Lifestyle: How to Bring Your Home Office into the 21st Century
The internet has revolutionised working from home, but is your home office set up with the latest technology, or stuck in the 1990s?
As the internet has facilitated our ability to work productively from home, the home office has become a far more important room in the household. From advanced video messaging and conference call systems to the humble laptop, these forms of technology are enabling us to communicate and collaborate seamlessly with colleagues on the other side of the globe, whether you’re a lone freelancer or are managing a team of 20.
But while screen-sharing may allow colleagues to work on the same project without getting out of their pyjamas, that’s no excuse to neglect the aesthetics of your work space. Arguably, if you’re not leaving the house, it’s even more important to get into the right frame of mind. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your office space.
But while screen-sharing may allow colleagues to work on the same project without getting out of their pyjamas, that’s no excuse to neglect the aesthetics of your work space. Arguably, if you’re not leaving the house, it’s even more important to get into the right frame of mind. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your office space.
Connect visually with video conferencing
Conferencing is an ideal way to introduce your client to your office. It works in much the same way as a phone call, except you are using the internet to connect your computer (and usually its webcam) to a client’s. You can either talk one on one with them (point to point) or connect with other parties in a set-up known as multi-point.
As more companies allow their employees to attend meetings via webcam, you’ll need to think about how you and your office can come across well on video. A high-definition conferencing system also allows complete clarity, even on widescreen TVs or computers, so you’ll be visible across the world in crystal-clear resolution.
Conferencing is an ideal way to introduce your client to your office. It works in much the same way as a phone call, except you are using the internet to connect your computer (and usually its webcam) to a client’s. You can either talk one on one with them (point to point) or connect with other parties in a set-up known as multi-point.
As more companies allow their employees to attend meetings via webcam, you’ll need to think about how you and your office can come across well on video. A high-definition conferencing system also allows complete clarity, even on widescreen TVs or computers, so you’ll be visible across the world in crystal-clear resolution.
Install an impressive voice calling system
For the times when a simple voice call is sufficient, having separate work and home lines makes it easier to keep track of which calls have gone where and how much each bill is costing you.
Installing an internet-based system, such as an IP PBX, can allow you to control all work-related lines from one point. When you connect with people over the web, you can access all of their contactable devices (landline, fax, email) through an automated switchboard known as a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
Much like a traditional switchboard, a VoIP will divert an incoming message to the appropriate destination, acting as an operator would once have done. If your home office is part of a larger office network, you can now use one company line, even if your employees are spread across several countries.
The smartest component of an IP-PBX is its ability to store voice calls as email attachments or transcripts. During set-up, you can choose to convert voicemails to this format, so you’ll be able to pick them up from any device with an internet connection.
For the times when a simple voice call is sufficient, having separate work and home lines makes it easier to keep track of which calls have gone where and how much each bill is costing you.
Installing an internet-based system, such as an IP PBX, can allow you to control all work-related lines from one point. When you connect with people over the web, you can access all of their contactable devices (landline, fax, email) through an automated switchboard known as a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
Much like a traditional switchboard, a VoIP will divert an incoming message to the appropriate destination, acting as an operator would once have done. If your home office is part of a larger office network, you can now use one company line, even if your employees are spread across several countries.
The smartest component of an IP-PBX is its ability to store voice calls as email attachments or transcripts. During set-up, you can choose to convert voicemails to this format, so you’ll be able to pick them up from any device with an internet connection.
Show off your audio system
A smart speaker is one that can connect to the internet, which means a fully integrated sound system can be controlled from your smartphone at the touch of a button.
By connecting your speakers to your conferencing system, you can really boost the quality of your calls. Make misinterpretations a thing of the past with this simple trick and start enjoying conversations almost as if they’re face to face.
A smart speaker is one that can connect to the internet, which means a fully integrated sound system can be controlled from your smartphone at the touch of a button.
By connecting your speakers to your conferencing system, you can really boost the quality of your calls. Make misinterpretations a thing of the past with this simple trick and start enjoying conversations almost as if they’re face to face.
Manage chaotic cables
Having a clean work space can really boost productivity. If you have loose wires tangled all over the place, not only will it look a mess, it will also be difficult to move anything or rearrange your space.
Integrating screens, phones, printers and other cabled devices into your set-up is a great way to give it a clean, fresh feel. When you integrate a device, all unsightly wiring can be run through the desk, wall or ceiling to leave your aesthetic uncompromised and give the illusion of a wireless zone.
Check out 9 ways to conceal your gadgets
Having a clean work space can really boost productivity. If you have loose wires tangled all over the place, not only will it look a mess, it will also be difficult to move anything or rearrange your space.
Integrating screens, phones, printers and other cabled devices into your set-up is a great way to give it a clean, fresh feel. When you integrate a device, all unsightly wiring can be run through the desk, wall or ceiling to leave your aesthetic uncompromised and give the illusion of a wireless zone.
Check out 9 ways to conceal your gadgets
Make sure you integrate safely
If you’re looking to install in-wall speakers or screens yourself, you’ll need to consider what’s hidden in the wall you’re using. A stud finder or metal detector device – to detect wires and pipes – is your friend. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s probably best to get in a skilled professional for this.
If any of your rooms were wired during construction, there should be a manual explaining where the preset wire is. Shut down the power in this room and push a coat hanger through the hole until it comes into contact with the wire. Once you’ve discovered it, you can then cut out a frame for your smart device in this section of the wall, using the device’s dimensions as a guide, and connect it up.
For trickier installations or for ones without a preset wire, it might be best to enlist the help of an AV company to ensure all integration is properly completed.
If you’re looking to install in-wall speakers or screens yourself, you’ll need to consider what’s hidden in the wall you’re using. A stud finder or metal detector device – to detect wires and pipes – is your friend. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s probably best to get in a skilled professional for this.
If any of your rooms were wired during construction, there should be a manual explaining where the preset wire is. Shut down the power in this room and push a coat hanger through the hole until it comes into contact with the wire. Once you’ve discovered it, you can then cut out a frame for your smart device in this section of the wall, using the device’s dimensions as a guide, and connect it up.
For trickier installations or for ones without a preset wire, it might be best to enlist the help of an AV company to ensure all integration is properly completed.
Control the atmosphere
Not only is tech a fun way to equip your office, it makes creating ambience about as easy as it gets. The right mood can not only increase your productivity, it can also put a smile your face.
Since home automation enables you to control all of your devices from one screen, you can change the ambience at any time with a few simple gestures. Lighting, TVs and speakers can all be synced to a smartphone or tablet to provide the perfect setting for all manner of meetings.
Not only is tech a fun way to equip your office, it makes creating ambience about as easy as it gets. The right mood can not only increase your productivity, it can also put a smile your face.
Since home automation enables you to control all of your devices from one screen, you can change the ambience at any time with a few simple gestures. Lighting, TVs and speakers can all be synced to a smartphone or tablet to provide the perfect setting for all manner of meetings.
Hardwire your internet connection
Although wireless connectivity has simplified a number of office tasks, when it comes to data transfer and transactions, a hardwired solution can be more secure and reliable. Whereas Wi-Fi routers are prone to sudden loss of connection, a hardwired data network uses cables to ensure nothing interferes with the strength of your internet signal.
Keeping unauthorised visitors from accessing your personal files is also a lot easier with a cabled connection, since only those with a device wired to the network can get online. This makes bank transfers or any other form of confidential work less susceptible to potential security breaches.
Don’t rule out Wi-Fi completely, though: it’s still the most effective way to control all your smart gadgets.
Although wireless connectivity has simplified a number of office tasks, when it comes to data transfer and transactions, a hardwired solution can be more secure and reliable. Whereas Wi-Fi routers are prone to sudden loss of connection, a hardwired data network uses cables to ensure nothing interferes with the strength of your internet signal.
Keeping unauthorised visitors from accessing your personal files is also a lot easier with a cabled connection, since only those with a device wired to the network can get online. This makes bank transfers or any other form of confidential work less susceptible to potential security breaches.
Don’t rule out Wi-Fi completely, though: it’s still the most effective way to control all your smart gadgets.
Relocate to the shed
If space inside your home is limited (or you’d like at least a little distance between your office and the kids), then consider building a separate installation outside. Garden offices are coming into vogue, with people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the household. But this doesn’t mean you have to drop your plans for a high-tech suite. With the right contractor, electrical connections can be set up in your garden, allowing you to maintain the same level of sophistication in the great outdoors.
If your garden system is connected to your home automation network, then you can even control aspects of it from your house. If you’ve forgotten to switch off the lights in your office, for instance, you can simply use your smartphone to turn them off from the comfort of your living room.
If space inside your home is limited (or you’d like at least a little distance between your office and the kids), then consider building a separate installation outside. Garden offices are coming into vogue, with people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the household. But this doesn’t mean you have to drop your plans for a high-tech suite. With the right contractor, electrical connections can be set up in your garden, allowing you to maintain the same level of sophistication in the great outdoors.
If your garden system is connected to your home automation network, then you can even control aspects of it from your house. If you’ve forgotten to switch off the lights in your office, for instance, you can simply use your smartphone to turn them off from the comfort of your living room.
Keep it mobile
If you don’t have a dedicated office space, or like to do different tasks in different places, multiple workstations are an innovative way of managing a busy schedule.
Screens can be integrated into any area of your house and linked to one central network. You can store all the information you need to run your home efficiently – from your automated lighting to your desktop computer – via a home network, and disperse it to all the connected interfaces in your property. Now there’s no excuse for skipping lunch as you work your way through the daily reports.
TELL US…
What technology do you use in your home office? Let us know in the Comments below.
If you don’t have a dedicated office space, or like to do different tasks in different places, multiple workstations are an innovative way of managing a busy schedule.
Screens can be integrated into any area of your house and linked to one central network. You can store all the information you need to run your home efficiently – from your automated lighting to your desktop computer – via a home network, and disperse it to all the connected interfaces in your property. Now there’s no excuse for skipping lunch as you work your way through the daily reports.
TELL US…
What technology do you use in your home office? Let us know in the Comments below.
Automating your office, or using technology to make tasks more efficient, will simplify the way you interact with others. From high-quality video conferencing to Bluetooth speakers and wireless printing, there are many different ways to integrate technology into your workspace to make it more efficient.
See 10 ways to increase your productivity