On any given day, more than 2 million Canadians are working from home. In an effort to slow down the spread of COVID-19, a lot more people have been sent home and advised to work from there.

Working remotely is very different from being in the office. You are relying on yourself for accountability. If you aren’t focused, committed, or performing up to standard, there is no one else to blame.

If you’ve never worked from home before, it can be challenging. One might say, be grateful there’s still a paycheck coming in when, for a lot of Canadians, they don’t have one at the moment. That doesn’t help you in any sort of substantial way, though.

When you start, be realistic. Transitioning to working remotely can take time. Next, be honest communicating to your employer. If they aren’t giving you something you feel like you need to perform to the best of your abilities, vocalize it. Even if they turn down your request, at least you have expressed it.

Next, set yourself up for success. Set up an ergonomic home office for yourself that’s private, isolated, and focused. Have your desk and chair. Ensure you are comfortable. Have the tools required to get your job done without you having to get up and go find them.

Thirdly, don’t cut out the social aspect. From a business perspective, work-from-home during COVID-19 will be challenging to manage if they are unprepared. It doesn’t hurt to keep in communication with supervisors or managers, if they request it. Update them on how work is progressing. Any work done remotely relies on trust between employer and employer.

Under ‘communication’, you also don’t want to shut yourself in permanently. Talk with work colleagues. Start a group chat. Take time during the day to have breaks to chat with others. Mental health can suffer when we aren’t being social. Even introverts may need some social activity during a time like this.

Fourthly, if you have other people in your household, set expectations for your work time. You shouldn’t be interrupted by kids, romantic partners, somebody at the door, or roommates. Let them know when you are in ‘work mode’ and ensure they are aware of the level of privacy or quiet you need to do your job.

Some will love working from home during coronavirus, others very much won’t. For a lot of us, working from home is not exactly a choice. Set up a home office for yourself. Zero in on work. Commit to it. After a few days of adaptation, you may find a lot of joy in being able to stay at home, continue working, and still earn an income.

With COVID-19 in full swing, unfortunately, not all of us are loving this new ‘work-from-home’ period. Then again, it’s better to be earning a paycheck than to be without a way to pay your rent or bills this month.

It can be tough transitioning to working alone, in isolation, and without your work colleagues. Mental health is something you have to maintain. If you’re working from home because of coronavirus and struggling to remain positive, here’s how to keep your mental health on the up.

Set Time to Work

You can’t work 24/7. There’s time to work-from-home. Then there’s time to relax. When you’re working, eliminate distractions – no pets, kids, cleaning, eating, or anything. Sit at your desk working. When you’re done, close it up and don’t think about it until the next day. By segmenting your work into a very specific time of day, it will feel less overwhelming and you’ll be giving your mental health time to shut off.

Forgive Yourself

Even if you have a desk, chair, accessories, and an ergonomic home office set up, your productivity might not be what you expect it to be. COVID-19 caught us all off-guard. We all still have responsibilities to tend to. Give yourself some slack. Do what you can. Be focused. At the same time, forgive yourself if you aren’t necessarily hitting the targets you once hit.

Be Kind to Others

One of the top predictors of happiness is doing things for others. When you’re not in your work-from-home mode, check in with family and friends. Ask them how they’re doing. Consider donating some money or resources – only if you have it – to a charity or organization in need. Doing for others will do positive things for you.

Maintain A Work Routine

Set up a home office. Maintain a routine. Set your alarm clock, get up, get dressed, and go to work. You may not be commuting or going into the office but that doesn’t mean your work shouldn’t be approached seriously. Follow a daily schedule.

Connect With Others Online

Even if you’re an introvert, it’s not a bad idea to reach out to others. Continue to chat with colleagues over Facebook, WhatsApp, or text. Join an online community. Continue being social even if you can’t be social in-person.

Exercise Regularly

From a physical health perspective, you’ve got to keep up. Exercise doesn’t have to involve jogging or going outside. Set up a yoga mat and do twenty minutes of stretching. Watch a YouTube online exercise program or join an online exercise class. Get an ergonomic sit-stand desk to keep your body engaged while you work. Your mental health will benefit when you keep you physically active.

A gaming keyboard. It’s a special thing. For gamers, they know the value of using a gaming keyboard.

Non-gamers may look at these, unaware of the advantages they bring and be uninterested in the cost. We get it. That said, gaming keyboards for PCs are a great addition and equally important for gamers as the motherboard, processor, and graphics card is.

You Type Faster

The keys on a gaming keyboard are mechanical, contrary to membrane keyboards. The mechanical keys are easier to press and type with. You don’t have to force them. If you move your character through your keyboard, as a lot of us do, it’s easier. You won’t get so fatigued pressing keys. You move faster, gaining you an advantage in the game as well.

It’s More Comfortable

When you really get into a game, a lot of us can play for hours at a time. A gaming keyboard design is more comfortable than your average keyboard. The shape of it is meant to fit a gamer’s hands better. The keys are more full-sized and spaced. It’s generally agreed that gaming keyboards let you play longer without hurting your hands or wrists.

Backlights

The first thing that hits you about a multi-color gaming keyboard is the lights. Red, blue, white, green, and purple. This gives your gaming keyboard a whole new look. As a gamer, it makes it more fun. They aren’t just for looks though. Backlights help you play games in low light or dark conditions. If you like to turn down the lights or play at night, the multi-color backlights give opportunity to know where your keys are at all times.

A Gaming Keyboard Has Macros

Macros are keys that you can customize to do anything. You can create shortcuts through a gaming keyboard that gives you the chance to act faster and more efficiently in your favourite game. Automate tasks you have to repeat. Automate important actions. This further adds to the in-game advantage a gaming keyboard brings.

Once you’re experienced in gaming, eventually, you’ll probably decide you want a gaming keyboard. While it’s not as important as other specs, there are definitely benefits to having one. They give you advantages you wouldn’t otherwise have and make gameplay much easier to tolerate for longer periods of time. If you are seeking minor ways to improve game performance, shop a gaming keyboard at PrimeCables and see the difference!

This is the ultimate guide to working from home during coronavirus. Check out the full list of equipment for what you need to get the most from your time at home. Whether it’s a short- or long-term arrangement, here’s where to invest in customizing the perfect home office for you.

Height Adjustable Laptop Stand

The first product on our list is very anti-office. It’s a height adjustable portable laptop stand. A tremendous benefit, this guy allows you to get work done in bed, on the couch, or wherever around the house.

Over-the-Ear Headphones

You need some way to block out the noise. You’re at home. Even if you don’t have kids, a roommate or the pets can easily distract you. Over-the-ear headphones are an absolute coronavirus home office necessity if you’re somewhere you’re likely to be distracted.

Clamp-on Power Strip

Normally you will have outlets at the bottom or behind your desk. They are not easily reached. Enter in this clamp-on power strip. Clip it onto the end of your table and have 4 outlets readily available. Charge your smartphone, plug in speakers, and more.

Ergonomic Desk

Get your coronavirus work-from-home juncture started on the right foot. Everyone needs a desk. Try an ergonomic height-adjustable sit-stand desk. Do work while you stand or lower it for sitting. Keep your body active at a time where the gyms are closed and going outside for walks seems like an ill-advised decision.

Ethernet Cables

If you are doing some heavy-duty Internet work, you may need a faster connection than WiFi. Ethernet cables give a direct wired connection to your Internet, speeding it up and ensuring you’re able to do everything you have to do without lag, interruption, interference, or inefficiencies.

Computer Accessories

Last on our list are various computer accessories and components you might not have. A 128 GB USB flash drive is a great portable storage solution that keeps your work all in the same place. There’s also mousepads, keyboards, a printer-and-scanner, and office computer chairs. Whatever you’re missing, you can find it on ShopperPlus’ list of work-from-home essentials.

Home Office Essentials

You may find some home office décor you like or accessories that you may find boost your productivity. This might include anything from an LED desk lamp to a wake-up light alarm, an essential oil diffuser, a new coffee maker, storage options, or decorative artificial succulents.

Shop all these work-from-home coronavirus essentials from PrimeCables today. We will ship your products to your front door, with contactless delivery.

For trendy computer speaker deals in Canada, PrimeCables has is offering some pretty cool speakers at a fraction of the cost you’ll find elsewhere. High-quality, affordable computer speakers.

What makes a great computer speaker – a lot. You want them to be an appropriate size so they fit onto your desk. A pair of computer speakers should match the look of your home office workstation. Also, excellence in sound quality is as important as anything else.

For the sake of making it easy, we’ve chosen to break down the best computer speakers in Canada. Here are the pros and cons of each, and what sort of home office setup they’re best suited for.

Desktop USB Powered Speaker Set – $14.99

This is your most basic set of computer speakers. They are USB-powered desktop computer speakers. They work for PCs, laptops, and anything with a 3.5mm port. While they certainly will provide adequate sound, they aren’t the most advanced audio setup. For their portability and quality though, factored into their price point, there’s nothing better.

2.1 Multimedia Desktop Speaker Set – $24.99

This is a great multimedia-focused desktop computer speaker and subwoofer, connecting via cable. The classic box design is easy to fit into any desk setup. The acoustic performance is absolute clarity, whether you’re listening to music or watching a movie. The subwoofer amplifies your bass sounds. When it comes to a combination speaker-and-subwoofer, this is one of the absolute best in Canada.

2.1 Bluetooth Stereo-Powered Speakers – $34.99

This is a Bluetooth-enabled stereo powered speaker and subwoofer. Connect your computer, smartphone, or anything with Bluetooth audio. Though small, this speaker system’s built very well. With 10 watts of power, you can stream music, listen to podcasts, connect almost any device, and receive that high-quality deep bass you only get from a subwoofer.

6.5-inch High-Performance Bookshelf Speakers – $65.99

2-way bookshelf speakers are preferred by a lot of buyers. They fit well into dorms, condos, apartments, and tight quarters. They’re often used for movies, music-mixing, and small audio projects. You get excellent clarity in sound with bookshelf speakers like these, hearing the details of dialogue and everything in the soundscape – just like you desire.

Computer speakers are worth shopping around for. Consider what’s best for your personal computer setup. Shop all these computer speakers and others – as well as earbuds, Bluetooth soundbars, over-the-ear headphones and more – from PrimeCables. There’s no reason to wait. Get high-quality professional-grade audio for music, movies, and more.

Continuing to work in the coronavirus outbreak, a lot of us are doing so from home. There are some pros and cons to working from home. As you’re embarking on what it’s like to try and maintain a career with the coronavirus spread, here are the advantages and disadvantages worth remembering.

Pro – You’re Less Likely to Catch COVID-19

The reason why we’re working from home is because of coronavirus. In self-quarantine or self-isolation as we are in a work-from-home situation, you’re protected against the possible transmission of the virus in an office setting. This arrangement prioritizes your health above all else.

Con – Cabin Fever

If you’ve been at home this entire time, you’re stuck around the same family, friends, or roommates nonstop. It can take its toll on one’s sanity. If you’re having issues or are in a dispute with someone else in the household, it can make getting things done at work almost impossible.

Pro – No Dress Code

If you’re stuck working from home due to COVID-19, remind yourself not coming in means no dressing up. You can work in your pajamas if you want. No filter. No makeup. No cares given. Wearing comfortable clothing will make it that much easier to get things done.

Pro – You Can Look After Others

If you have someone in your household who is sick, disabled, or if you have kids, all these shutdowns have sent them home as well in all likelihood. This puts you in a position to earn your income and also be able to take breaks when you need to. This means a flexible work-from-home arrangement, allowing you to look after family members.

Pro – No More Commute

You don’t have to spend an hour or more in traffic or on public transit getting to where you’re going. When you work from home, everything’s mere feet away. You can actually wake up and be at work in less than a minute if you were very determined.

Con – The Comforts Of Home

That’s right. This isn’t a ‘pro’. The comforts of home are distractions. They reduce productivity. Comfortable isn’t the objective in business. If you want to stay focused, ensure you aren’t too involved in the environment around you.

Con – Productivity Can Suffer

If you have never worked from home before – and even if you have – switching to such an arrangement is likely to affect your ability to perform.

Pro – You’re Still Earning

The biggest benefit of working from home during coronavirus is being able to still earn a paycheck. A lot of Canadians are at home right now with business shutdowns and they don’t have their paycheck to pay the bills with. The fact that you’re not in the same boat is an advantageous position to be in.

A lot of Canadians have been sent home, due to the coronavirus outbreak. Some, fortunately, have been allowed to keep their employment and bi-weekly paychecks coming in by working from home.

For some workers, they might feel lost, uninterested, and/or see a lack of productivity being at home. In this era of coronavirus work-from-home, here are a few tips to remember. By staying home, you can continue working while helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19 – a key recommendation from our government.

Do Your Best

We all have different home situations. Some are looking after kids. Others could be caring for family members. Whatever you’re dealing with, all you can do is your best. Stay relaxed if your performance isn’t producing the same numbers, if you’re not as productive, or if things overall aren’t as efficient as what they used to be.

Have A Dedicated Work Area

Have a work-from-home area where you can concentrate. Set up a room with an ergonomic desk, home office accessories, and anything else you need to stay on task. Remove any temptations or distractions. Keep it tidy.

Plan Ahead

Every day, know what you’re trying to achieve. Have a task list, separated by the hour. Use this plan to prevent yourself from getting off-track. Frequent switching between tasks or multi-tasking’s a massive productivity killer.

Organized And Focus

From the moment you sit down, you shouldn’t have a reason to get up and distract yourself. Smartphone, pen, paper, a charger for your smartphone, etc. Have everything there with you. Organize a routine or set an expectation for emergencies, what happens if the doorbell rings or you receive a phone call, and who takes care of the kids. Investing in some over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones block out sound – another helpful buy.

Have Your Tech Ready

Ensure your Internet’s connected. Find a way to keep in touch with other team members. Messaging options include Skype, Google Hangouts, or Slack. You also have project management apps that could be more conducive to tracking projects, like Asana, Trello, and others.

Clock-In/Clock-Out

The biggest challenge for a lot of work-from-home jobs are the distractions. Minimize them. If you’re working at the computer, time yourself. Clock in. Clock out. Use this to keep yourself motivated and productive. As long as you’re on the clock, you shouldn’t be texting, on your Facebook, smartphone, or Googling anything.

Don’t let coronavirus keep you from earning a paycheck. If you can work from home, do so. Growing accustomed to it, you will find it has a lot of unique benefits over going into the office. Stay safe through this uncertain period.