Home Office Essentials for Remote Work
Updated October 2, 2026
A good remote setup is mostly about comfort and reliability, not gadgets. Spend first on what you touch for eight hours a day, then on a connection that does not drop calls, then on security. Ask your employer what they will pay for before you buy anything.
Disclosure: this page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them Weightless may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change what we write.
Chair, desk and screen
OSHA's computer workstation guidance describes a neutral posture: feet supported, thighs roughly parallel to the floor, forearms level with the keyboard, and the top of the screen near eye level at about an arm's length. Adjustability matters more than price. A separate keyboard and mouse let you set the screen and your hands independently if you use a laptop.
Connection and audio
A wired connection is steadier than Wi-Fi for calls. Plan a backup, such as a phone hotspot, for critical meetings. A headset with a microphone usually improves how you sound more than a better camera does.
Security basics
Use a password manager and two-factor authentication on work accounts, keep your devices updated and lock your screen when you step away. Public Wi-Fi is a reason to use a trusted VPN, though a VPN does not replace the other basics. Your employer may require its own VPN, so ask before installing a personal one.
What is deductible?
Home-office and equipment deductions depend on your country and on whether you are an employee or self-employed. In the United States, the IRS home office deduction is generally for the self-employed and has specific space rules; employees usually cannot claim it. Ask an accountant and keep receipts.
Home office essentials, in order of priority
- An adjustable chair and a desk at a comfortable height.
- A screen at eye level, with an external keyboard and mouse if using a laptop.
- A reliable internet connection with a backup.
- A headset with a microphone.
- A password manager and two-factor authentication.
- Receipts and a written note of what your employer will reimburse.
Frequently asked questions
- Will my employer pay for my home office?
- Some do, with a stipend or equipment budget. It is a common question to ask before you accept, and the answer should be in writing.
- Do I need a VPN?
- Not for everything. Use your employer's VPN if one is required. A personal VPN can help on public Wi-Fi, but it does not replace strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Sources
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules differ by country and change; check current official guidance.