Over the past several years, remote work has been steadily gaining traction, but in 2020, this work model soared. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 71% of those surveyed were working from home last year, compared with 20% previously. Fifty-four percent of those said they wanted to continue to do so once the pandemic is over.
If you fall into this category, you’ll want to turn an eye towards setting yourself up for long-term success. In a post-pandemic world, employers will almost definitely be carefully examining the productivity levels of their employees to determine if it’s feasible for the long term. To be able to meet expectations, you’ll need the right home office hardware and infrastructure support to help you succeed. This means it’s time to consider your home’s electrical wiring.
Outlets
Do you have sufficient outlets in your home office? If not, now is a good time to get them upgraded. Piece-working your electrical needs with extension cords or constantly unplugging devices to plug others in, impedes productivity. A sufficient number of outlets not only enhances productivity, but it’s safer. No worries about overloading and creating tripping hazards. While you’re upgrading, add some USB outlets as well.
Lighting
Every work area needs good lighting. If you don’t have good lighting, it’ll be difficult to get work done efficiently. The quality of your lighting can also affect your mood and productivity levels. If you are missing overhead lighting, need strategically installed supplemental lights, or even a desk lamp, these are smart additions to make.
Dedicated Power Circuit
If you’re working primarily on a computer, it’s a good idea to add a dedicated power circuit to your home office. Doing so isolates your computer from other rooms by using different circuits. In the event of disruption on those circuits due to a power outage or surge, a dedicated power circuit will leave your computer and peripheral equipment unaffected.
Hard-Wired Internet Connection
Wi-Fi is convenient and should definitely be a part of any home office, but these connections can also be problematic at times. Having a professional install a hard-wired internet port in your newly dedicated office can ensure you always have a stable connection. This is especially important if several household members are competing for bandwidth through your home’s Wi-Fi connection.
Surge Protection
Not having the right surge protection could result in disaster. It’s impossible to predict when a surge may occur but if you have a good protector installed, any excess voltage is diverted to a safety ground, preserving your equipment. You can install in specific outlets, or even better, get a whole-house protector.
Generator
If you live in an area prone to power outages, a standby generator would make for a good investment. This will help you remain online even when power is out, or at least enable you to keep your phone charged and use it as a hotspot for wireless-ready devices. Your electrician can wire it and ready it to be turned on whenever it’s needed.
Not having proper electrical wiring in your home office could lead to interruption of productivity and create safety hazards. Be sure to avoid overloading outlets, unplug less-frequently used equipment, avoid running extension cords, and make sure your lamps are using proper wattage.
If you need a professional eye or would like to make some electrical upgrades to accommodate your home office, give Kish Electric a call today. We’ll help you establish a well-wired home workspace.
