Over the last 18 months, many organizations have transitioned from a complete in-office environment to a flexible, dynamic, and largely remote workplace. The rapidity with which authorities sent the workforce home in March of 2020 caused upheaval and necessitated rapid changes as employees rushed to set up an appropriate home office.
But as companies realized that the concept of a remote workforce was not only productive but cost-efficient, they began to consider making the arrangement a full-time option. Therefore, a home office is now required to be more permanent, providing the technology and security of the company network. Instead of a laptop in the family room corner, remote employees are looking to establish a fully functioning, professional, and technologically advanced home office.
Some unexpected problems arose when workers went home. They realized that their wifi speed was not adequate to support their workload and their family’s needs. They understood that their computer equipment was much less secure than it was in the office. They considered adding phone lines, power surge protectors, and VPNs. As video-conferencing began to replace in-person meetings, the need for increased bandwidth and a stable connection became paramount. If you are one of those who have decided to make your home office a permanent arrangement, here are some updates and upgrades you may wish to install.
A hardwired connection offers far greater consistency and reliability than a wireless connection, benefitting those who require greater amounts of bandwidth. There are several significant features to help the remote worker, including:
Reliable Video Conferencing: Video conferencing can max out your wifi router, especially if multiple users (like your kids playing Fortnight in the next room) are using the network simultaneously. While a significant slowdown may not be too problematic if you send emails, it could be a problem if you are delivering a critical presentation to your boss or trying to land a big new customer.
Reduce Latency: Latency causes pages, images, and video to lag when attempting to load and play. This can be especially detrimental when trying to finish your work or send information to clients. A hardwired connection can assist with data transmission, improve consistency and reduce latency, making the home office experience much more enjoyable.
Improve the Wifi Experience: You don’t want to have to hardwire a laptop or tablet – that defeats the purpose. But you can hardwire your desktop, scanner, and printer – freeing up bandwidth and making your wifi more productive overall.
How an Electrician Can Help
If you hardwire your home, be sure to call a professional electrician to help with all of the wirings. After all, you don’t want to have wires running around the room and under all of your furniture. It can be unsightly but also dangerous. Here are some other ways that an electrician can help to set up your home office:
Sufficient Outlets: Your home office needs enough outlets so that you are not overloading circuits or using extension cords. A homeowner should never use extension cords for a permanent office solution – they can be unsafe, they’re ugly, and they’re unnecessary when you install the correct number of outlets for your office needs.
When you hire an electrician to increase the number of outlets in your office, ask about adding USB outlets as well. Then you will not be using up available outlets to charge devices.
Dedicated Computer Circuit: Be sure to also ask about adding a dedicated circuit for your network equipment. Because computers use more technical components and are more sensitive to any fluctuations in the electric current, a dedicated circuit is a necessary safety feature. A dedicated circuit separates your office and computer equipment from other devices on other circuits, such as refrigerators or washers/driers, that can draw away excess power.
Surge Suppressor and Power Conditioner: Now that your office is at home, you should consider an upgrade your portable surge protector. Instead, install a whole-house surge suppressor in proximity to the electrical panel and protects the entire residence from harmful electrical surges. A power conditioner is affordable and helps to deliver a stable and reliable current to your devices.
Life may have changed, but the need to remain professional and establish an appropriate home office has not. Call Promise Electric today if you live in the Sarasota area and want to install necessary electrical upgrades to your home office.
