How to spend a WFH stipend

Today I wanted to write an article about how to make the best of your WFH setup and how to build an excellent work-from-home environment.

I was inspired by a mid-pandemic post by my former CTO and mentor Brad Henrickson 's substack article.

As shown in the picture, Brad’s desk is well-organized and tidy.?(unlike the cover image for today’s post.?With some great advice on maximizing your space, however, it’s important to note that the post featuring his workspace is a few years old. In this new post-pandemic-world, particularly in the tech industry, there has been a growing trend of providing employees with a work-from-home (WFH) stipend. Essentially, companies allocate a certain amount of money that employees can use to purchase work-related items as long as they comply with the company’s policy. This policy is meant to enable employees to upgrade their home office setup. It’s worth noting that the size of the stipend and the policies themselves vary significantly across firms.

Transforming your WFH setup into a comfortable, productive, and enjoyable work environment can be challenging without proper guidance. However, there’s good news: with the recent trend of companies offering WFH stipends, improving your home office setup has become much more manageable. This article aims to provide expert insights on how to spend your WFH stipend wisely and build a great WFH office.

First, assessing your needs and prioritizing purchases that will improve your productivity and comfort is crucial. Furniture, technology, office supplies, and lighting are essential factors to consider. To get the most out of your stipend, you should research and compare prices before making any purchases. Let’s start with a fairly generic “you’ve seen this before” list:?

1. Assess your needs: Look at your current workspace and identify what you need to improve your productivity and comfort. Consider factors such as lighting, furniture, technology, and office supplies.
2. Prioritize your purchases: Once you have identified your needs, prioritize the items that will significantly impact your work. For example, if you spend most of your time typing, investing in an ergonomic keyboard may be more important than a new desk lamp.
3. Research and compare prices: Before making any purchases, research different options and compare prices. Look for sales, discounts, and coupons to stretch your stipend further.
4. Don’t forget about accessories: Small accessories can make a big difference in your work environment. Consider purchasing items like a desk organizer, a footrest, or a plant to improve your overall workspace.
5. Think long-term: When making purchases, consider the long-term value of the item. Investing in high-quality, durable items may cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run.
6. Please remember that the WFH stipend is meant to improve your productivity and comfort while working from home. So, please don't use it for personal items that are not work-related.
7. Keep receipts and records: Keep track of your purchases and receipts in case you need to submit them for reimbursement or tax purposes.

So what does this mean? Let’s start simply by looking at your desk and work outwards following a loosely prioritized order;

< I’m going to put almost all the product recommendation links at the bottom of this article>

First and foremost, you’ll need a desk - perhaps a sit-stand desk - a monitor or two, a camera, and a chair.?Chances are, you probably already have most of these items. If not, these are great places to start.

Beyond the essentials, consider adding a cushion for your back or bottom. I use a purple seat cushion and find it super comfy.?

Once you have the basics covered, let’s take it up a notch.

Consider investing in a laptop stand, a laptop, an iPad holder, extra easy-to-access power outlets, and a carpet protector.?Depending on your job, you may also need a set of drawers or a small filing cabinet.

Now, let’s talk about ergonomics. When it comes to setting up a home office, this should be a top priority. Without proper ergonomics, you can experience discomfort and pain, such as headaches, neck and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and eye strain, all of which can lead to decreased productivity and long-term health issues. Kneeling chairs can work wonders for your posture, and a footrest can help too. Consider getting monitor raisers, a nice mouse and keyboard, a gel pad for your wrist, or a trackpad that works for you.

Ok, hold on a moment before we dive deeper into your WFH setup. Have you checked your internet speed??Consider increasing your internet speed, especially if it’s covered in your stipend or benefits package.?Do you currently rent a modem/router combo from your internet provider??It might be worth doing the math to see if purchasing your own router and modem will work out cheaper in the long run or if you can ask your ISP for an upgraded model. Often, an older router or modem won’t even support the internet speeds that you may be paying for.?

Next, let’s talk about your workspace and some noise-canceling options. You should invest in noise-canceling headphones, a screen for privacy, or some noise-dampening pads to reduce noise levels in your workspace. These will be especially beneficial if you share an office or your office is a corner of your house and either you need privacy, or you don’t want your work colleagues to see your un-made bed.?

Do you actually see the daylight? Mental health can really suffer working from home; this can be further compounded by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects people during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. SAD can cause symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of sadness and hopelessness. One way to alleviate the symptoms of SAD is through the use of light therapy, which involves exposure to artificial light that mimics natural sunlight. Light therapy is typically administered using a special lamp that emits bright light, usually around 10,000 lux, which is much brighter than typical indoor lighting. Light therapy works by regulating the body’s circadian rhythms, which can be disrupted by the lack of sunlight during the winter months. Exposure to bright light early in the day can help reset the body’s internal clock and improve mood and energy levels.

If your job requires frequent use of whiteboards or if it helps improve your mental health, it may be beneficial to invest in a whiteboard. Consider purchasing a wall-mounted whiteboard or a whiteboard on wheels, pens, erasers, and cleaning liquid. Another option could be using small letter-sized whiteboards for note-taking, which can easily be transferred to your calendar or meeting notes later.

You may also want to consider adding a pen pot or even a plant to your home office. Research has shown that plants can positively impact the overall atmosphere and air quality in a workspace. Additionally, an air conditioner or space heater that is smart home compatible could be a valuable addition to your setup, as well as an air purifier for those days when air quality may be a concern. A cozy blanket or throw makes your work environment more comfortable and inviting.

Regarding kitchen supplies for your WFH setup, reviewing your company’s WFH stipend policy is essential to ensure that any purchases comply with the guidelines. If you’re a coffee or tea lover, you may want to consider investing in a coffee maker, such as a Keurig or Nespresso machine, depending on your preferences. The Keurig K-Duo model is an affordable option that can make a single cup or a carafe to keep warm. The Instant Dual Pod is another excellent option that can make both Nespresso and Keurig-style drinks. Consider getting a milk frother to add some frothy milk to your coffee. A cup warmer can also be a handy addition to your desk setup, whether a basic model or a more advanced option like the Ember temperature-controlled mug. Finally, consider using your WFH stipend for a coffee or snack subscription to keep your favorite treats stocked up.

In today’s world of remote work and virtual meetings, it’s crucial to have the right tools to make communication seamless and efficient. One area that has seen significant advancements is the control of video and audio calls. Instead of fumbling around with your keyboard or mouse to find the mute or end-call button, dedicated devices can now streamline the process. These devices have large buttons that can be easily pressed to mute or end calls, making them more convenient and intuitive for users. Additionally, some of these devices are also equipped with other features, such as volume control and camera on/off buttons, which can further simplify the process of managing virtual meetings. Whether you’re a frequent user of video calls or simply want to make the process smoother, these devices are a great addition to any remote work setup.

A cheap small home UPS, or uninterruptible power supply, can provide several benefits for those who work from home. In the event of a power outage, a UPS can deliver temporary backup power to keep your computer and other devices running. This can be especially important if you’re in the middle of a vital work task or meeting. A UPS can also help protect your electronics from power surges or other electrical disturbances, which can damage or shorten the lifespan of your devices. Additionally, some UPS models come with built-in surge protection and noise filtering, which can improve the quality of your power supply and reduce the risk of hardware failure. While a cheap small home UPS may not provide as much backup power as larger and more expensive models, it can still provide valuable protection and peace of mind for those who work from home.

As a side note, as a resident of a Californian town with a creek and a flood siren, I am no stranger to the challenges posed by natural disasters. During the winter months, I closely monitor creek levels and prepare for potential evacuations. In the summer, the threat of wildfires and preemptive power outages loom large. Compounding matters, my area also experiences unplanned power outages, and a small group of influential locals believe that cell signal is dangerous. Consequently, I run a cell network extender in my attic that requires a live internet connection to function. When the power goes out, my mesh wifi and cell signal go out too, leaving me unsure if my internet is still operational. This has led me to consider an extreme setup for power and internet/cell signal that prioritizes hyper-availability, albeit at a significant cost. However, I will explore this topic in more detail in a future article I will link back to here.

I’d love to hear from you about what your firm offers in terms of a WFH stipend; if I get enough responses, maybe I can start a spreadsheet and attach it. Also, it’d be great to know which companies offer how much and what limits they place on this!

If you also have any great recommendations on products I’ve missed - share those too!

I hope this article helped and somehow inspired you to some creative uses for your setup.?

Disclaimer: The products and services mentioned in this blog post are based solely on my personal experience and research. I have not received any sponsorship, compensation, or endorsement from the companies that manufacture or sell them. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own and should not be construed as financial, legal, or professional advice. It is important to conduct your own research and make informed decisions before purchasing or using any product or service. Please note that I am not liable for any damages or losses that may arise from the use of these products or services. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that any purchase you make aligns with your own companies WFH stipend policy coverage.

That said - here is a nice list of links:

• My preferred desk brand - Branch
• Herman Miller Chairs
• Purple Seat cushions
• This Laptop stand can hold two devices
• Desk-mountable power outlets
• The standard Ikea go-to carpet protector
• A kneeling chair
• An upgraded Modem
• Noise-canceling wall decorations
• Light therapy lamps
• Web camera lighting
• Handy letter-sized whiteboards
• Instant Pod 3 in 1 Coffee maker
• Keurig Duo Plus?
• Virtual meeting controls: this or this
• A small home UPS

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