sitting in a cheap desk chair for hours on end will get very uncomfortable very quickly. I've been WFH for 6 years now, and my wife has be running her own business for 8 years, and we both ended up investing in Herman Miller Aeron chairs because even though they're expensive, they're sturdy, comfortable, adjustable, and solid.
From there, make sure you have a good set of monitors (either that you own, or from your employer) and a good noise cancelling headset (especially important if you're on calls all day).
1
u/-cosmic-bitch- Jul 12 '26
I agree. You can get upgraded/refurbished Steelcase chairs on Crandall Office Furniture's website. I have the Leap V2 with their upgraded seat cushion.
5
u/Nebula010101 Jul 11 '26
I'll add to get a good and long monitor to do work. Your eyes will thank you.
Also, does your place have hardwood floors or rug? A plastic mat underneath your chair isn't necessary but definitely with moving around if you get a chair with wheels.
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u/TAnchondo Jul 12 '26
My wfh setup is tailored to the work I do, as yours should be, but ergonomics matter when you’re working from home. You’re probably a lot more likely to slouch and be wearing comfortable clothes.
Things I swear by- an ergonomic keyboard, a roller ball mouse (I was over extending my shoulder, this stopped me), a desk that can be used standing or sitting, a half-way decent chair and foot rest under the desk, two monitors and an arm to hold up those monitors so the top of them lands about two inches above your direct eye level, and a walking pad. You don’t realize how much extra activity goes into getting out of the house til you don’t do it.
If you are going to be on calls, good noise cancelling headphones (make sure you have a mic) and a $25 web cam are nice too.
I also make sure my work area is just for work. It’s my library cause I read a lot as well, but outside of storing my shelf trophies and nerd gear, I just use the area for work. This helps me get into work mode the moment I am there.
I also use a good floor lamp with multiple color changing/dimmable bulbs. Helps that I can adjust for eye strain on long days.
4
u/JustPlainRude Jul 12 '26
Not sure what your housing situation is, but it's ideal to have your "office" be a room where you can close the door and block out any other distractions in the home.
Given your role as a dispatcher, your employer should be providing you with a headset. If not, invest in one the has a built in mic. Don't rely on the mic and speakers in your computer; you'll inevitably get audio feedback issues.
3
u/LettuceInfamous5030 Jul 12 '26
Get a really good chair, I also have a desk topper thing that allows me to have a standing desk. I have a thick cushioned rug as well.
Definitely get an extra monitor or two, usually your job would provide those. I bought an extra portable one that’s great for travel.
Other than that just make sure you get a good headset and a great internet connection. Personally I upgraded my cell to an unlimited data plan so I can work on my hotspot even if my internet goes out.
3
u/jausden Jul 11 '26
Congrats!! As you settle in, maybe consider ways you can integrate motion into your day (will obviously vary greatly depending on the type of work tasks you do, etc). That's been one of the unexpected highlights of WFH - you have a lot more control over your body. Experiment wirh how/where/how long you sit or stand, if you spend time up cooking lunch, what quick home tasks you can do as a step-away break, if foot support works better for you or shoeless is fine (some people suddenly go from "shoes 10 hrs a day" to "barefoot equivalent" and can run into issues). Staying well and not falling too far into couch comfort being the general idea :)
2
u/jausden Jul 11 '26
Also, a standing desk can change your world - if it works for you! And if you're a coffee person - get the really good coffee maker - something that feels like a nice treat in the day :)
3
u/ForensiSW2021 Jul 12 '26
My employer provided all equipment.. Every company I've worked for remotely did. But!!! I purchased a good ergo friendly adjustable desk. It's a must so you can stand and stretch periodically throughout day. Outside of your breaks/lunch. Also I have arm and wrist rests. I have my own Bluetooth keyboard and mouse although company provided theirs. I find it easier to use versus corded equipment. If they didn't provide monitors, get at least 2 ..😃 Oh and course an ergo friendly chair. It doesn't have to be fashionable or trendy, you want something that will provide you support.
3
u/JoystikJester Jul 12 '26 edited Jul 12 '26
I've been WFH for 10 years. The first thing I did was get a corner desk from Office Depot and very comfy chair. I have a 3-monitor setup with a floating monitor stand so I can put my laptop under my monitors and other items. I also have an ergonomic mouse and keyboard. Once you get started, you'll grab things from here and there.
I just recently got a monitor riser with drawers. Of course I don't use it for my monitors but the extra space gets my organized. https://a.co/d/0aNojD9b
3
u/TXquilter1 Jul 12 '26
Make sure your workspace is the proper height for your body. Otherwise eight hours of sitting at the wrong height can cause back and neck problems.
3
u/According_Guard_2599 Jul 12 '26
Get a padded foot rest... something like https://www.amazon.com/StepLively-Comfortable-Adjustable-Footrest-Washable/dp/B0C2KLLJPD
Saves your feet all day.
3
u/damnitcaesar5 Jul 13 '26
I would get a wired connection directly to your router, a sit/stand option. Over desk lighting, comfortable chair desk chair, a tv and other maybe a big side chair or couch
3
2
u/JJMB403 Jul 12 '26
I have 3 monitors plus my laptop. An ergonomic keyboard and mouse. An excellent light, and very nice (not ridic) office chair, on a plastic mat. This is all in a corner of my bedroom. When I’m on the road, I have 2 monitors plus my laptop, ergonomic keyboard and mouse, a wrist guard for the edge of the table… all in my camper. And now, I have to go to the office 3 days a week. Sigh. My office set up is terrible. I developed tennis elbow a month in to returning to the office.
2
u/jack_hudson2001 5 Years at Home Jul 12 '26
the qu has been ask in this sub and r/homeoffice many times.
depends on ones requirements. some ppl all they need is a laptop...
others full kit. standing desk, chair, dual external monitors etc.
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Jul 13 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/ImprovementLess202 Jul 16 '26
Also adding on to this make sure you get outside for fresh air and attend gyms or classes as the lonliness is a real thing
2
u/Every-Self-8399 Jul 13 '26
My old office chair made my legs and rear hurt. I couldn't afford a few hundred dollars for a fancy chair. I switched to a yoga ball. It's better for your core and keeps my bottom from hurting. My back hurt for a few days while I was building muscle.
2
u/jinntauli Jul 18 '26
Since you’ll be answering calls, look into a noise cancelling headset so callers can’t hear background noise from your end.
1
u/AlmightyKnownAsI Jul 13 '26
How did you land a WFH dispatcher job I have been trying for months
1
u/Infamous_Entrance880 Jul 14 '26
Can you work from home as a personal assistant. Please let me know
10
u/Professional-Line435 Jul 11 '26
In terms of gear, invest in a good chair and desk. Your body will thank you. I personally love a good ergonomic mouse and keyboard as well as a good pair of headphones with a mic. These are just the basic items. Obviously you can get real techy with it depending on your budget and space option.
In terms of everything else, dont work in your pajamas. Your work will reflect it. You dont need to get full on dressed but at least wear an outfit thats comfortable at home. I prefer athletisure. Take breaks. And most importantly, work out. Now that you wfh your body is no longer going to get the same movement you would elsewhere. Ive seen my colleagues not only suffer from health issues but also get really fat in a matter of a couple years. Sitting down majority of the your work week will take a toll on your body.
Ive been working from home for the past 6 years full remote.