Remote Work
Setup Checklist

Speed test at peak hours (fast.com)

Need 25 Mbps down / 10 Mbps up minimum for video calls.

Wired ethernet cable connected to router

Eliminates Wi-Fi packet loss. $15 and 10 minutes.

Backup connection plan (mobile hotspot)

Optional but essential if work is billable.

Router in or near your workspace

If ethernet is impossible, minimise distance to router.

Dedicated work area separate from rest/leisure

Even a corner — physical separation builds focus habit.

Desk with at least 48" of surface width

60"+ for dual monitors.

Chair with adjustable seat height and lumbar support

The most important physical investment.

Under-desk cable management tray installed

Do cables before anything else.

Power strip with surge protection under desk

Protects equipment from voltage spikes.

External monitor connected (24"+ minimum)

Biggest productivity upgrade for laptop users.

Monitor top at or slightly below eye level

Use a monitor arm or stand to achieve this precisely.

Monitor at arm's length from your face (50–70cm)

Closer causes eye strain.

External keyboard and mouse

Required if laptop is on a stand or dock.

USB-C hub or dock (single-cable connection)

One cable connects monitor, keyboard, mouse, and charging.

Feet flat on floor or footrest

Knees at 90° or slightly open.

Elbows at 90°, forearms parallel to floor when typing

Adjust chair height first.

Wrists flat — not bent up or down

A wrist rest can help during long sessions.

Shoulders relaxed — not raised or hunched

Check every hour, reset if needed.

20-20-20 rule reminder set

Every 20 min, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Webcam at eye level, not looking up from below

Mount on top of monitor.

Light source in front of your face

Ring light or desk lamp — not behind you.

No window directly behind you

Creates silhouette on calls.

Dedicated microphone or quality USB headset

Audio matters more than video quality.

Neutral or tidy background visible in frame

Or use a virtual background.

Test audio, video, and background before first call

Use Meet or Zoom's preview mode.

Adequate desk lighting (lamp or monitor light bar)

Reduces eye strain during long sessions.

Window to the side — not in front or behind monitor

Prevents glare and call backlight.

Bias light behind monitor (optional)

LED strip behind monitor reduces contrast fatigue.

Noise-cancelling headphones within reach

For deep work in shared spaces.

Phone out of arm's reach or on Do Not Disturb

Proximity is enough to reduce focus.

Do-not-disturb signal communicated to household

Headphones on = do not interrupt.

Hard start and end times set

Remote work expands to fill all available time.