6. Block out background sounds with noise cancelling headphones
Not all home offices are quiet sanctuaries. In fact, you may find that other family members, including children, are disrupting you as you try to focus. Neighborhood noises such as lawnmowers, delivery trucks and construction can also interrupt concentration or make their way into the background of a work call.
Enter noise cancelling headphones. Outfitted with active-noise cancellation (ANC) tech, these headphones stop low-frequency sounds before they reach your ear, allowing you to focus on work without background disruption.
7. Illuminate your work space with smart bulbs
Bad lighting can impact your productivity and comfort while working without you even realizing it. If natural light doesn’t pour into your home office from a nearby window, you can customize your office lighting with smart bulbs. This lighting method also lets you limit your energy use, since it requires 70 to 90 percent less energy than a traditional bulb.[4]
Smart lighting connects to Wi-Fi or a bluetooth device, and can be controlled remotely or by a smart-home assistant. Some more expensive bulbs even have settings for study and precision to help you focus.
8. Digitize your notes with a smart pen
Do you still like to jot down meeting notes with pen and paper? Now, you can transfer your handwritten notes into digital files using a smart pen. Rather than having to type up notes after a meeting or a call, your pen will automatically capture and save your copy.
9. Cool down or warm up with a Wi-Fi thermostat
Another benefit of working from home is that you control the setting. Setting your thermostat correctly improves both comfort and productivity in the workplace, and a Wi-Fi thermostat makes adjusting both the temperature and humidity in your home office easy.
The “ideal” average temperature for workplaces is 71.64, but other factors play a role. For example, warm environments are better for creative thinking, whereas colder rooms help people focus during repetitive tasks.
10. Keep your coffee hot with a smart mug
It seems that everything can be a smart device these days, even your coffee mug. Smart mugs are chargeable, have their own app and keep your coffee at uniform heat. While this device may seem a little over-the-top, a warm cup of coffee or tea does wonders for productivity.