Before 2020, the home office was often just a secondary workspace, used for late-night work, weekend catchups, or the occasional remote day. However, with around 25% of people now working fully remotely and many more in hybrid roles, the home office has become the primary workspace for a significant portion of the workforce.
With the home office becoming more important to the homeowner, it has also become more important to the integrator. Here are some tips on how to build a client-pleasing home working environment.
Essential Home Office Components
Most individuals likely use a computer provided by their employer, usually a laptop. Self-employed individuals or those working for small businesses might own their computers or have a choice in their selection. In these instances, businesses with the right expertise can build or recommend suitable options.
Creating a system that works for the user is crucial. For high-level executives involved in frequent video meetings, presentations, and media interviews, prioritizing audio and video quality is essential. Stock traders, coders, or those working with extensive spreadsheets and data management may require a customized monitor setup. Client discovery conversations are key to ensure project success.
Connectivity and Internet Infrastructure
A reliable, high-speed internet connection with low latency is fundamental in any home office setup. Low latency is crucial because it ensures real-time responsiveness during video conferences, smooths out streaming of live data, and enhances overall interactivity, which is essential for tasks such as daytrading or real-time collaboration. No one wants to be the person who keeps freezing during crucial meetings. Ensuring the computer or laptop is hard-wired with Ethernet, or at least has a nearby wireless access point, is vital. For added security, consider setting up redundant internet with two different service providers and a network router that supports both connections. Araknis Networks offers a high-quality dual-WAN router with OvrC built-in, enabling monitoring and notifications for potential outages. Add in OvrC-embedded power management products and you can set up automated events to reboot devices like ISP modems during disconnections.
Optimizing Visuals and Displays
The choice of monitors can greatly impact a workstation. Options include a large multipurpose monitor like the Samsung Odyssey Ark, two medium-sized monitors around 32 inches, or three to four smaller monitors around 27 inches. The Samsung Ark, a very large 55-inch curved display, can showcase up to four simultaneous images in landscape mode and three images in its towering portrait mode. It does require (up to) four inputs from the user’s computer, necessitating a compatible system. Though this monitor is primarily geared for gaming it can be utilized for many other scenarios.
For those needing flexibility in their monitor setup, two to four medium monitors on adjustable mounts are recommended, allowing for customization and easy adjustments. It’s crucial to consider the workstation’s configuration and how the client will use the monitors prior to picking out the mount. Most computers and laptops can support two external displays, and advancements in USB outboard adapters simplify further expansion.
Enhancing Audio for Clarity and Focus
Audio quality is another critical aspect of the ultimate office setup. Quality speakers, like the DSP3200 bookshelf speakers by Meridian, can enhance focus and boost energy levels. These active speakers with a built-in DSP can stream from a digital audio converter, allowing easy control from a desktop or mobile app. Utilizing the technology of Sonos speakers and/or amplifiers can provide a similar experience for the budget-conscious.
A high-quality microphone setup can significantly improve communication in meetings, podcasts, or media interviews. Choices include a wired professional microphone or Bluetooth headset/in-ear headphones. For optimal sound quality, a USB Dynamic podcast mic such as those by Rode (PodMic) or Audio-Technica (AT2040USB) are great starter mics with good quality. Condenser microphones are also great, but will pick up nearly every noise in the room and more so it would be recommended to have acoustic and isolation discussions if you decide to go that route.
If opting for Bluetooth, the sound quality won’t match a professional mic but will exceed that of built-in microphones. For those frequently involved in podcasts or media interviews, incorporating acoustic treatments can greatly enhance sound quality by minimizing echoes.
Professional Video Conferencing
For video conferencing, a high-quality camera can set a professional tone, distinguishing between a standard and an exceptional online presence. Even if a laptop has a decent built-in camera, a separate camera positioned at eye level will enhance the professionalism of your appearance. Cameras like the Opal C1 are designed to meet these high standards, offering high resolution and excellent white balance that ensures clear, sharp images with accurate colors. High resolution is critical as it improves the clarity and detail of the video, making the feed crisp and vivid, which is particularly important for maintaining a professional image during high-stakes meetings or presentations.
Additionally, the Opal C1 features a low f-stop, which contributes significantly to depth-of-field effects. A low f-stop allows the camera to focus sharply on the subject while softly blurring the background, creating a pleasing aesthetic that mimics professional photography. This not only helps to minimize visual distractions in the background, but also keeps the focus squarely on the speaker, enhancing viewer engagement. The depth-of-field effect, facilitated by the low f-stop, helps in creating a more intimate and focused setting that can make virtual meetings feel more personal and less detached.
Lighting Considerations
Adequate lighting is often overlooked but easily rectified in a home office setup. For new builds or remodels, working with a lighting designer or electrical contractor to integrate ample lighting options is ideal. For existing setups, using adjustable “podcast” lights like ring lights, soft boxes, or LED panels can provide sufficient lighting. Features like dimming capabilities and adjustable color temperatures can help achieve a professional appearance. Lume Cube have range of products for workstations, mobile setups, and more. Testing different settings between natural and artificial light, cameras, and conferencing apps is essential to find and maintain the right look.
Also by Ian Bryant: 2024 Technology Design Trends
Health and Wellness
Incorporating elements that contribute to health and wellness is also vital in designing an ultimate home office. Ergonomic furniture such as adjustable desks and chairs that promote good posture can prevent long-term health issues. Ergonomic peripherals can also make long days at a workstation more enjoyable, and adding in quick-key keyboards or devices can make a power user even faster. Additionally, integrating plants or greenery can enhance air quality and provide a calming effect, making the office space more inviting and conducive to productivity.
Leveraging Automation
Automation is transforming home offices into highly efficient and personalized workspaces. Smart technology can automate routine tasks and optimize the work environment, leading to enhanced productivity and reduced stress. For instance, automated lighting systems can adjust the brightness and color temperature based on the time of day to minimize eye strain and improve focus. Voice-activated assistants can manage calendars, set reminders, initiate calls, answer the doorbell, or even answer complex questions with AI such as ChatGPT, allowing your clients to focus on their work without manual interruptions. Additionally, when integrating more subsystems, tasks like adjusting room temperature or opening/closing window blinds or shades, can be automated based on personalized schedules or environmental cues. This seamless integration of technology not only streamlines work processes, but also creates a workspace that adapts to individual needs, making everyday tasks more manageable and efficient.
The Future of the Home Office
As augmented and virtual reality technologies become more comfortable, compact, and affordable, we may see a shift toward eliminating traditional peripheral devices, with some people opting for headsets or glasses. Future video calls could use avatars instead of live video, with advancements enabling these avatars to closely resemble the actual users. Despite these changes, audio quality will remain crucial for those not opting in for headphones.
The transformation of home offices is accelerating, driven by technological advancements that promise to make remote work even more integrated and immersive. As these technologies evolve, the role of integrators becomes increasingly crucial, not just in implementing existing systems, but in shaping the development of new solutions that enhance productivity, collaboration, and well-being in the home office.
Related: Elevating Work-From-Home Experiences
For many, the benefits of remote work have made the traditional office a relic of the past, and as integrators, our mission is to provide innovative, tailored solutions that make the home office not just a workspace, but a hub of efficiency and creativity. This ongoing evolution promises to redefine the boundaries of work, life, and technology, making it an exciting time for both users and technology providers alike.
High-Tech Desk
The ErgoFx ERDS1-01G from ErgoAV is an adjustable-height desk that features a front charging panel that provides convenient access to two USB-C ports and a USB-A port, delivering 100 watts of total power. Innovative wireless charging automatically lifts and rotates the phone toward the user when charging. The cable management system helps to conceal and route cables for a premium finished look. The Integrated five-outlet power strip provides convenient power for office devices and the adjustable legs ensure easy sit or stand mode adjustment with anti-collision technology. The built-in drawer offers storage space for small office supplies or accessories.
For more information, visit https://www.ergoav.com/product/office-solutions/ergofx-sit-stand-desks/erds1-01g/.
