My neck is wrecked by the end of the day. Someone suggested raising my monitor height. Has anyone noticed a real difference with a monitor stand riser? Is it worth it, or is it just aesthetic?

Our team is split between the east coast, the UK, and Singapore, so the overlap is pretty limited. Most meetings end up getting shoved into the same few hours.

The funny part is that lunch becomes the easiest slot to grab. 12 to 1 is usually the one clean hour left, so it keeps getting booked.

I’ve started blocking it off, but that only works if people actually leave it alone. Otherwise it’s basically just another meeting slot with a different name.

Does anyone else deal with this on a distributed team? What does actually works without making scheduling a nightmare.

I have a quick question regarding timezones & actual allowed work time, unsure if my situation is normal but its confused me & want to be sure.

I used to live in a timezone where most (not all) employees in the US are but then moved to another timezone shortly after. Since living in this timezone ive discovered a lot but i realized i have less time to work/make up work/work overtime than everyone else. Everyone & i mean everyone has until midnight their time but me. For whatever reason i have to follow a different timezone, my old one, thats 2 hrs ahead of me so my day has to end no later than 10pm. Itd be one thing if i were the only one out of timezone but im not and we even have overseas employees - many many of them and they all work their timezone. From what i can see anyway, its really just me..

I dont think its fair to force me to work in a timezone that i dont live when youre allowing everyone else to work until midnight but removing a whole 2hrs from me (not to mention also removing time from the morning because i cant be up at 4am to start my workday, so i usually am up at 8am which is 10am their time.). Ive worked here for over 3yrs now. Theres been a lot of ... not good shit in that 3 yrs but i used to be treated kindly (unexpected severe health issues & having major surgery in a few wks - but my health decline switched them 180 with me, they went from kind & supportive to just horribly cruel people..)

Edit; forgot to add when i applied and got this job they hire people all over the country and they do hire overseas too so timezones is not an issue when they hire all over the US & im confused why its an issue for me.

I’m new to WFH work and working at a desk, previously have spent 20 years working physical outdoor roles only.

It’s only been a couple weeks and ever since doing this job I have limited to no feeling in my left hand, I’m right handed. I also tend to get headaches about half way through the day and get “dumb”. I’m guessing it may be a nerve thing from sitting all day or steering at a screen all day. I have been doing hand stretches, doing the look away from the screen eye exercises. It’s not like I’m not used to steering at a screen I can sit on my phone mindlessly scrolling all day without an issue.

Doctor has suggested RSI in my wrist but Its my left hand I barely use it and I have had RSI in my right hand which was very different. NSAIDs also haven’t made a difference.

Has anyone else had something similar as a result of sitting all day or being at the computer all day? I have already been wondering if this is the job for me and now with my body protesting I’m starting to wonder if I should call it a day. My hand gets quiet bad and I couldn’t even wash my hair due to the lack of feeling.

https://imgur.com/a/aVY75Cw

Just want to share! I don't wfh much anymore but my headset has seen so much use, and for that I'm so glad

I've tried searching the group and couldn't find what I was looking for. Headsets that sit on my ears kill my ears and give me headaches. I'm trying to find either one that's completely over my ears, or maybe even open ear? I've never used an open ear to know how well it would work for a call center.

It HAS to have noise cancelling on the mic.

I do prefer to use Bluetooth.

I need a button to mute and unmute the mic.

Please tell me there's something out there. The laptop we use is Dell if that makes a difference.

I am looking for recommendations for a standing desk converter to put on top of my existing desk. It would need to accommodate 2 monitors. I have a frozen shoulder so am really hoping to find one that the keyboard height can be adjusted separately from the monitors, if possible, to get the best combo for the least pain.

My company uses Amazon Business for things like this, so looking for something listed there. My manager has given me the green light to pick one out and purchase. I don't really have a budget, but I just have to give him the the heads up if it's over $500, so not wanting to go tooooo much over that.

Struggling to get work done since going fully remote

I’ve recently moved companies from a hybrid role to a new fully remote job, which has increased pay/responsibility. I think my previous commute, albeit only 10-15 mins gave me a routine and stepping into the office was the moment I know I had to go into work mode. Now, I’m struggling for a routine (not a great morning person), and I find it really hard to get going at 9am.

I suppose I’m just looking for advice from those of you who may have been in a similar situation, and I know there’s no one size fits all to this.

Context that may be helpful:

• Manager is very hands-off, no micromanaging. One weekly meeting to go through ongoing projects, otherwise they leave me to it and only checks in occasionally.
• A lot of my work is fairly low-oversight/self-directed.
• Wider team is mostly working on their own separate projects, not much day-to-day collaboration.
• I live alone, so no household distractions (partner, kids, etc).
• I have a dedicated workstation, separate from where I’d normally relax, so it’s not a setup issue.
• Tried radio, podcasts, music in the background. None of it helps, more distracting if anything.

I am a very social person, and although I enjoy the freedom WFH brings I’m starting to think it’s not the right set up for me… Send help

I am looking for pros or cons from people who’ve actually used one of these two. I do not want to hear ”you can find a cheaper version on x website,” or “they’re overpriced…” etc.

I want to raise my laptop, and I have some disposable income. One is $50, one is $80, it will not kill me.

But I am indecisive, and the NYT has sold me well on the “Lifelong” stand, but I’ve been looking at the Stxnd for ages and I just can’t trust the 000’s of reviews on their own website cos it’s 2026 and I am suspicious!

I just want someone IRL to tell me if these are good stands. Thanks y’all!

I’m trying to share one set of USB peripherals between a home PC and a work laptop using a KVM setup.

My setup:

• Quad TESmart KVMs share four monitors.
• The work laptop connects to a WAVLINK WL-UG69PD10 DisplayLink dock by USB-C.
• The WAVLINK dock connects to the KVM’s USB host path through its front blue 10Gbps USB-A port.
• A large powered USB hub is connected to the KVM’s shared USB peripheral port.
• I use one keyboard, mouse, Stream Deck, Jabra speakerphone, Razer peripherals, and other USB devices between both computers.
• The KVM is supposed to switch the USB devices between the two computers. I do not want the hub itself to have a separate host-switch button.

The problem is that the USB devices sometimes repeatedly disconnect and reconnect. Windows plays the USB connect/disconnect sound over and over, Device Manager refreshes repeatedly, and HID devices may appear, disappear, or show warning icons. Sometimes the keyboard or mouse stops working, while LED devices still receive power.

I have tested both a Sabrent 16-port powered hub and an Acasis 16-port powered hub. The issue seems worse when the hub is connected through the KVM, although the devices can work normally at times.

I understand that some KVMs physically disconnect and reconnect their USB 3 peripheral port when switching computers. However, I’m trying to determine whether a better-powered or better-designed USB hub can remain stable through that process and avoid repeated reset loops.

Has anyone used a similar setup with:

• A TESmart or other dual-monitor KVM
• A WAVLINK/DisplayLink dock
• A 15–20-port powered USB hub
• One shared keyboard, mouse, audio, and gaming peripherals

If so, which USB hub model and chipset are you using? Has it remained stable without repeated USB disconnect/reconnect sounds? I’m especially interested in real-world KVM experience, not just the advertised port count.

I am not looking for a hub that switches between computers. The KVM should handle host switching. I only need a reliable powered hub that does not cause the downstream devices to constantly disappear and reappear.

I have a MacBook that I work off of at home. I have 2 phones, so one can be used as a hot spot if need be and I have an extra iPad. My home WiFi and cell phone service are with the same provider, so when the WiFi goes out at home I work off my phone hot spot but it’s usually spotty and slower. I would also like to be able to work from the park or wherever else (my job doesn’t require me to be “online” all the time, it’s mostly task driven so when something comes up I handle it and then can do other things). So I am looking at getting an iPad Pro cellular with a keyboard through a different service provider (AT&T or Verizon) for backup when my WiFi at the house goes out and also so that I have something I can take on the go with me- I also homeschool and like to get the kids out of the house but have to work. Anyone have experience, advice, tips on using the iPad Pro with cellular (only need to get online to our company site for work tasks) or just using a phone hot spot? I need a backup for home when the power/wifi goes out that can double as something to take out where I may not have WiFi available. TIA!

I have been WFH for well over a decade, and am very happy about it. Recently I moved roles, and my new manager has asked me to spend time learning about ways to improve my wellbeing/efficiency/whatever at work. I'm looking for recommendations.

What he's looking for is an activity like reading a book, listening to a podcast, that kind of thing. From this I need to extract at least one learning point that I can use to improve my wellbeing at work. An example might be learning about Pomodoro and using it to improve focus. In a couple of months I need to be able to explain what I did/learned.

I don't want to invest a lot of time in this because I've got plenty of real work to do and really hate self-help books, etc. However, I do want to show willing. Equally, I'd like to do it properly: to find something that could actually benefit me rather than just skim-reading a book and pretending it helped.

Any WFH-specific recommendations?

I work from home right now and my setup isn’t complete — I’m planning to use next year’s $500 toward building out my dream home office/desk situation. But this year’s $500 needs to go somewhere else since it expires soon.

Here are the eligible categories my employer lists:

• Financial wellness: finance-related app subscriptions/workshops, tax prep fees, debt management programs, estate planning/will prep, ID theft services
• Physical wellness: health membership/classes, exercise equipment, sport lessons/fees, sport team/race entry fees, fitness technology, work-from-home/home office supplies, co-workspace rental (up to $40/month)
• Mental wellness: meditation/wellness apps, personal development, enrichment classes, art/music/cooking, mental stimulation puzzles
• Spiritual wellness: retreats

(Financial stuff isn’t really what I’m after, so mostly skipping that category.)

Options I’m actually weighing:

• Red light therapy mask — not sure if it’d get approved, leaning toward this
• Oura ring — high on my list, just not sure if I’d find wearing a ring comfortable day to day since I don't ever wear them and have been lacking on my health. 
• ClassPass (Pilates) — could just pay out of pocket instead, undecided if it’s worth using the reimbursement on, also haven't been in the gym and feel like this might go to waste. 
• Laser hair removal — already doing a small area ($60/leg), thinking about expanding, but I’d need to keep paying out of pocket next year regardless since I’m putting next year’s $500 toward the home office
• Already have an Apple Watch SE2, don’t wear it consistently — don't know if I should upgrade since I already don't wear this one. 
• Also thought about an ultrawide monitor — they look nice, but I actually like my current dual-monitor setup since it doesn’t force everything into automatic split screen, so probably not this
• Into skincare in general, open to ideas there too, though not sure what would pass
• Also into traveling

I can run anything by HR before buying, so open to left-field suggestions too.

I’ve recently upgraded to a standing desk before starting a new job where I now get a home office stipend. I already have a big monitor and a decent chair but I’ve noticed when I stand I often stand on one leg or feel restless so I want to try a balance board and was looking at either a slack board or a move mate board. Does anyone have a great experience with either?

We just moved and now have a "three seasons room", which is basically just a sunroom that is 97% windows that open and is unbearable in the summertime.

Fall is coming and I need some inspiration for a semi-permanent porch setup. I've done some looking around on this sub and elsewhere, but really only found people saying they just use their laptops or have one of those portable monitors.

I'm looking for like a rolling cart or something that I don't have to bring inside every night and has equipment that can handle temps ranging from 30*F to 80*F degrees. Does anyone here have that?

Up until two days ago, I used to have the lights on in my basement home office as well as an extra desk lamp even during the day as my windows are small and there isn’t that much light coming in. After having a massive headache a few days ago, I turned off all the lights and I have been working so much better in the dark. I was even able to dim my monitors because they were extra bright (which I didn’t realize before).
Anyone else works in the dark?

I have a covered porch out back with good wifi. Sunlight isnt horrible but its definitely bright.

Anyone have a cool outdoor set up for working outside in an environment like that? I think i can get away with a laptop for when I want to work outside, but any tips for reducing sun glare etc?

I've been working from home since Covid and I have not been able to find a community of WFH buddies to chat about work (the good, the bad, the ugly) and I don't really have those types of connections with my coworkers (they're just coworkers). So, have you guys found online communities somewhere to find chat buddies? 

FWIW, i created a Discord if anyone wants to join - but feel free to point me to some other group somewhere. Or DM me if you want to chat. 

For context without giving myself away, I work in card operations for a bank. I’ve trained numerous coworkers in my almost 5 years here yet I have not been considered for the slightest of extra training or promotion despite me asking repeatedly. What qualities do you look for someone in my position that is deemed worthy of moving up the ladder?

Hoping to hear how others handle a difficult change in team dynamics.

Our team recently got a new head (after years or stellar leaders) whose style leans toward criticism in a negative "call you out" way over constructive feedback.

The shift in tone is starting to tire me out if I'm honest (I understand too this is their first time leading)

This person also has longstanding friendships with a few team members, which creates an uncomfortable environment. (Almost clique like).

Has anyone navigated a change like this before?

How did you handle the situation while keeping stress low?

I've always done well in this position, but I don't think I'd want to stay long term if this was the vibe/tone.

Thanks everyone, I really do appreciate it!

Hi! I’ve been working from home for about 3 years now. I have a very simple headset that I’ve had a lot of luck with but I’m looking to not wear a head set all day. Are there any products or setups that I can do that involve a speaker and microphone instead? Or another product I’m not aware of. I mostly do calls all day so I’m looking forward to not wearing things lol

Hi! I'm new to the city I'm in and am about to start working from home. I've always met friends through work. How do you guys meet friends as an adult working from home?? (I'm sober and don't go to bars/clubs).

I should mention I'll be working from home at a company that's 6hrs away.

I'm working from home, and the main software that we use has been extremely glitchy. I'm trying to figure out a way to keep a tally of how often this is happening and, in a dream world, how long these glitches are taking each time. The problem is, I'm ADHD and struggle to focus as it is, so I don't want to use my phone or an app or something that will pull my attention away from my work focus. Does anyone know of a physical device that does both? My best solution is using a handheld counter/clicker that I reset each day to zero and keep a little kitchen timer or something next to it, and just keep a small pad to log the lengths. It would still be a distraction, but it doesn't open up a world of other distractions as my phone does. That being said, I thought if something like this does exist, this sub would know about it.

What do you use to organize your desk cables? I have so many and under my desk looks like a nightmare lol.

I (f24) WFH full time. My job is very boring, slow, and there’s not much to do during the day. I do crafts, exercise and watch Youtube all day to stay sane. It pays very well for my area and I get all my work done in the first 2 hours of the day. Before this I worked in person and enjoyed interacting with my colleagues and clients. Now, I’ve worked here almost 6 months and am very bored and lonely. I can go days without physically speaking to anyone. Just sending emails and texting on Teams. By no means am I an extroverted social butterfly, however I am missing the coworker socializing part of things.

I am planning to apply for school but missed the deadline for August so I have a whole year until I would start school if I were to get in.
Because my job provides tuition reimbursement, pays well, and because it is so easy, i feel like it would be a bad idea to quit all together.

In the meantime, I thought I could look into things to do after work hours. Volunteer stuff typically happens during work hours. My friend told me her favorite low-key bar is looking for someone. I have quite a bit of experience bartending from college so I thought why not apply?
Do any of you do bartending or waitressing on the side? How bad of an idea is this?