It was becoming a trend even before the Covid-19 pandemic, but now remote working has accelerated into being the new normal. Business commentators say remote working is most definitely here to say. So what gadgets, tools and general items do you need to be an effective remote worker?

It is estimated that more than 36 million Americans will be remote workers by 2025. As employers realize their employees can be just as productive if they work remotely compared to an office environment, an increasing number of businesses are making remote working a tangible part of their future plans. Not only does this help companies save on office space, it often gives their workers a better work-life balance, which is rewarded back to businesses through loyalty and hard work.

Many remote workers will mostly be working from home, so some of the essential kit needed is around making the daily home working environment conducive to work. It is also worth remembering that remote working really can mean working from anywhere. So even if you mostly work from home at the moment, you may want to be more agile in the future, and give yourself the freedom to work from different locations around the world. Some easily transportable gadgets are essential for this style of remote working.

Here are some of the absolute essentials for remote workers who want to embrace the remote working lifestyle.

Computer

It’s the most obvious piece of kit on the list, as remote workers would generally be lost without a computer. If your employer hasn’t supplied one to you, invest in a good quality computer that is fast and reliable, as you don’t want anything slowing you down.

Tablet

An iPad or other tablet is important for remote workers who sometimes need to do work tasks on the move, or even from a different room of the house. Along with a wireless keyboard, it can even double as a spare laptop. People remote working in all sectors and industries rely on this kind of technology. Finding a good tablet for stock trading is simple, much like finding one for accountancy, marketing or sales jobs.

Wi-Fi Booster

You rely on your Wi-Fi as a home worker, but sometimes the signal just isn’t strong enough in the part of your home where you work. You may also want to give yourself the option to work from different parts of your house. A Wi-Fi booster will amplify your Wi-Fi signal in different spots of the house, making it as good as it can possibly be wherever you are working from.

Mobile Hotspot

Most remote workers have experienced the dreaded moment when their internet crashes just before an important video conference. It is important to realize that this will happen at some point, so you need to have a backup plan. If you have a good data package on your smartphone, you can use this to create a hotspot anytime as a temporary fix to get your computer connected again. But it’s worth investing in a USB mobile access point too, which is also great for when you are traveling and want reliable internet connection. Many providers offer these devices on a pay as you go basis, or for a cheap monthly fee.

Headphones

Often the up-side of working in offices is that they are specifically designed for work. Glass paneling and clever architectural designs in particular mean noise from the outside world is never much of a problem. In the home environment this can be different, and you may be susceptible to more interruptions. It may be your children playing downstairs, or your neighbor who decides to do some noisy building work. This is largely out of your control, so plan for how you will get work done in these situations. Investing in a good pair of headphones works for many remote workers!

Work Apps

For many remote workers, using apps and handy pieces of software can help them become more productive. For some people, apps can be a virtual replacement of their managers, who would tend to keep a closer eye on them in a physical workplace. There is something out there for everyone, depending on what field you work in and what areas of your daily work life you need a little help with.

To-do list apps and note taking apps are useful for almost anyone, while project management tools can help teams feel connected and maintain oversight on projects they all have a stake in. For those working on creative projects, virtual whiteboards or mind-mapping tools can be an effective replacement for getting colleagues together in a conference room.

A Comfortable Chair

It can be easy to get carried away with all the technological extras you can add into your remote working life. But it’s important to remember the basics too. Having a chair that gives you the right ergonomic support when you work is absolutely crucial to your health and your productivity.