Experience – I’ve been a remote worker for 3 years now. Our company issues laptops. I found that the tightly-grouped keyboard created wrist strain, and the forced lower position of the screen created neck strain. Then I wore out my mousepad in 6 months and bought a wireless mouse and keyboard set – wrist and neck tension disappeared as I was able to elevate the laptop screen to a better height and the standard-width keyboard eliminated the awkward inward wrist angle. A few months later I took a trip to the office where all of the cubes are set up with docking stations and 19″ flat panel screens. The larger viewing area was a real enhancement because I work with many applications at one time, so I signed out a docking station and screen for my home office.

Lesson – Be sure to ask what resources your HQ has available. Go ahead and spring for what your office doesn’t cover – some equipment is worth it’s weight in massages and physical therapy bils. Your home office is an investment in your career – and in your health and wellbeing.