Changing jobs can be an overwhelming experience. From a different set of coworkers and learning new rules and regulations to the responsibility of completing tasks, it is easy to see the challenges that could occur at a new job. While working at a traditional brick and mortar establishment is considered the normal, remote positions are becoming more and more common. The number of telecommuters in the United States has grown over 115 percent in the last ten years. If you are considering a remote position, you must prepare your workspace for this new type of profession. Before you begin telecommuting, be sure your workspace offers these 3 tech essentials.

Laptop

Having a computer is obvious if you want to work from home, so a space in your home with a desktop computer is ideal. Your office space should allow you to sit at your desk without interruption, so make sure the office has a door. Your desktop computer will be sufficient in most cases. However, having a laptop offers a versatility that you will need as a telecommuter.

If you have children in the home or you tend to receive a lot of visitors, you may want to take your work away from the home. A laptop will allow you the freedom to work wherever and whenever you want, as long as your company or position allows it. If you want to work at a local bookstore or coffee shop, pack up your laptop and head out of the home.

High-Speed Connection

Sending and receiving emails, faxes, and phone calls will be an imperative part of working from home. Therefore, you must make sure your internet connection offers the highest speeds possible.

Many companies have a minimum speed that will be required to get the position, so check with your service provider to make sure they offer the recommendations. Make sure to take both the upload and download speeds into consideration, as well.

If you will be using video conferencing, your connection is even more important. Clear audio and video will require a download speed of at least 1.5 Mbps while larger, more involved calls may need 8 Mbps of download speed.

You do not want to be the only worker unable to receive and reply to emails or participate in video conferences.

Unless you plan to work at your desktop that is plugged directly into your router, you will need the sufficient wireless connection. For the fastest and most dependable connection at your desktop or while mobile on your laptop, consider fiber optic internet for your home.

Ergonomic Chair

Sitting in front of the computer all day can wreak havoc on your health. When you are setting up your home office, make sure to invest in a good quality ergonomic chair.

The chair should offer lumbar support, allowing your lower back to be supported while in the sitting position. The chair height also matters. Make sure the chair is high enough that you can view your computer screen directly, but low enough that you are not hunching over your desk.

As a matter of fact, healthy bodies are able to tolerate sitting in one position for only 20 minutes. Even if you are sitting in a comfortable chair suited to your body, you should get up and change your position periodically through the day. This will help prevent neck and back strain.

Telecommuting is a great option for many people, but it does require a great deal of discipline and preparation. Using this guide, you will be able to equip your workspace with a few must-haves to help you stay productive and comfortable.  For more information, contact companies like Solarus.