The work-from-anywhere revolution has transformed the traditional 5-day in-office routine into a blend of on-site and off-site schedules, providing employees with more flexibility and freedom. In fact, according to Owl Labs' 2024 State of Hybrid Work, 38% of employees are not working in the office full time.

This shift not only provides employees with increased autonomy over their schedules but has been shown to make them more productive. When working remotely, Officernd found employees experiencing a 77% increase in productivity. These employees are also happy, eating healthier, sleeping more, and having an overall more positive outlook on their company.

Since your company saves money and boosts productivity when employees work remotely, it's essential to provide them with the ultimate work-from-home experience. When your remote employees have the tools necessary for their job, performance soars, further increasing the cost reduction benefit of remote work and maintaining a happy work environment.

Think of a remote worker as the same as a worker in your office. You'd equip them with a comfortable chair, workspace, and other conveniences such as coffee, a break room, and others. Here are some pieces of equipment you can buy for your remote workers, allowing you to experience a near-immediate return on your investment.

Remote Work Tools

1. Standing Desk

Many have heard about the benefits of a standing desk. Sitting for eight hours a day is beneficial to no one. For those who have to sit all day, frequent breaks are often recommended. Rather than sitting all day, set an alert and get up to stand or take a quick walk. This, of course, reduces productivity. Remote employees tend to sit for longer periods because there is less in-person interaction with coworkers and clients.

Reduce long periods of sedentary activity by investing in a standing desk. These desks help alleviate and avoid back pain and can reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, none of which are good for productivity or well-being.

You don't have to bust the bank, either. Uplift Desk makes toppers for an existing desk, converting your employee's home desk into a healthy workstation.

2. Standing Desk Floor Mat

While you are adding ergonomic features to your remote employees' workstations, consider the benefits of a standing desk floor mat. These provide a soft footing, reducing stress on the back, shoulders, and knees from standing for long periods. It may seem counterintuitive; you ask your employees to stand more, then have to buy products to reduce their discomfort from standing.

However, the benefits of not sitting far outweigh the potential discomfort. Plus, a standing desk mat, such as the FEATOL Anti Fatigue Mat, is inexpensive and effective at eliminating the trouble of prolonged standing.

3. Noise-Canceling Headphones

While remote workers can be highly productive, many find that concentration and focus can be difficult when working from home. Although there may not be the distraction of other employees, home life can step in and interfere, be it in the form of noises in the neighborhood or from kids making a ruckus after getting off the school bus. Noise-canceling headphones are useful in dialing focus into one's day.

As a bonus, many noise-canceling headphones, such as the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, have integrated controls for accessing Siri through a separate Apple device. Noise cancellation occurs with an easy-to-reach switch, so your employees can use these as regular headphones if they need to be on the alert.

4. Meeting Owl 360 Degree Video Conferencing Camera

Your remote employees will need to check in from time to time. Rather than having calls into the office seem disjointed and distant, bring your entire remote team into the fold in an interactive and immersive experience. The Meeting Owl 4+ is an innovative device that replicates an in-person multi-participant meeting.

The product is easy to use and requires nothing more than USB connectivity. It works with all of the major video conferencing applications and platforms. With eight omnidirectional cameras, your remote workers can move around - they'll, of course, be on their feet showing off their new standing desk - and they won't have to worry about repositioning a webcam.

5. Ergonomic Computer Mouse

Your remote employees will be doing the lion's share of their work on their computers. While laptops have made great strides in touchscreen and touchpad technology, a good mouse is essential for productivity. Don't skimp out on this vital office feature.

A great option is the Lenovo M190 Mouse, which features palm support and precise tracking for the best feel and user experience. The mouse works from over 30 feet away, and its wireless technology allows for using multiple devices simultaneously.

6. Collaboration Tools

When working with remote employees, it can be challenging to stay connected. Collaboration tools like Slack, Gmail, Google Docs, Asana, etc., make it easier for your team to work together regardless of their location.

Not only can they be used to discuss aspects of a project or plan the details of a meeting, but they can also be used for team building. For example, you can create interest-based Slack channels where employees can connect with one another and discuss their common interests. This is a great way to break the ice and help employees build stronger working relationships, even though they don't meet face-to-face every day.

7. Video Conferencing Software

Make meetings more productive by using a reliable video conferencing software. There are a variety of free and paid options to choose from (e.g., Skype, Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, etc.). With a video connection, remote employees can see what's happening in the meeting room and participate in discussions as if they were in the room.

Tools like Zoom even allow you to record the meetings making it easier to share with those who can't attend due to time zone differences. Find the right video conferencing software that allows you to hold meetings with remote workers, run virtual training sessions, and more.

Equipping your remote teams with the proper collaboration tools and work spaces are key to keeping your virtual team connected. Increase productivity by making them comfortable, healthy, happy, and included, no matter where they may be. With these remote work tools, you can optimize your distributed workforce and optimize your team’s full potential.

Looking for more? Check out this video conference camera comparison guide next.