38. Your Work From Home Office

Show Notes | May 22, 2020 | Episode 038 This episode is sponsored by our military spouse employment partners at Instant Teams. Remote work is amazing and rewarding (yes, we're biased) but it can be so hard if you don't have a great Work From Home set-up. In this episode, Kimber breaks down everything you need to have a productive and relaxing home office (even if that office is at your kitchen table). To get VirtForce's recommendations for everything from desks to surge protectors to ring lights, tune in. If you are a new listener to VirtForce podcast, we would love to hear from you. Please email [email protected] and let us know how we can help you today. Links and Resources Join the Instant Teams Workforce VirtForce Podcast on Apple Podcasts  VirtForce Podcast on Spotify VirtForce Linktree Kimber Hill LinkedIn About Our Sponsor Instant Teams serves professionals across the military-connected community whose lifestyles demand communication and flexibility. Their automated remote team innovation software, Arti, uniquely positions Instant Teams to serve a high growth customer base, and improve the employment prospects of military spouses and other military-connected individuals. Join the Instant Teams workforce today at this link: bit.ly/InstantTeams Ring Light Your ring light is completely optional, but here are three reasons why you should invest: Your ring light makes your lovely face appear much brighter and clearer which can help interviewers remember you and can help your coworkers feel more of a connection with you. Your ring light doubles as a Seasonal Affective Disorder device, meaning if you don’t get a lot of sunlight, your Ring Light LED function can help boost your mood! Your ring light can help wake you up. If you’re feeling dull or draggy, turn on your ring light and  get an extra boost of energy! Headphones For your video and audio meetings, you need great headphones. When purchasing, remember that bluetooth is not always reliable so purchase headphones that are bluetooth capable and will plug into your computer.    Low cost over the ear options include Plantronix and SkullCandy. If you have loud neighbors or distractions at home, consider noise cancelling headphones. I personally use the Bose Noise Cancelling 700, but the older mode, Bose Quiet Comfort, is also a wonderful more cost effective option.  If you need more motivation to choose Bose, their products come with unparalleled customer support and warranty protection. If you have to replace a product, your warranty starts all over brand new with your replacement product. Ethernet Cable & Dongle An ethernet cable runs from your internet router directly into your computer providing you uninterrupted cable access to consistent internet. When you’re on calls and video meetings, you should always be connected to ethernet for best quality. An Ethernet Dongle is an adapter that will convert that big bulky ethernet head to a USB port if your computer does not have an ethernet port. You may or may not need this dongle, but if your computer is newer, it is essentially a requirement these days. Additional Monitors Every work from home PRO will tell you that adding a monitor is a complete GAME CHANGER for productivity. You can add 2 additional monitors to supplement your primary screen comfortably. You can even purchase an extra large gamin monitor or gaming TV screen to support the visual real estate you may need for your role. Outlet Organizer and Surge Protector In a home office, or in any office, cord management can be the thorn in your side. The most useful desktop gadget to eliminate this problem is a surge protector that organizes your devices.