In previous posts we’ve discussed rethinking the corporate conference room in the new world of remote work. We've also talked about the need to secure the home office against hackers. But what about the overall comfort and functionality of the home office?

 With the pandemic continuing way longer than we ever thought it would, it's time to think more long term about how we work. Many companies are embracing the work-from-home model as a permanent part of their culture. Many are offering a split schedule with a few days in the office per week and a couple of days remote. Flexjobs has compiled a list of 30 prominent companies with various plans to allow remote work on a permanent basis.

 For the long term, the dining room table is just not going to cut it as an effective home office environment. It's time to really look at what is going to make for a comfortable, productive space. We've all become accustomed to the standard amenities of the typical office. Comfortable chairs, fancy electronics, break rooms, etc. Emulating the office experience at home may require some investment in furniture and gadgets that will transform your space into a true "office away from office".  CableCompare.com has come up with 12 suggestions for particular gadgets and accessories to make your home office more functional. These include: 

• Ergonomic Office Chair

• Standing or adjustable desk

• Second (or even third) monitor

• Wireless Charging Stand

• Compact Fitness Equipment

• Improved lighting

• Blue light blocking glasses

• Fan or Air Purifier

• Noise Canceling Headphones

• Coffee/Tea maker

• Mini Fridge

• Whiteboard

 It is now common to see television ads targeted direct-to-consumer for high end office furniture such as the X-chair. We've also seen the explosion in the demand of relatively compact home fitness equipment such as Peloton, Tonal, and the Mirror. What used to be wasted time in the car traveling to and from work is now time that can be spent on our physical well being. If you don’t have the space or the budget for the ones above CableCompare.com has offered several suggestions as well.

 The home can be a noisy place with barking dogs, screaming kids, and the neighbor's lawn mower. This can be very distracting when on a video call with coworkers and clients. So Krisp has come up with a software product that eliminates background noise through artificial intelligence. It can even remove the background noise coming from the other parties on the call. For limited use it is free, $5 per month will get you the pro, unlimited version.

 And if your "office" is far removed from the kitchen like mine is, the coffee maker and mini-fridge are a must. How else are you going to do "beer Friday's"?

 Check with your employer as to the future of remote work at your office before making major investments. But if you are going to work from home over the long term, you might as well have the best environment possible in which to do it.