Financial Blog

Work from home is a privilege that some of us enjoy. But even though you’re not fully working from home or are unfortunately still looking for a job, it’s safe to say that home office set-ups have become boons in work productivity. A work-from-home office set-up basically mirrors the traditional office setup (as much as possible) It has driven many to utilize technology better, and to think of ways to work and conduct business via digital means.

If you’re one of the thousands of individuals now working from home, you’ll understand that the transition isn’t as easy as it sounds. Regardless of where you’re working from, you’re still doing just that – working. Here’s the advantages and disadvantages of working from home.

Advantages:

• Zero commuting – Say goodbye to onerous commute to work!
• Saving money – Not only can you save money by avoiding long commutes. Lunch is expensive! At home, you can save big time by prepping your own meal 
• Cozy Clothes – Wear what you’re most comfortable wearing – Pajamas!
• Work/Life Balance – Isn’t it great having the flexibility to get things done in your professional life while still having time and energy to enjoy your personal life?
• More Family Time – You can actually spend more quality time with your loved ones.

Disadvantages:

• Distractions and Interruptions – There’s no denying that there can be distractions too. Factors can be household noise, friends visiting, or your noisy neighbors.
• Separating Home and Work-Life – Feeling obliged to do household chores such as cooking, cleaning, childcare, etc. Conversely, working hours can also spillover to rest hours.
• Isolation – You may feel disconnected from your colleagues. 
• Cost – Despite the potential savings, there are significant changes on things such as electricity bill, internet bill, and items you needed to work-from-home. You may need to ask for reimbursement from your boss.

Read More: Work From Home Guide for Beginners 

Create a separate space and feel like a boss at your own office at home. Why not invest in purchases that can help your work productivity. Here’s a breakdown of our recommendations:

• Ergonomic Desk

You don’t want to have an improper posture due to long hours spent behind the desk.

*Photo courtesy by Qoncept Furniture

Qoncept Furniture  | ROBERT Computer Table

Price: ₱2499.00

Link: bit.ly/32z9icT

*Photo courtesy by Stance

Stance | Executive Manually Height-Adjustable Standing Desk

Price: ₱14,990.00 – ₱17,990.00

Link: bit.ly/32Ep8D8

• Office Chair

Prevent discomfort and fatigue throughout your long working hours.

*Photo courtesy by Mandaue Foam

Mandaue Foam | Addison Low Back Chair

Price: ₱ 3,115.00 – ₱4,450.00

Link: bit.ly/3sH8i1d

• Laptop

It can be a hassle if your laptop keeps crashing. Equip yourself with a good enough laptop that can support your day-to-day online demands.

*Photo courtesy by Abenson

Lenovo | Ideapad 3 81WH000HPH

Price: ₱ 16,495.00 – ₱ 16,995.00

Link: bit.ly/32EpcCS

*Photo courtesy by Lenovo

Just in case you need a laptop that requires highly intensive tasks. This one’s perfect for you.

Lenovo | ThinkPad X1 Carbon (6th Gen)

Price: ₱ 66,945.00 – ₱ 104,207.08

Link: lnv.gy/3tHQAvR

• Printer

Capable of handling functionality, efficiency, and support to handle large amounts of paperwork.

*Photo courtesy by HP

HP | DeskJet 2320 All-in-One Printer

Price: ₱3,350.00 – ₱ 5,500.00

Link: bit.ly/3szW0HO

• Headset

Staying connected is important. Reduce the distractions with noise cancellation headphones.

*Photo courtesy by Kimstore

EQUINOX | Artke Wired Headphones

Price: ₱199.00

Link: bit.ly/3arKpnN

*Photo courtesy by JBL

JBL | TUNE 500 On Ear Headphones

Price: ₱1,439.00 – ₱ 1,999.00

Link: bit.ly/3dELOJX

• Lighting

Natural lighting can produce warm lighting that improves the work environment. If you don’t have a lot of natural light, then artificial lights are even more important when considering workspace illumination. It is designed to protect your eyes.

*Photo courtesy by SM

SM Home | Home Basic Study Lamp – Grey

Price: ₱ 249.75

Link: bit.ly/3ekSpbr

*Photo courtesy by Philips

Philips | Donut Clip LED Desk Lamp – Rechargeable

Price: ₱ 539.00 – ₱ 649.00

Link: bit.ly/3gu66rt

• Extension Cord

An outlet for the devices you’ll need it for. Still, be careful with an overloading extension cord.

*Photo courtesy by Omni

Omni | Universal Tower Extension Cord 16-Gang – WTE-516

Price: ₱ 1,099.75

Link: bit.ly/3n88lSq

• Wifi

The most important thing you need to succeed in working from home – strong and reliable internet connection.

*Photo courtesy by Globe

Globe | Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi

Price: ₱ 799.00 – ₱ 1499.00

Link: bit.ly/3v9sxGf 

*You may opt for a broadband plan

• Eyeglass *BONUS*

You shouldn’t suffer looking at a screen for a long time. It can damage your eyes and will cause eye strain.

*Photo courtesy by PSL

PSL | The Brave Computer Anti-blue Light Glasses

Price: ₱ 850.00 – ₱ 1,600.00

Link: bit.ly/32Bemh1

That’s it for the necessities for your home office! All you have to do now is find out what works best for you. Start by considering what you absolutely need to be productive on a daily basis. Remember – our work life takes up a significant portion of our time. That’s why it’s worth it to make that time more efficient and productive.