When working from home it's important to consider some of the following things: 

• Will you have a quiet place for conducting meetings? Or the ability to have a quiet place if needed?
• Do you have a place to conduct video calls? Consider using virtual backgrounds if needed. 
• Make sure to have a supportive chair. 
• Try to create a relaxing environment. Things to help or consider: 
  • Lighting 
  • Plants 
  • Pictures 
  • Music when not on calls 
  • Noise-canceling headphones 
• Consider what you'd like for your desk/table height. 
• If you are considering a standing desk of any sort, talk to your manager, they might be able to help. 
• Do you have the right equipment (monitor, headset, webcam, etc.)? Contact your local IT support person for guidance. 
• Make sure you take breaks. Occasional, short-term breaks help you recharge. It's easy for your home life and your work life to be blurred. Setting boundaries and taking breaks may help. 
• Make sure to follow the ergonomic guidelines from HR when possible: 
  • At home ergonomics
  • Computer ergonomics

We highly recommend that you use a university-owned computer, rather than a personally-owned device, for your university work. UI computers are configured to meet security requirements, making this the best option for conducting UI work, both on campus and remotely. Please check with your assigned IT support staff for equipment recommendations that are compatible and appropriate for university purchase. See below for some general recommendations. If you do decide to use a personal device for your work, here is what you can expect for support of personal devices.

• Computers: While most individuals are bringing their work computers systems home, if you need to get new equipment, please consult with your IT staff on the best laptop, desktop, or tablet for you, as well as help you with warranty and keep-your-hard-drive options.
• Additional Monitor(s): Depending on your home setup and desk space, you may benefit from an additional 1-2 monitors. This may be true whether you are using a desktop or laptop, Windows or Mac.
• Docking Station: If you work on a laptop, you might enhance your work area with the addition of a docking station so multiple peripherals (e.g., keyboard, monitor, mouse, etc.) can quickly connect. When working on a laptop at a desk, a dock provides a more desktop-like experience, while still allowing an easy disconnect when you want to experience the laptop’s portability. There are many options to choose from.
• WiFi Network Adapter: If you are using a UI-owned desktop at home, and you cannot situate it close enough to the router to use an Ethernet cable,  work with your IT support staff to purchase a WiFi network adapter.
• Webcam: Most laptops purchased within the last few years already have built-in webcams. If you require an add-on webcam for your desktop or laptop, reach out to your local IT support staff for purchasing assistance.
• Headset: Headsets that are optimized for Microsoft Skype for Business and work well for Zoom calls can be purchased via ITS Unified Communications.  Higher-end Bluetooth and noise-canceling headphones are not typically approved by UI purchasing.

To help you identify, source, and price your equipment needs, please contact your IT support staff.