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アフィリエイト広告 Research

Gadgets for Remote Engineers | TechJourney Japan

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Engineers work from home more than any other profession, with over 40% doing it full-time. If you count those who work remotely at least once a week, it's over 90%.

Unlike a regular office with a ready-made workspace, remote engineers have to set up their own work area, for better or worse. It's not as easy as walking into an office with a desk and chair waiting for you, but that's the reality of remote work.

In this article, we introduce you to the essential desk gadgets that IT engineers recommend. These items can help remote engineers improve their workspace. But first, let's look at the pros and cons of remote work to understand why a comfortable work environment is crucial.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Building a Work Environment for Remote Work

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Remote work is often seen as purely beneficial, but that's not entirely true.

As an engineer who works exclusively from home, I'll take you through a thoughtful examination of the pros and cons of this work setup.

Benefits of Remote Work

First, let's explore some of the benefits of remote work.

  • No Commute Time: Eliminating the daily commute, saves time and reduces stress
  • Flexibility During Breaks: The ability to lie down or relax in your own space during breaks
  • Control Over Work Environment: Freedom to work while listening to music or videos
  • Reduced Social Stress: Less pressure from the presence of colleagues or office dynamics

No Commute Time

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A major benefit of remote work is not having to commute. Engineering job listings often mention this advantage.

For many engineers, commuting is a hassle they'd prefer to avoid. Since they can work well from anywhere, it's obvious that commuting feels like an unnecessary inconvenience to them.

Flexibility During Breaks

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Working from home lets you enjoy a longer lunch break where you can relax, maybe watch YouTube with sound on, and even lie down comfortably. In a regular office, breaks usually mean just sitting in your chair, which doesn't feel like a real break. Remote work gives you a better chance to truly relax during your break time.

Control Over Work Environment: Freedom to work while listening to music or videos

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One interesting advantage of remote work is the freedom to listen to music or watch videos while working, which is often not possible in an office. However, it's crucial to maintain the same level of dedication to your work.

For instance, the author enjoys listening to podcasts while working, like having a radio on. They find complete silence unsettling, so having some background noise is their preference. They believe this approach improves productivity and helps them meet their work goals effectively.

Reduced Social Stress: Less pressure from the presence of colleagues or office dynamics.

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Many people struggle to focus when they're surrounded by others in the office. The feeling of being watched can make them nervous and uneasy. This feeling is quite common and shared by many.

Interestingly, job interviews often include tests to gauge how well someone can work in different environments, highlighting the importance of this preference.

Remote work solves this problem by letting individuals work without the stress of a crowded office.

Disadvantages of remote work

Now that we've looked at the pros, let's turn our attention to the cons of remote work.

  • Increased Potential for Slackness
  • Communication Challenges
  • Constant Connectivity
  • Ergonomic Concerns

Increased Potential for Slackness

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Remote work can lead to a relaxed attitude, where some might think, "How much can I slack off?" This is a real concern because remote work was meant to improve efficiency, not reduce effort.

It's important for individuals to self-reflect and assess their work habits. This helps determine if they are a good fit for remote work and can maintain the discipline it demands.

Communication Challenges

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Remote work often faces a communication challenge. In an office, talking and sharing ideas with colleagues happens naturally. But in remote work, you have to write down your thoughts and wait for responses, which can lead to delays. Even trying to call colleagues may not result in immediate interaction.

These factors can cause communication gaps, especially during crucial phases like development, where detailed discussions on specifications are necessary and can be stressful and time-consuming.

Constant Connectivity

smartphones

emote work requires keeping a close eye on chats and emails because timely responses are crucial. As mentioned before, slow text-based communication is a common problem in remote work, so quick replies are important.

Additionally, delays in responding can lead to misunderstandings. If you don't reply promptly, colleagues might think you're not working hard, which can harm team relationships and trust.

That's why it's vital to stay attentive to chats and emails when working remotely.

Ergonomic Concerns

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Having a well-organized workspace, the main topic of this article is crucial to avoid physical discomfort. This is especially important for people who sit on the floor and work at low tables, as it can lead to back problems.

There's a saying that too much sitting is bad for your health, often referring to sitting in chairs for long periods. However, sitting on the floor for extended periods could potentially worsen health risks. Common physical complaints in remote work include wrist, neck, and shoulder stiffness.

To stay healthy and productive in the long run, your workspace should be ergonomic. That's why we'll discuss the essentials for remote-working engineers, focusing on three must-have items to optimize your home workspace.

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Now, let's talk about the three essential items that every remote-working engineer should think about getting to make their home office setup better.

1. Electric Desk

electronic desk
Adjustable Desk Height

The first must-have item is an 'electric adjustable desk.' If you haven't thought about this yet, you might be missing out on a valuable tool. An electric adjustable desk is a versatile gadget that lets you easily change the desk's height. This gives you the option to work while standing or sitting, which can improve your work experience and possibly enhance your health and productivity.

adjustable desk
Adjustable desk height at the touch of a button

An electric adjustable desk offers many advantages. It helps you concentrate better and promotes a healthier lifestyle by improving blood circulation. These changes can greatly improve your daily work routine. Personally, the author considers this tool essential, to the extent that working without it is no longer preferable. This change in work habits highlights how an adjustable desk can significantly improve work efficiency and well-being.

2. Office Chair

office chair
GTPlayer is cheap and high quality

In simple terms, having a good chair is crucial for remote work. Many office chairs in traditional settings are budget-oriented and lack comfort and support. However, remote work allows you to choose your own chair, which can greatly affect your comfort, health, and productivity. When picking a chair for your home office, consider the following key points:

  • Armrests: Check if the chair has armrests. They can reduce shoulder and wrist strain, especially during long work hours.
  • Headrest: See if the chair comes with a headrest. A headrest can support your neck and reduce strain and discomfort.
  • Reclining Function: Find out if the chair can recline. This feature lets you adjust your seating angle, which is important for comfort and spinal health.
  • Material - Mesh: Consider the chair's material. Chairs with mesh material are breathable, keeping you cool and comfortable during long periods of use.

Chairs with armrests, headrests, and reclining functions usually cost above 20,000 yen. Investing in a chair in this price range ensures you get these important features. However, pay attention to the chair's material as well.

Choosing a chair with mesh material is highly recommended because it's more breathable. This is crucial for staying comfortable during long hours of sitting. On the other hand, chairs upholstered in leather, like gaming chairs, can cause skin irritation or discomfort because sweat can build up under the buttocks and back. If you tend to sweat more, it's a good idea to pick a chair with mesh fabric to avoid these issues.

3. External Monitor

Most professionals are familiar with the idea of an external monitor, which can be thought of as a "TV without TV functions." Having an external monitor is not just a luxury; it's necessary for several reasons.

First, it can greatly reduce physical discomforts like shoulder stiffness, eye strain, and neck pain. Continuously staring at a small laptop screen can strain your eyes and neck, causing discomfort.

Furthermore, productivity often suffers when you're limited to a laptop's small screen. Inability to work on multiple windows simultaneously can slow you down, especially in tasks like using Excel while referencing documents. Using a large external monitor can significantly boost your productivity in such situations.

For remote workers, investing in an external monitor is a smart choice. There are affordable options available for around 10,000 yen on platforms like Amazon. The only reason to avoid it would be a commitment to minimalism. However, if you want to be highly effective in your professional life, it's strongly recommended to incorporate an external monitor into your workspace.

Top 3 Essential Items for Remote Work Engineers to Enhance Their Lifestyle

Now that we've covered the must-have gadgets, let's take a look at four additional gadgets that are not essential but can make your remote work experience even better.

1. High-End Mouse

logitech cool
Best ergonomic mouse

The first gadget I suggest to improve productivity is a 'high-quality mouse.' Mouse comes in various price ranges, starting from around 300 to 2,000 yen. While a basic mouse is fine for general tasks, engineers should be more thoughtful about their choices. The right mouse can greatly improve efficiency and comfort, which is crucial in a profession that requires precision and long hours of use.

  • Customizable Scroll Speed and Rows: Let you adjust how fast and how much you scroll, tailored to your preferences and tasks.
  • Adjustable Pointer Speed: Allows you to customize how quickly the cursor moves, improving precision and productivity.
  • Horizontal Scroll Wheel: Adds side-scrolling, handy for navigating wide documents or spreadsheets.
  • Forward and Back Buttons: Make web browsing and document handling easier with these extra navigation buttons.
logitechcool
Multi-function buttons that can be operated with the thumb

Being able to customize scroll and pointer speeds can reduce wrist strain and improve productivity.

Moreover, when engineers are reviewing code, it's common for the code to extend beyond the screen, requiring horizontal scrolling. In such cases, a horizontal scroll button makes it easy to navigate and view the code. In my opinion, this feature is quite valuable (although it's best to avoid excessively long horizontal lines of code whenever possible).

logitechmouse
Quiet and easy to scroll.

Where is the definition of this variable? Personally, I find it convenient to be able to browse files by scrolling horizontally instead of having to click on each file individually to locate it.

logitechcoolmouse
Shape that allows the hand to grip without effort

2. External Keyboard

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logicool wireless mechanical keyboard

You might think it's odd to have a laptop connected to a monitor but still use the laptop's keyboard. However, using an angled keyboard is a smart ergonomic decision.

Typing on a flat keyboard can strain your wrists, especially if your monitor is at an angle. To improve your typing experience, think about using an angled keyboard. An 8-degree tilt is often recommended for ergonomic reasons, as it puts the least stress on the wrists (although there are different theories about this).

logicool keyboard
Angled to reduce wrist pain

Keyboard layouts are a matter of personal preference, and people have different preferences. However, if you're not used to the US layout, it may take some time to adjust. In such cases, the JIS layout is recommended for a smoother transition.

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Type the keyboard at an angle that suits you

3. Monitor Light

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Irradiated from the top of the monitor

A monitor light is a device that sits on top of your monitor and shines light only on the lower part of the screen. This design prevents direct light from reaching your eyes, which can reduce fatigue and limit your exposure to the blue light emitted by the monitor.

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Back View

Using a monitor light also helps with eye fatigue. I was skeptical until I got one, but it's made a huge difference for me. Now, I don't feel the tiredness in my eyes before bedtime, and I don't need to use eye drops as often.

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ON/OFF and brightness can be adjusted wirelessly

If you worry about eye fatigue and protecting your eyesight, I strongly recommend using this gadget. It's especially crucial for young professionals who spend most of their working hours at a desk, as it can help prevent long-term eye problems.

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RGB LEDs on the back
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Warmer Light

Remote Work Engineer Teaches Things That Make Work More Efficient

Now, let's explore the 'efficiency' section, which will provide you with tools to work more effectively, particularly for desk-related tasks.

AirPods Pro (noise-canceling earphones)

airpods pro
Compact and easy to use

The first item is AirPods Pro, 'noise-canceling earphones.' I got AirPods Pro, but I understand they can be costly (40,000 yen is a significant amount). Now, let's explore why noise-canceling earphones can greatly improve your work efficiency.

Why noise-canceling earphones make your work more efficient

Here are some reasons why noise-canceling earphones can make your work more efficient:

  • It isolates you from the surrounding environment, enabling better concentration.
  • It provides a change of pace.
Being isolated from external noise enables better concentration.
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Air Pods

The first benefit, 'focused work without distractions,' fits the concept perfectly. Noise-canceling earphones can effectively block external distractions like conversations, cicada noises, or household sounds from outside. This creates a distraction-free environment, allowing you to fully concentrate on your work.

The second benefit is 'a change of pace,' which also aligns with the concept. Work can generally be divided into two types: tasks that can be done mechanically and those that require continuous thinking. For mechanical tasks, like following established procedures, listening to YouTube or podcasts can make it less monotonous. On the other hand, for tasks involving coding or planning, earphones can help you relax and stay focused by playing background music.

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Convenient MagSafe charging support

5. Nescafe Varistor Coffee Maker

Nescafe Varistor Coffee Maker
Stylish Design

Another efficiency-improving suggestion is a coffee maker, specifically the Nescafe Barista. For desk-bound workers, having coffee is essential, preferably one cup in the morning and another in the afternoon—just avoid over-caffeinated.

But constantly boiling water and making drip or instant coffee can be a hassle. It's more convenient to have a coffee maker that lets you quickly prepare and enjoy your coffee whenever you want a drink.

Nescafe Varistor Coffee Maker 2
Easy to manage

With a coffee maker, you can make coffee with just two buttons, which is great for desk workers (at least in my experience). If you're a desk worker who enjoys daily coffee, I strongly recommend this product.

In this article, we covered the essential gadgets that were recommended by the IT engineer. As someone who has probably spent a significant amount on gadgets, he is sharing what he was currently using and finds "incredibly useful." You won't regret getting any of them!

-Research