Remote workspaces were a term you just didn’t hear about 20 years ago. Sure, there would be those people who could work from home, but it seemed few and far between and the idea of a remote workforce was something foreign and not at all the norm. Well, times have changed, and thanks to technology, the rise of the remote workforce was sparked and today it has reached all new levels of popularity and mainstream success.

If you’re currently in the process of transitioning to a remote workspace for the first time in your life wherein you’ll be working from home at least part of the time, there are a few things you can do to prepare and ensure you stay productive. For many people, there needs to be that settling in period, as it’s a different environment and dynamic and there is some adapting that will be necessary. To help make the process smoother, we’ve got a handful of useful tips.

Ensure You Have the Necessary Software

Of course, part of working remotely means you’ll need your own computer and necessary software in your home. So much of what people do nowadays is done on a computer, so this is what will keep you productive. At a bare minimum, it’s wise to buy Microsoft Office. This is ideal for text documents, helping you to create impressive and professional looking presentations, set up data tables and perform rather complex equations, manage your emails, and so much more. The great thing is that, when you buy MS Office, it actually provides you with a number of programs in one, which are Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Word. The Microsoft Office UK version should be seen as essential in your home office set-up.

Be sure to visit Software Pal for a selection of Microsoft Office products that you can buy online. It doesn’t matter if you need the Mac or Windows version – both are available. You’ll find a selection of versions including the Office Home & Business and Office Professional Plus versions. Tech support is also available to help you with any setup questions.

What About a Home Computer?

You’ll also need a computer in order to run the necessary software, and with this item the big question tends to be whether you want a laptop or a traditional desktop style computer. A laptop obviously gives you the luxury of mobility and flexibility, but desktop computers tend to be much more powerful, faster, and have more memory.

It’s important to give thought to what programs you will need to run on the computer, how you will use it, if you need to use it outside your home office, and if you care about things like battery life and portability.

Invest in an External Hard Drive

One thing that businesses are hyper cautious of is backing up data and information. The last thing a business owner wants to deal with is having a computer go down and all its information to be lost. This is exactly why so much data and information are stored in a Cloud-based format nowadays, but it’s also why an external hard drive is so important. An external hard drive works as your backup plan. You can store all important data onto to, and because it is separate from your actual computer, it will be unaffected by computer issues. You can also take that drive with you and plug it into other computers if necessary.

Will You Need a Printer?

The final piece of equipment you will likely need in your home office space is a printer. This may not be necessary for everyone, especially with the trend that so many offices are embracing nowadays, which is to go paperless. Still, even if you need to print up a chart, a document, a contract, or any little thing, it’s useful to have a printer available to you. If your home office is quite small, you will likely want to look into compact and sleek versions of a printer. A bulky office-sized model is not necessary for your remote workspace.

Keep Up with Regular Office Hours

Having all the necessary equipment and software to be productive is one thing, but now you’ve got to stick to it and get the work done. Many people that work from home find the best thing for productivity is to ensure they keep up with regular office hours. This means you’re at your desk, you’re available, and you’re working the same hours as the business. At the very least, this can help to normalise your home office routine and ensure it feels professional and familiar.

Using these tips will make it possible for you to realise peak levels of productivity in your new remote workspace at home, making for a smooth transition.