5 Tech Headaches When Working From Home

5 Tech Headaches When Working From Home

While working from home may have seemed like a rare luxury about a decade ago, many couldn’t have imagined it becoming the world’s reality from the first quarter of 2020. The pandemic brought about the new normal, and the world has adjusted to it. Moreover, considering that 44% of the UK’s population continues to work from home, many have undoubtedly faced what’s now become known as ‘tech headaches.’ This primarily refers to the technology-based problems that arise and could be quite challenging to resolve on your own if you have no expertise and can impact your efficiency. Below are a few.

1. The inconvenience of cramped computer screens

An essential physical tool required for working from home is the computer. In many households, it is the laptop because of its convenience of use and portability. However, laptops come in different screen sizes. The most portable ones are smaller and lightweight but without enough screen space. This can make it quite constraining when dealing with certain digital apps, software and platforms. Unless your setup includes an additional monitor, it can become quite a hurdle to jump.

Comparatively, desktop computers tend to be less expensive, possess bigger screen sizes and have higher capacities and features. Therefore, this can be something to consider if you are working from home. Depending on your purchase size, you may not need to set up an additional monitor to expand the screen. Your remote setup is vital in enhancing your productivity. While at it, remember to try and keep your work-from-home gadgets to a minimum.

2. Computer storage problems

This is one of the most popular tech headaches people working from home have faced at least once in the past twelve months. System storage space becomes an issue primarily because your work files have taken up a considerable chunk of your gadget’s internal memory. If you use a Mac, your first approach to resolve the problem is to look at your storage availability. At this stage, if you have no expertise in these technical aspects, you will miss the presence of your office’s IT department.

3. Poor quality video and phone calls

Video and audio quality are two significant elements that matter both in the office and at home. In the office, you may not need to make any video or phone calls, and if you do, most (if not all) structures are in place to support its smooth functioning. In the home, however, you may not be too fortunate to have that luxury. If it’s not a poorly illuminated video call, it could be static sounds from the phone.

For best results, you may have to invest in a high-quality webcam, noise-reducing microphones, daylight lamps, and several other video and phone call accessories. If you were in the office, this might not be a tech headache for you.

4. Unreliable Wi-Fi signal

Wi-Fi signals tend to be more reliable in the office space because of several backups to support them. You can connect to different wireless access points if one fails. In most households, it’s not the same. There is a vast difference between what the home can support and what the office offers. Indeed, the issue of cost comes to play here because more reliable access points are expensive, and you may not be willing to invest in them. Although some offices provide support to some extent, a bulk of what works may have to be borne by yourself.

Thankfully, you can try the mesh Wi-Fi system that comes with a single router. This way, you can resolve some of these technical issues. The twin pack mesh Wi-Fi offers more than the single system. If the former is your choice, be ready to spend £150 (average), but even that will depend on the brand.

5. Slow internet, longer loading times

As you already know, the internet is the primary driver of the work from the home phenomenon. When the speed is at optimum levels, it can be pretty exciting to work smoothly. On the other hand, when it slows down, the frustration begins. Slow internet could be a result of many things. However, if the culprit is bad weather, you just may have to wait it out until it restores by itself. In more severe cases, it may require physical cable repairs.

However, if the problem is your internet provider, you can find a way around it. For instance, sluggishness may be caused by your current broadband speed. Therefore, ask your provider for faster options to support your efficiency at home. That certainly comes at a higher cost, and if your employer is not footing the bill, you have no choice but to cover it.

Contributed Article.