Discussion Thread

  • 1.  Share your remote work setup / productivity tips

    Posted 03-30-2020 04:20 PM

    Hi all, 

    I hope everyone is well and practicing social distancing! As today is the start of my second full week working remotely, I wanted to start a thread where we can post about our remote work setup and maybe even share some associated productivity tips! 

    Here's my current setup: 

     

    As you can see in the photos, I improvised a side table from some plastic storage containers that I have to hold off-season clothes. My desk at work is L-shaped so this was my way to increase my desk space without having to buy anything.


    Looking forward to seeing photos of your setups and/or work from home productivity tips! 



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    Danielle Schroeder EIT, A.M.ASCE
    Associate Engineer
    Pennoni Associates
    Philadelphia PA
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  • 2.  RE: Share your remote work setup / productivity tips

    Posted 03-31-2020 09:24 AM
    Hi Danielle, 

    Great idea for a thread. I became self-employed a few months ago and this is my set up. My side "table" is actually two bedside tables pushed together. Hopefully someday I'll be able to buy some legitimate office furniture (standing desk, real table, etc.)
    As far as tips for staying productive, if working home at makes it difficult to focus, here is what I recommend: 
    1. Get up and get ready as if you were going to work. That means get out of your PJs and at least put on some jeans. 
    2. Structure your day in roughly the same way as you would in the office. If you always take lunch at 11:30, then do that. 
    3. Make yourself a work space and use it. If you're on the couch while your SO is on the phone for their job or your kids are watching Frozen II for the 100th time on Disney+, you won't get as much done. No matter how hard you try, "Into the Unknown" is going to get your attention - kidding, kindof... 
    4. Try to make your work space as ergonomic as you can. If you start hurting halfway through the day because your monitor is too low or your chair lacks lumbar support, then you won't be as productive. As you can see in my photo, my monitor is sitting on top of a book and several issues of Civil Engineering magazine to get it at the correct height for viewing. My office chair is new, but when I had my old office chair, I sat on a throw pillow and had another one behind me for lumbar support. 

    I actually love working from home and feel more productive here than I do in an office setting, but these are things that I do as an extra step to ensure that I get my work done. 

    Hope everyone is staying safe and staying sane during this trying time! 


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    Maegan Nunley P.E., M.ASCE
    President
    Luna Engineering
    Columbus OH
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Share your remote work setup / productivity tips

    Posted 03-31-2020 11:39 AM
    Broadcasting live from the Rock N' Roll Wall of Fame!




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    Chad Morrison P.E., M.ASCE
    Professional Engineer
    Greenville RI
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Share your remote work setup / productivity tips

    Posted 03-31-2020 01:11 PM
    Danielle, 

    Thanks for sharing this set up! I have been working from home sporadically for the last 2 years and obviously full-time for the last 2 weeks so I have been able to refine my set up. Personally I like to have two monitors and an external keyboard and mouse to be more productive. I also like to have a good set of headphones and a speaker for music and teleconferences. I just made a podcast on this very topic that you can check out and also a short member voice for tips on virtual meetings that I think would be valuable. 


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    Luis Duque EIT, A.M.ASCE
    Structural Engineer
    Broomfield CO
    luis.duque674@...
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Share your remote work setup / productivity tips

    Posted 04-01-2020 11:16 AM
    This is similar to my setup except that I don't use my laptop at all to prevent neck pain :)
    Long time ago I had something similar to Luis' but after a while it caused me too much neck pain (looking to the left way too much).

    My personal tips:
    - Invest in a really good chair. I work from home few days a week so it's totally worth it in the long run.
    - Following ergonomic tips for laptop and (single/dual) monitor placement.
    http://backpainok.com/blog/desk-ergonomics-tips/
    http://www.getoutofbackpain.com/laptop/
    https://www.ehstoday.com/health/article/21917545/single-and-dualmonitor-computer-setup-ergonomic-tips

    Stay safe and have a great day everyone!

    ------------------------------
    Tung Nguyen, MSc
    PhD Candidate
    Washington State University
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    Original Message


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