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Introduction
Introduction
Welcome to Your Remote Workspace. Please ensure you read each section carefully. Estimated time to completion are below:
Introduction to a Remote Workspace (10 minutes)
Essential Components for Your Remote Workspace (20 Minutes)
Essential Components-Self Assessment and Plan (45 Minutes)
Global Education Centers (10 Minutes)
Foundations Providing Laptops (10 Minutes)
Backup Planning Guide ( 60 Minutes)
Total estimated time: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Introduction to a Remote Workspace
Introduction to a Remote Workspace
A remote workspace is a dedicated area where you work from home or another location outside of a traditional office. It should be a quiet, organized, and comfortable space that allows for productivity.
Quiet: Having a quiet space is important for two reasons: First, it will help you as the worker to stay focused on your work because you will not have noise distractions around you. Second, if you are on virtual meetings, a quiet space is important so that the person or people you are meeting with can hear you when you speak.
Organized: An organized space will help boost your productivity and reduce stress. Organized spaces also reduce the feelings of being overwhelmed. Having the appropriate technology for remote work is part of an organized workspace.
Comfortable: Having a comfortable space is important because sometimes we have to work for multiple hours at a time. Thinking about temperature, lighting, ventilation, and appropriate furniture are all important aspects of a comfortable workspace.
Essential Components for Your Remote Workspace
Essential Components for Your Remote Workspace
As you read about each of the items below, think about your current space and how it compares to these essential components.
Laptop or Desktop Computer:
A laptop is often the best option for remote work due to its portability. It’s important to have a laptop with at least 4GB of RAM and a dual-core processor to run necessary software smoothly.
If you choose a desktop, make sure it has similar specifications and is set up in a permanent, quiet workspace.
Reliable Internet Connection:
A stable internet connection is essential for remote work. Aim for a connection with at least 5 Mbps download speed for basic tasks (browsing, emails, video calls). Faster speeds (10 Mbps or higher) are better for video calls and heavy tasks.
Headset or Earphones:
A good-quality headset with a built-in microphone will ensure clear communication during video calls. If a headset isn’t available, earphones with a microphone can work too.
Extra Keyboard and Mouse:
If you’re using a laptop, having an extra keyboard and mouse can improve comfort and ergonomics. These items reduce strain on your wrists and help you work more efficiently.
Extra Monitor (Optional but Recommended):
An extra monitor can significantly improve productivity by providing more screen space, especially when working on multiple tasks or documents at once.
Webcam:
Most laptops come with a built-in webcam which is usually perfect for remote work. If you are using a desktop computer, you will need to obtain an external webcam that can be placed at the top of the monitor.
Power Backup:
A surge protector helps protect your equipment from electrical surges, while a portable charger or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) ensures you won’t lose work in case of power outages.
Good Lighting:
Task lighting like a desk lamp can help you see your workspace clearly and look professional during video calls. Adjustable lamps are ideal for setting the right brightness. Setting up your workspace with a window to the side of you, or in front of your monitor will help utilize the natural light which can be easier on the eyes and provide a clearer picture in your camera. Never sit with a window behind you as this makes it harder to see your face in the webcam, and harder for you to read your screen.
External Storage or Cloud Backup:
A USB flash drive or external hard drive is useful for backing up important files. Alternatively, using cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) is a secure way to store documents and files.
10. Comfortable Chair and Desk:
Your chair should be comfortable to sit in for multiple hours, and your desk should provide enough space for your materials to stay organized.
Essential Components-Self-Assessment
Essential Components-Self-Assessment
Now that you have learned about the essential components of a remote workspace, it is time to see how you are doing. Don't worry if you don't have many or any of the components listed above—this course will help you get there! Many remote workers even in the United States are still working on building their ideal workspace.
How did you do? What actions will you take to improve your remote workspace throughout the next 16 weeks? You will submit your action plan for how to improve your remote workspace in this week's Self-Evaluation Form so be sure to write it down.
Global Education Centers
Global Education Centers
BYU-Pathway Global Education Centers go beyond the online educational support. They provide participants with opportunities for technical training, local and remote job placement resources, religion classes, and social connection. Each center features a remote jobs work center, a computer lab, interview practice rooms, and meeting places for student activities. If you need faster internet or a better computer for your remote job, please consider utilizing this great resource! Below are the links for the three Global Education Centers in Africa where you can learn more information and reserve a workspace!
Brazzaville: https://www.byupathway.edu/gec/brazzaville
Johannesburg: https://www.byupathway.edu/gec/johannesburg
Lagos: https://www.byupathway.edu/gec/lagos
Foundations Providing Laptops
Foundations Providing Laptops
Help Start Education Foundation (HSEF) works with BYU-Pathway Worldwide to place recycled laptops with BYU-Pathway students after BYU-Pathway mentors interview and qualify candidates.
HSEF focuses on students in Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, the Middle East Africa North Area, and The Philippines.
If you are in need of your own laptop to improve your remote workspace, please reach out to your BYU-Pathway Mentor to help learn more about this program and the qualifications.
Backup Planning Guide
Backup Planning Guide
1. Understanding Remote Work Challenges
Remote work offers flexibility, but it also comes with potential risks that can disrupt productivity. Some common challenges include:
Power outages – Sudden loss of electricity can prevent you from working, attending meetings, or submitting assignments.
Internet disruptions – Weak or unstable internet connections can make it difficult to access work materials or communicate with teammates.
Device malfunctions – A laptop or desktop might suddenly stop working due to hardware failures, viruses, or system crashes.
Software issues – Critical software tools might not function properly due to bugs, updates, or compatibility problems.
2. Why Having a Backup Plan is Essential
Having a backup plan ensures that you:
Minimize downtime – Quickly switch to an alternative solution when an issue arises.
Stay reliable and professional – Maintain your commitments even during unexpected disruptions.
Reduce stress – Avoid last-minute panic by knowing exactly what to do in case of a problem.
3. Creating Your Backup Plan
The table below is an example of a simple backup plan for resolving potential issues. Take a look, and then create your own, either in Microsoft Word or on a piece of paper. Can you think of any other potential issues that you could encounter? Please add them to your plan. You will submit your plan in your weekly self-evaluation on Friday.
You have reached the end of this module!
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