home working 2021

The 20 best (and real) work-from-home jobs

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Long before the Covid-19 pandemic forced businesses to vacate their offices, working from home was on the rise. Nearly a year since the first coronavirus lockdowns, telecommuting is here to stay for millions of workers.

A fourth-quarter 2020 survey by Upwork, a job marketplace for remote workers and freelancers, estimates that nearly 57 percent of Americans are  working from home at least some of the time, with 42 percent of that group working remotely full time.

Upwork estimates that by 2025, 36.2 million American workers will be fully remote, which is nearly double the pre-pandemic rates.

Working from home has benefits for both workers and employers. Studies by Global Workplace Analytics, a San Diego research and consulting firm, have shown that telecommuting saves employers and workers time and money, reduces stress, increases productivity, lowers exposure to office colds and flus, and helps the environment by reducing the number of commuters.

Among the fastest-growing career categories for remote jobs are: computers and IT, medical and health, project management, sales, accounting and finance, customer service and marketing, according to FlexJobs, a marketplace for remote work.

“The coronavirus pandemic has permanently reshaped the workplace and how, when and where people work,” Sara Sutton, founder and CEO of FlexJobs, said in a statement. “Business models have been forever disrupted with the realization that remote work is smart, strategic and sustainable for companies to embrace, improving not only the bottom line but also providing benefits to the overall workforce.”

Bankrate has put together a list of 20 legitimate work-at-home jobs. Unless noted, wage and job-growth data comes from the 2019 edition of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook . The BLS lists median wages rather than average wages. The median wage is in the middle of the data set, with half of the jobs paying less and half paying more. BLS job-growth projections are for 2019 to 2029.

20 best work-from-home jobs

• Web developer
• Computer support specialist
• Virtual assistant
• Interpreter/translator
• Marriage and family therapist
• Paralegal/legal assistant
• Teacher/tutor
• Loan officer
• Social media specialist
• Licensed insurance representative
• Writer/editor
• Medical transcriptionist
• Data entry specialist
• Graphic designer
• Customer service representative
• Software developer
• Website tester
• Registered nurse
• Meeting, convention and event planner
• Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerk

1. Web developer

Web developers create and design websites for personal or commercial use. They can put their skills to use in publishing, advertising, management consulting, computer systems design and other fields.

Employment growth through 2029 is projected at 8 percent, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations of 4 percent, according to the BLS.

Median annual wage : $73,760

2. Computer support specialist

Corporations, nonprofits, call centers and many other businesses hire computer support specialists to work remotely.

The BLS projects 8 percent growth in this field through 2029 as organizations upgrade computer equipment and software.

Median annual wage: (computer network support specialist): $63,460

Median annual wage (computer user support specialist): $52,270

3. Virtual assistant

Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical and/or creative services for a wide range of industries such as health care, legal, government and finance. You can own a virtual assistant business or work for a company that makes you available to clients.

Because virtual assistants work in many different fields, the pay range is broad.

Median annual wage : Varies widely

4. Interpreter/translator

If you have a native-level proficiency in English and at least one other language, you can find work-from-home gigs with schools, hospitals, courts, corporations and other public and private sector entities. Interpreters work in a spoken language or sign language; translators work with written or audio documents.

The BLS projects 20 percent growth in this field through 2029, which is much faster than average.

Median annual wage: $51,830

5. Marriage and family therapist

Marriage and family therapists usually work full time and many have private practices. Online video conferencing apps such as Zoom and Skype make it possible for patients to “visit” their therapists without leaving home.

The BLS growth outlook for this profession through 2029 is 22 percent.

Median annual wage: $49,610

6. Paralegal/legal assistant

Paralegals and legal assistants do a variety of tasks to support lawyers, such as legal research and preparing documents. Though most work for law firms, these jobs can be found at government agencies and corporate legal departments

There is 10 percent projected job growth in this field through 2029.

Median annual wage: $51,740

7. Teacher/tutor

Advanced technology and high-speed internet connections have created opportunities for teachers and students to work together from afar.  The Covid-19 pandemic prompted many schools and universities to switch temporarily to virtual classrooms.

The BLS projects the demand for kindergarten, middle school and high school teachers to grow about 4 percent through 2029, on par with the average growth rate for all occupations. Demand for teachers at the college and university level is expected to grow 9 percent through 2029.

Median annual wage: Kindergarten and elementary school: $59,420 High school: $61,660 Middle school: $59,660 College/university: $79,540

8. Loan officer

Loan officers evaluate and authorize loan applications. Most loan officers work for commercial banks and credit unions, mortgage companies and other financial institutions.

The demand for loan officers is expected to increase as the economy improves. The growth rate for this profession is 3 percent through 2029.

Median annual wage : $63,270

9. Social media specialist

It’s becoming increasingly important for businesses to have a presence on social media. If you have a knack for using social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, you could work from home by helping businesses promote their brand and their products through social-media marketing.

Average base salary , according to online job marketplace Indeed: $37,558

10. Insurance sales agents

Many people find it easy to shop online for insurance, but they often need to talk to a licensed insurance rep to help them choose the right policy.

Insurance companies are increasingly outsourcing their incoming phone calls to contact centers, which then hire or contract with licensed insurance reps. If you see an ad on TV for a life insurance company and call the number on your screen, there’s a good chance you’re talking to someone who is working from home.

Job growth in this field is projected to be 5 percent through 2029.

Median annual wage: $50,940

11. Writer/editor

If you have a computer, internet access and the right credentials and/or experience, there are work-from-home opportunities for people with writing, editing, proofreading and fact-checking skills.

Bloggers, journalists, technical writers and editors who know how to plan and present content and meet deadlines face a competitive market. Demand for writers and editors is expected to drop slightly through 2029, but these jobs are very compatible with working from home.

Median annual wage (writer): $63,200

Median annual wage (editor): $61,370

12. Medical transcriptionist

A medical transcriptionist listens to voice recordings from doctors and other healthcare workers and transcribes them into written reports. A transcriptionist can work for a hospital, doctor’s office, a third-party service or be self-employed.

The expansion of healthcare services is expected to drive demand for this job, but a slight decline is projected due to technological advances and outsourcing.

Median annual wage: $33,380

13. Data entry specialist

A data entry specialist, sometimes called a data entry operator or clerk, inputs information from handwritten or physical records into a computer system.

These records can be bills, reports, medical records, canceled checks or other data.

Average base salary , according to Indeed: $2,244 per month

14. Graphic designer

If you have experience designing logos and T-shirts or using computer software to create brochures, advertisements and book covers, you could make good money working from home.

Websites like Fiverr.com and 99designs.com can help you meet potential clients who need your services. How much you earn will depend on the scope of the project and your experience. Demand for this job is expected to decline slightly through 2029, but it is very suited to remote work.

Median annual wage : $52,110 per year

15. Customer service representative

When you call to order something from a catalog or infomercial, the person on the other end of the line might be sitting in a home office. Hiring independent contractors to handle complaints, process orders and answer questions is a big industry.

A slight decline in demand is projected for this job, but it’s found in a wide array of industries, such as retail and financial companies, utilities and other types of businesses.

Median annual wage: $34,710

16. Software developer

Software developers create the applications or systems that run on a computer or another device. They apply the principles of engineering, analytics and computer science to develop and test all kinds of software and applications. Many software developers are employed by firms that deal in computer systems design and related services, manufacturing, or for software publishers.

The BLS projects 22 percent job growth for this field through 2029.

Median annual wage: $107,510

17. Website tester

Sites like UserTesting.com and Userlytics.com pay people to test different websites and mobile apps, then share their feedback. Companies use website testers to get unbiased feedback.

Opportunities for this work, sometimes called “remote usability testing,” may be limited. Testers may be paid $10 to conduct a 20-minute test, for example. This is more of a side gig.

Median annual wage: N/A

18. Registered nurse

The growth in telehealth, which is health care services delivered remotely through computers, mobile devices and by telephone, has opened up opportunities for registered nurses to work from home.

More insurance companies have added patient support lines, telephone triage and other telephone and computer options to meet patients’ needs without having to visit a doctor’s office, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The BLS projects 7 percent growth in this field through 2029.

Median annual wage: $73,300

19. Meeting, convention and event planner

Whether it’s a convention, a fundraiser or a birthday party that needs to be organized, event planners have ample opportunity to do a lot of the work from home via phone and computer.

The job may require you to visit potential meeting sites. Candidates with experience in the hospitality business and a college degree in hospitality or related field such as tourism management will have the best opportunities. The BLS projects 8 percent growth in this field through 2029.

Median annual wage: $50,600

20. Bookkeeping, accounting, auditing clerk

Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks produce financial records and ensure their accuracy. These jobs are suited to working from home, with occasional visits to clients and some overtime hours to be expected.

Employment in this field is expected to decline by 2029 as technological changes and automation reduce demand.

Median annual wage: $41,230

Avoid work-from-home scams

For every real work-at-home job, there are dozens of frauds. Scammers try to steal your identity and/or money by getting personal information that a new hire would be expected to give an employer, such as a Social Security number or bank account number.

When considering a work-from-home job, put up your scam-detection radar. “First and foremost, trust your gut,” advises Christine Durst, who runs Rat Race Rebellion, an online job site that caters to the work-at-home and virtual workforce. “Almost every scam victim I’ve spoken with says, ‘I sort of felt like something wasn’t right.’”

In addition, keep in mind that legit jobs don’t ask you to send them money and or cash/deposit checks.

Durst says to look for these signs that you are dealing with a legitimate employer:

• The hirer is an established company.
• The job ad includes the company name and does not ask applicants to reply to a blind email address.
• Human resources personnel are available for questions.
• There is mention of company benefits and vacation policies — information commonly associated with “real” employment.
• There is an application and interview process, not simply an emailed offer.
• The employer can detail the job duties and expectations.
• References/work samples are requested.

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If you are self-motivated and consider yourself a go-getter, a work from home career may be a great option for you.

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Work from home jobs have become extremely popular.

115% more popular according to a recent study by FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics.

As such, it’s no surprise that the 1.8 million Americans that left their jobs between 2005 and 2017 cited greater flexibility, increased happiness, and better pay as primary factors in their decision to ditch the traditional 9-to-5 grind and work from home.

If you are self-motivated and consider yourself a go-getter, a work-from-home career may be a great option for you.

From customer service reps and social media managers, to travel agents and transcriptionists, work-from-home jobs provide the opportunity to earn a living from anywhere.

Employee Positions 

One of the easiest ways to get started working from home is to work for someone else, and there are a number of real careers you can consider.

1. Online teacher

Potential earnings: $30,000 to $40,000 per year

Schools and other educational institutions are beginning to realize the importance and role of online education. Whether you’re a licensed teacher or not, you can earn an income teaching classes online .

Demand is growing for online education solutions as a supplement to in-class schooling or, in some cases, a replacement altogether. Subjects in the highest demand are English, science, and math. Classes are usually taught via Skype, Zoom, or pre-recorded sessions.

K12 is one option for teaching online. One perk to working for the company is that your job will likely include benefits like health insurance, retirement savings accounts, and paid time off. Since you’ll be working with kids, you still need to go through the typical hiring process for a teacher: background check, reference check, interviews, etc.

If you want to supplement your teaching income or you’re not a licensed teacher, you can create courses on platforms like Outschool . With these courses, you have more flexibility in your rates, your hours, and what subjects you teach.

Related: How to Get Paid to Teach With Outschool (Even with Zero Experience)

2. Online tutor

Potential earnings: $14 to $22 per hour

If you’d prefer a more flexible teaching job, consider tutoring through Education First or VIPKid. The service is incredibly flexible. You get to set your own hours, and there’s no lesson planning involved. They provide the lesson materials and communicate with the parents; all you need is a laptop and a desire to help teach children.

3. Transcriptionist

Potential earnings: $15 to $30 per hour, depending on experience

Transcriptionists take audio and video content and turn it into written text. It sounds simple enough, but this work requires a certain level of skill. You’ll need to know how to type efficiently and accurately. Some transcriptionists even use special equipment like a foot pedal to start and stop audio recordings.

Still, there are so many unique opportunities to land remote transcription work. If you’re a beginner, your best option is to sign up with transcription job sites like Rev or Scribie to find paying jobs that you can do on a contractor basis. You can also offer your services on Fiverr or reach out to companies and entrepreneurs to pitch them your services. For example, if you like a specific podcast, see if it needs someone to transcribe episodes.

4. Medical coder

Potential earnings: $60,000 per year

Medical coding is a popular work-from-home career field. Remote medical coders review patients’ records and services for the correct diagnosis and procedure codes so the provider can bill the patient and insurance companies for the correct amount.

You will need some training for this job, which you can find through in-person courses or an online program. Having some training or certification can help you land an entry-level role. Some companies hire remote medical coders on a contract basis or even as a part- or full-time employee.

5. Virtual nurse/telemedicine

Potential earnings: approximately $61,000 per year

If you have a nursing degree, you can work as a virtual nurse helping people over the phone or via the internet. Virtual nurses use the internet to monitor vital signs, connect with virtual command centers to communicate with doctors, advise patients online, and perform other similar duties.

You can find these jobs at hospitals and health centers and apply just like you would for a traditional nursing job.

6. Call center agent

Remote center agents do everything they would in a traditional call center: sales, telemarketing, customer service, and customer support.

You may have to handle incoming or make outgoing calls, depending on the nature of the job. Some companies that hire work-from-home agents prefer some call center experience, but most will offer training so don’t worry if you’ve never done this work before.

You can work either full- or part-time in this role.

7. Customer service representative

Potential earnings: $28,000 per year

If you know you want to work from home but have no idea where to start, customer service can be a good choice. Most companies need customer service representatives to field customer questions, concerns, and complaints; and a lot of them, such as Apple, American Express, and U-Haul, hire remote employees to perform this role.

Training is usually provided, and you’ll receive a set schedule. However, your schedule can rotate, especially if it’s a 24-hour business. Similar to call center agents, you can work either full- or part-time as a customer service representative.

Related: 19 Online Chat Jobs You Can Do from Home (No Phone Required)

8. Amazon remote employee

Potential earnings: anywhere from $10 per hour to $50,000 per year depending on the job and experience

It’s possible to make money with Amazon in a number of ways, including work-from-home positions ranging from customer service agents and technical support to data entry, or even all the way to supply chain managers.

Job responsibilities vary according to the position you’re applying to, so you’ll have to carefully and thoroughly read the job listing to get an accurate picture of what’s required. You can find open listings by visiting its Virtual Locations jobs page.

Positions can be hourly, part-time, or full-time.

9. Search engine evaluator

Potential earnings: $37,00 per year

If you’re looking for a legitimate, non-phone based remote job, consider looking for work as a search engine evaluator. In this position, you’ll spend your time evaluating results for search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing to help improve the overall user experience.

Web research skills, analytical abilities, and excellent communication are important for this position. Note that you typically need to pass an exam before you start working as an evaluator.

The hours are pretty flexible, but you can expect to work around 35 hours per week.

Related: 6 Google Jobs From Home That You Can Apply to Now

10. Data entry clerk

Potential earnings: $27,000 per year for full-time work

Data entry is a flexible entry-level work-from-home job. Companies may hire you to input data to a software system, transfer information, and update records.

It helps if you’re detail-oriented, can easily navigate spreadsheets, have strong organizational skills, and are a fast and accurate typist.

Related : 7 Best Places to Find Data Entry Jobs You Can Do from Home

11. Insurance claims investigator

Potential earnings: $47,000-$66,000 per year for full-time work

As an insurance claims investigator, you’ll work for insurance companies to investigate and validate claims made by policyholders to protect the companies from fraud. Although you’ll primarily work from home, you might need to go into the field to conduct interviews or take pictures.

You don’t need any formal education or training, but it generally requires excellent communication, research, and interview skills. Many companies provide on-the-job training and continuing education.

12. Camp counselor

Potential earnings: $11-$17 per hour

Although typically an outdoor, in-person job, there are some remote camp counselor jobs, particularly for STEM-based camps. You’ll work with campers teaching them coding, performing science experiments, digital art, and more.

These are seasonal positions. It can be a good opportunity for college students studying to become teachers or stay-at-home parents to earn money.

Related: 13 Legit Online Jobs for College Students

13. Test proctor

Potential earnings: $12 per hour on average

Similar to an in-person proctor, a remote test proctor will verify a test taker’s ID and monitor them throughout the exam to ensure that they don’t cheat and maintain the integrity of the exam. This is typically done via a webcam, so it’s important that you have a good internet connection and a quality camera and microphone.

The hours vary depending on the company you work for and when the students schedule their exams.

Contract Positions

If you want the benefit of working for someone else but prefer the flexibility of making your own schedule, there are many ways to work from home as a contractor.

16. Freelance proofreader

Potential earnings: Approximately $50,000 per year, depending on rates, experience, number of clients, and type of project

If you’ve got a knack for grammar, can spot typos, and can fix egregious misspellings, proofreading may be an option for you. As a freelance proofreader, you’ll work for a variety of clients helping them identify errors in their written and printed content.

After finding success as a proofreader, Caitlin Pyle started to teach others how to do the same. She launched her course, Proofread Anywhere, that covers the tools and skills you need to be an effective proofreader including, how to get started and where to find clients. To see if proofreading is a good fit for you, check out her free online workshop .

17. Virtual assistant

Potential earnings: $15 to $75 per hour, depending on experience

Virtual assistants , commonly referred to as VAs, are hired to help business owners with online administrative tasks. They help with tasks like email, calendar management, social media management, transcribing calls, and managing customer service.

You can fast-track your virtual assistant job search by taking a training class that’ll teach you the skills needed to become a virtual assistant. To find your first clients, you can contact some small business owners or browse sites such as Upwork and Freelancer. You can also apply to work for virtual assistant companies that pay hourly.

16. Dog walker or pet sitter

Potential earnings: $20 to $30 per walk and anywhere from $20 to $40 for overnight pet sitting services.

If you love animals, or want a pet but can’t have one, get paid to spend time with someone else’s by working as a dog walker or pet sitter. You can start your own business or sign up with Rover , which connects pet owners with dog walkers and pet sitters in their area.

The site allows you to create your own profile, as well as set your rates and availability. You can communicate with prospective clients and book paying gigs directly from the app.

Note that Rover collects a 20% service charge that’s deducted from your earnings, so keep that in mind when you set your fees.

Related: How to Launch Your Own Dog Sitting Business

17. Freelance writer

Potential earnings: $30 to $500+ per assignment, depending on difficulty, experience level, subject, and the length of the material

Freelance writers are writers contracted by websites, newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other businesses to write content on a particular topic. If you’re a strong writer but don’t want to run your own blog or website, hire yourself out and write for others.

You can get started with freelance writing by taking a course on a site like Udemy  that teaches you how to set your rates and land clients. Make sure you have a portfolio of writing samples to show to prospective clients. If you’re new to freelancing and have a blog, you can use the original blog content you’ve written until you have client work to showcase.

Related : 51 Best Freelance Jobs Sites to Find Paid Gigs

18. Babysitter

Potential earnings: Variable based on rates, number of kids you watch, and how many hours per week you provide care

One of the most reliable and flexible ways to earn money from home, and one that you can start immediately, is by providing child care and babysitting services.

You can offer morning care services to help kids get ready for school, keep an eye on them as parents go off to work, or watch them while mom or dad runs errands. Or you can take advantage of the fact that child care centers are closed during the evenings and weekends and offer your services for those hours.

If you choose this route, decide what age group of kids you prefer to watch and create a profile on Care.com or Sittercity.com to help you find clients. You can also ask friends and neighbors if they need child care.

19. Web designer

Potential earnings: Around $50,000 per year, although you can earn more as a freelancer based on your rates, services, and number of clients

Business owners want professional looking websites for their space on the internet. If you can code and have a good eye for design, you can earn money designing websites for small businesses .

If you want to work as a web designer, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are essential pieces of software you’ll need to master. Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are also must-have skills.

20. Social media manager

Potential earnings: $15 to $120+ per hour, depending on experience

If you’re proficient with different social media platforms, you can turn your skill into a work-from-home job by offering services like creating and scheduling posts, running ads, managing private messages, and monitoring online groups.

Creating content and engaging with fans and customers is a time-consuming task that many businesses don’t have the bandwidth to do in-house. As a result, they prefer to outsource the task. While some companies do have full-time in-house social media managers, it’s often cheaper to hire a part-time remote worker for this role. This opens up positions for work-from-home freelancers.

If you favor one platform over the others, focus on becoming an expert in that area so you can offer a specialized service.

Related: How to Become a Social Media Manager

21. Seamstress

Potential earnings: variable

If you’re good with a sewing machine or needle and thread, working from home as a seamstress is a viable job option. You can contract to work with dress shops altering wedding, bridesmaids, or prom dresses and other formal wear. If you prefer, you can work as a freelancer doing custom projects like curtains, slip covers, or offer alterations on jeans and other clothes.

Other Work From Home Gigs

The below opportunities can be great jobs for stay-at-home moms, retired people looking for some extra cash, or as a supplement to a full-time job. You can start most of them immediately.

22. Survey taker

Potential earnings: $5 to $200 per month, depending on eligibility and how many surveys you participate in

Most companies want to better understand potential customers so they can improve products and target their audience more effectively. To do that, sites pay people to take online surveys . Although not technically a job, you can make money taking surveys, and it requires no experience.

There are many different types of surveys and activities to complete. For example, in addition to regular surveys, Branded Surveys rewards users for answering daily polls, participating in challenges, referring friends, and redeeming offers you can find on their social media accounts. You’ll get your first 100 points when you sign up. Once you reach 1,000, you can cash out for gift cards, PayPal cash, or direct deposit (U.S. users only).

23. Facebook ads specialist

Potential earnings: $47,000 per year for full-time work, but freelancers can earn more or less depending on experience, rates, number of clients, and length of ad campaigns

Local businesses in your area likely have a Facebook page but aren’t using Facebook ads to effectively attract more clients. As a Facebook ads specialist, you’ll create ads that reach a target audience, manage advertising budgets, monitor campaigns, and more. You’ll help local businesses grow while simultaneously building your own business.

It’s not difficult to get started as a Facebook ads specialist, but enrolling in a program like the FB Side Hustle Course  can help. Courses like this will show you things like how to set up the Facebook ad system and find paying clients.

Related: 16 Online Business Ideas That Anyone Can Start 

24. Blogger

Potential earnings: $0 to $150,000+ per month.

If you enjoy writing, love sharing your opinions, expertise, and recommendations, consider starting a blog. Blogs are a great way to teach people about a particular skill, entertain, or share your life experiences. You can blog about anything: books, fitness, organization, fashion — whatever you’re passionate about or skilled in.

There is no experience or technical knowledge needed to start a blog, but you might need a step-by-step tutorial to get started. You’ll also need a domain name and hosting. HostGator is one of the most affordable options to get a blog up and running.

Money-making options for bloggers include: affiliate marketing, accepting paid advertisements, and selling digital or physical products.

Related: How to Make Money Blogging

25. App or website tester

Potential earnings: variable based on number of tests completed

Similar to taking surveys for money, companies will also pay people to give feedback on their website. Companies want to know how easy and user-friendly their websites are, and the information you provide is extremely valuable.

Here are some places you can apply for this type of work:

• WhatUsersDo – Pay is $8 (or more) per test. Tests take around 15-20 minutes. You need a Mac or PC and a mic.
• Enroll – Get paid to test websites before they are published. Earn cash rewards.
• Userfeel – This company pays around $10 per test.
• Analysia – Tests take around 15 minutes to complete. Pay is $10 per test.
• TryMyUI – Tests takes around 15-20 minutes to complete. Pay is $10 per test.

You won’t make a full-time living testing websites, but it is an excellent way to earn some extra income.

Related: 14 Best Places to Test Websites for Money

26. Microtasker

Potential earnings: $50 to $130 per task, on average.

Do you like working with your hands and helping your local community? TaskRabbit might be a great way for you to make money working from home.

TaskRabbit is a service-based app that connects customers with people who can help them with things like mounting a TV, moving furniture, or cleaning. Workers can also build furniture, help people move, and do home repairs.

To work with TaskRabbit, you need to submit an online application and attend an informational session in your area. After you’ve completed the registration process, the TaskRabbit app will notify you of jobs in your area.

You set your rates and negotiate job details with the client. Once you’ve completed the job, you can submit your invoice via the TaskRabbit app.

Related: 17 Best Places to Find Small Task or Micro Jobs

27. Ecommerce store owner

Potential earnings: $0-$10,000+ per month

Ecommerce store owners operate a digital storefront to sell merchandise ranging from digital products, like PDFs or printables, to physical products that require inventory. Unlike operating a brick-and-mortar store, you’ll keep and manage the inventory from your home. A site like BigCommerce or Shopify can help you get your storefront up and running quickly and easily.

How much you’ll earn depends on what you sell, how often you make a sale, and how aggressively you market your products. You can work as many or as few hours as you prefer.

• How to Start a Dropshipping Business
• How One Recent Grad Started a $2,000 a Month Shopify Side Gig

28. Mock juror

Potential earnings: $20 to $60 per case

As an online mock juror, you’ll participate in a simulated trial, listen to attorneys present evidence, and make judgments based on what you hear. You’ll give the lawyers feedback on their arguments and answer questions that help them identify strengths and weaknesses in their cases.

You can sign up to work with a credible company like OnlineVerdict. The amount of hours you work is entirely up to you.

Note that the decisions you make are not legally binding and do not determine if someone is guilty or not guilty; they’re for informational purposes only. This also does not count as a substitute for actual jury duty.

29. Travel agent

Potential earnings: $47,000 per year but can increase based on tips and commissions

Travel agents help clients find the best deals and experiences for their trips. If you enjoy traveling and helping people brainstorm their dream vacations, you’ll enjoy this job.

Some travel agents become certified, which is not required but does help. If you complete training through a program like The Travel Institute, you’ll learn more skills that can help you better serve clients. You can even consider specializing in specific kinds of travel like cruises or Disney World vacations.

Instead of charging a fee, you’ll earn a commission when your clients book their travel through you. The deals tend to be pretty competitive, making it easy to convince clients to work with you.

Related: 25 Online Jobs That Are Easy, Flexible, and Profitable

Where to Find Full-Time Work-From-Home Jobs

Finding a work-from-home job is similar to finding a traditional job. To get started, you just need to know where to look.

Job boards and sites

If you’re looking for a more traditional job, start by looking on sites like ZipRecruiter , Indeed.com, Glassdoor, or even LinkedIn’s job board. You can filter your searches by type of work, location, hours, and even specific jobs. For instance, if you want to work as a virtual nurse, you can visit ZipRecruiter and type “telemedicine” and your location into the search feature and you’ll get a listing of all available positions with real companies in your area.

Freelancers should consider using sites like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr to find clients. You can also browse job boards like the ones found on ProBlogger and Mediabistro. If you need to create a profile, make sure it’s as complete as possible and includes a way for prospective clients to contact you.

Company websites

If you’re interested in working for a specific company, visit its website and search for its “careers” or “job openings” page. That should provide you with the application process, salary information, and what positions are currently open. If it’s a smaller company, you might want to reach out to the owner if nothing is listed on the website. The website may not have been updated to reflect current openings.

If you work in a specific industry, do some research to find out what companies in that field hire for the job you’re interested in. Companies like SYKES and Appen hire search engine evaluators, and SigTrack, Capital Typing, and DionData Solutions hire data entry clerks.

You can also find work-from-home jobs by cold calling or emailing businesses in your area, friends who are business owners, or connecting with businesses on social media. Facebook has networking groups for most professions, as does LinkedIn, and if you have a local chamber of commerce or small business group, consider joining them as well.

Don’t rule out job fairs or other types of in-person hiring events. You never know what opportunities you might come across.

Watch Out for Work-from-Home Job Scams

The rise of the internet has created opportunities that didn’t even exist just a few years ago. High demand for remote workers, especially in the tech industry, has led to the largest voluntary exodus from the in-person workforce in almost twenty years.

If you’re not thrilled about commuting to the office or if you’re looking for a part-time gig, there are plenty of legitimate work-from-home jobs to choose from.

However, some people have taken advantage of the common desire to work remotely. For each legitimate work-from-home job out there, there is likely a scam to match it. Jobs that ask you to post ads online, stuff envelopes, or assemble products from your home are all probably scams.

It’s important to know how to recognize these work-from-home scams so you don’t waste your money or time. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Everything You Need to Work From Home, According to People Who Do It Every Day

If you worked in an office before the pandemic, chances are you walked out one day in March 2020 hoping to return in a couple of weeks or, at the very worst, a couple of months. But now, almost 18 months later, you still may not have returned — and given how many companies are pivoting to a remote-first culture, you may not for a while longer (or, maybe, ever). Even though many of us have had time to adjust to working from home, the sheer unpredictability of the last year might have led you to wait before investing in things that can turn our largely comfort-focused homes into efficient professional workspaces. To help in that endeavor, we asked a bunch of professionals who regularly worked from home before COVID-19 and folks who have since put together proper workplaces in their homes about the things they used to do so effectively. Then we combed through our archives for other stuff that work-from-homers told us they use to get their jobs done each day.

A note that while working from home almost certainly requires a computer , wireless router , and modem , for this story, we focused on all the other things you may need, from essentials like desks, chairs, and monitors to less obvious things that our sources say help one stay productive day in and day out. Read on for 68 things that will not only make working from home more productive and enjoyable, but will crucially help to keep burnout at bay, too.

To start, the folks we spoke to say you’ll need a workspace (a.k.a. a dedicated desk or table). “Research like this 2017 Harvard study shows it’s better for your mental health to keep the spaces you sleep, relax, and work in separate,” says product manager Nehemiah Blackburn, who works for his New Hampshire–based tech company remotely from his New York City home five days a week. While “working from your bed and couch may seem convenient and even more comfortable,” finance associate Daniel Kim, whose day job often requires him to continue working once he gets home, admits that, “in the long run, it puts you in the wrong mental state to get meaningful work done.”

Three editors at the Verge told us they rely on this Jarvis standing desk at home. It comes in six sizes ( starting at 30x24 inches for $569) and can be adjusted to rise between 24.5-inches tall (for sitting) and 50-inches tall (for standing). Verge deputy editor Dan Seifert, who has owned his Jarvis desk for four years, describes it as “comfortable, stable, and spacious,” while Verge news editor Nick Statt adds that assembly is “far less cumbersome than I thought it would be.”

If you are interested in the ergonomic appeal of a standing desk without the price tag they often come with, Strategist contributor James Lynch has a surprising solution: a workbench . “A workbench may not sound like the perfect WFH solution, and yet it is now where I do all of my work,” says Lynch, who notes that the 52-inch-wide version of this one he bought has plenty of space for setting up a monitor and speakers, with real estate left over for other essentials. Made of solid wood, he says, “It’s durable, not at all like a lot of the other inexpensive desks I considered, which are made of plastic or particleboard — cheap materials with cheap veneers that bubble and peel the moment your coffee cup collects a single drop of moisture.” The desk is raised and lowered with a hand crank that Lynch calls “supremely easy” to use. “Although every reason I bought this desk is related to function, it also has an impressively handsome form,” he adds.

Elise Yeo-Donaldson, who works from home for a London–based educational-tech start-up, recommends this desk that she says is both affordable and quite user-friendly. “It’s originally an architecture table, but I use it for normal work with a laptop and notebook,” she says. “I didn’t expect how useful being able to change the angle of the desk would be, and the glass top is incredibly easy to clean.”

When Kim needed to get a desk he could work from home at, he told us he was “drawn more to design” than solely function, especially because he was going to have to look at it even when he wasn’t working. He landed on a simple desk from Muji that cost him $175 but is currently unavailable. An equally streamlined — and even-less-expensive — option would be this desk from our list of the top-reviewed home-office desks on Amazon, where buyers raved about its minimalist look, simple set-up, and surface area. One happy shopper praised its height in particular, noting that their “desk-chair arms fit underneath without getting stuck, so I can roll around freely.”

Susan Dominus, a staff writer for the New York Times Magazine, likes her Ikea desk so much that she owns two (which she has raved about on Twitter ). “At some point, I decided I really wanted to work in my nice sunny bedroom,” she told us, “and there’s this little corner where only a small desk would fit.” Dominus’s exact Ikea desk is currently unavailable, but it comes from the same Micke line as this desk — which, at just 10 inches wider than hers, is still compact enough to fit in most spaces and feels just as “clean, bright, and efficient” (the three words Dominus used to describe her own desk). With two drawers, this desk also has more storage than her one-drawer desk. For more cool-people-approved small desks, head here .

Jeremy Kirkland, host of the Blamo! podcast , was another who told us that he “didn’t understand the value and importance of having a good desk until I started working from home.” Describing himself as a “laptop road warrior” before the pandemic, and always “editing at coffee shops,” Kirkland says he “now realizes my productivity in those environments was 20 percent.” The desk that got him to 100 percent, he says, is this solid-wood design from Artifox. It costs more than the others on this list, but Kirkland says the price is justified by the quality and craftsmanship of the wood, as well as its just right size for a “somewhat close quarters” apartment. He also likes its many thoughtful modern design details, including a hidden area at the back for cable storage and extension cords, pegs for hanging your headphones, and felt hooks that prevent your cables falling to the floor when you unplug your laptop or iPhone. “It’s so modular, with so many setups to fit the way you work,” he adds.

If you’ll be using your home workspace to do more than fire off an email or two, our sources say you might also want a proper desk chair. When a reader wrote in to us about finding the best home-office chair , we spoke to a professional about it (Marc Schwartzberg, a three-decade veteran of the office-furniture industry and the owner of Office Furniture Heaven), who told us that you should think of your office chair like you would your  mattress . Specifically, it needs to be comfortable, as chances are you’re going to spend around eight hours in it every day.

This ergonomically-designed office chair comes recommended to us by Dr. Rudy Gehrman, the founder of wellness center Physio Logic. It has a supportive mesh construction, roller wheels, and the ability to adjust both the armrest and seat height. It’s also very reasonably-priced for a chair with back support, given that a different chair — Herman Miller’s Aeron chair, below — will set you back nearly $1,000.

If your home is going to be your primary office for years to come, you might consider investing in a chair that not only looks nice, but has been designed with long-term desk working in mind. The aforementioned Herman Miller Aeron Chair is the “the Ferrari of desk chairs ,” according to Chris Black, and versions of it (if not the original) can be found in a wide range of offices. It’s the chair that Boyd Steemson, the work-from-home CEO of TotalRock radio, has sat on five days a week for years. “This assemblage of poly-carbon, leather and chrome is perfectly contrived to keep its occupant poised and powerful,” says Steemson, adding that the chair feels like “a hammock you can sit in, ping forward, rock backward, and scoot effortlessly over the carpet on. It’s a triumph.” It has also been recommended to us by  chiropractors , who appreciate the chair’s adjustable lumbar support.

If you’re looking for a chair with a space-saving footprint that still offers some posture support, Dr. Adam Lamb of Lamb Chiropractic told us he personally sits on a stool when he works, because it because it helps him maintain good posture while improving core strength and balance. This stool comes recommended by c hiropractor Dr. Randi Jaffe , who says it “makes it easy to go from sitting to standing” thanks to its adjustable seat.

This kneeling chair (which can easily be rolled under a desk at the end of a workday) has been a Strategist favorite since writer Alice Gregory told us about it back in 2017. Worried about what sitting down all day was doing to her back, Gregory picked up this chair with a design that she says “forces you to engage your core and naturally keeps your spine upright.” After using it for awhile, she continues, “your back muscles strengthen and circulation improves.”

Maybe you don’t want to replace the chair you’ve been working in, but would instead just like to make it a bit more comfortable. For that, contributor Maureen O’Connor says this inexpensive ergonomic attachment is a great way to upgrade a chair that you already own. She explains that the attachable support borrows its design from the Aeron chair, telling us that: “Before Easy Posture, at the end of the day, I felt as though I was two inches shorter than when I started. But like a classic before-and-after, now I’m standing taller and feeling great.”

Another recommendation for upgrading a chair you already own, this gel cushion is what Strategist newsletter editor Mia Leimkuhler uses to make the seat of the dining chair she works from home in more supportive. According to her, the cushion (which comes from the brand that makes one of our favorite firm-but-springy mattresses ) makes it perfectly pleasant to sit “for eight hours in a chair that is not designed to be sat in for eight hours.”

Items to work on-the-go

While most of us spent 2020 sequestered to our homes, there are now more opportunities to work from other spaces, like a nearby coffee shop. For something that’ll turn any surface into more of a standing desk (whether it’s your coffee table or local coffee shop’s table), Strategist contributor Charlotte Klein recommends this converter. She says it “falls somewhere in between a traditional standing-desk converter and a laptop stand,” allowing her to work more ergonomically wherever she happens to be. The stand has five different  configurations that allow you to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, which experts say is the best way to work. “As far as portability, the Moft, which weighs less than a pound (and claims to support as much as 22 pounds), is very easy to transport: When folded up, it’s the size of a magazine and half-an-inch thick,” adds Klein.

New York  Magazine senior art director and visuals lead Stevie Remsberg told us this nifty umbrella is one of the items she uses to create an outdoor office to take advantage of sunny days. It has a clamp to secure it to a chair and an adjustable shade that she uses to reduce glare on her screen. “It’s small but oblong-shaped, so it gets pretty good coverage if you angle it in the right way,” Remsberg says, adding that “no matter where you’re sitting, you can get it at the right angle to block the sun.”

Remsberg also bought this padded laptop tray, which she notes is way more compact than a table and can easily be brought onto a balcony or fire escape. (Or the couch.) “It works great,” she says. “The beanbag cushion on the bottom is comfortable, too.”

If you’re looking to work from a park or on a lawn, you’ll need a different sort of office chair. Remsberg swears by this “crazy comfortable” one that she says is even ergonomic. “It has substantial lumbar support, so my lower back is supported,” she told us. “It feels like the lumbar pillow I have on my office chair but it’s built into this folding chair.”

Once you’ve got your desk and chair figured out, several of our experts say you might consider getting a lamp . If, like Kim, you want office accessories that look less corporate and more like home décor, you could spring for the classic (but pricey) Anglepoise desk lamp . Or, you could go for this far more affordable Anglepoise–esque desk lamp that Strategist editor Alexis Swerdloff uses, which she says folks have mistaken for the real thing. (When we asked architects about the best desk lamps , one told us that he installed Forsa lamps at every desk in his office.)

Architect Peter Dumbadze has used this clamp lamp at his own desk “for years.” Beyond appreciating its “utilitarian style,” Dumbadze says that clipping a few of the inexpensive lamps around a workspace can create more balanced lighting. “I position the lamps such that I can bounce light off of the walls and ceiling,” he explains.

Another architect-recommended desk lamp, this is the one that New York City–based Scott Oliver told us he’s used while working at home since the days he was in grad school. “I bought a version of this halogen model 30-plus years ago,” he says, “and lo and behold, it is still around.” While it’s a bit more expensive, based on Oliver’s experience, it could very well last until you retire.

Tea and coffee makers

Because free office coffee isn’t a luxury work-from-homers can take advantage of, many of our sources say having an at-home coffee maker is essential to jolting themselves awake in the morning and throughout the day. Strategist contributor Bridget Arsenault , the London editor of Air Mail, who works remotely because her publication is based in New York City, told us she uses a fancy Le Creuset French press to start her morning, calling it her “go-to French press for everyday use,” but if you’re just looking for something that gets the job done, this less expensive option (that’s still fun to look at) comes from our list of the best French press coffee makers (for all budgets).

When it comes to brewing coffee at home, Jamie McCormick, the co-owner of East Village coffee shop Abraço , let us in on a little secret: You really don’t need more than a simple Mr. Coffee drip machine. “People make a big ‘to do’ over a lot of nothing” when it comes to brewing equipment, McCormick told us when we asked him and other baristas about the best coffee machines to use at home, adding that the Mr. Coffee is a great choice for any “amateur coffee roaster who wants to flatter their grounds.”

There are, of course, fancier options. Matt Lopez , an account supervisor at a strategic communications firm tells us this “fantastic, quick, quiet” — if more-expensive — option has a number of features the Mr. Coffee doesn’t, including a “vacuum-insulated carafe that keeps your coffee warm for hours without using an electric heat plate that risks burning the coffee.”

If you want an even easier way to make coffee, a Nespresso will serve you the press of two buttons. Film-and-television producer Steve Abbott ( Monty Python ,  A Fish Called Wanda ) — who has worked from a home office for the last three years — likes a top of the line De’Longhi  bean-to-cup machine , which he reports does “everything from grind your beans to foam your cappucino and steam your milk,” and says it hasn’t broken down in the more than seven years he’s owned it. Arsenault also has a fancier at-home coffee maker she uses when she doesn’t want to futz with her French press, and while hers is not bean-to-cup one like Abbott’s, it is a De’Longhi (for Nespresso) and just as convenient, she says. “I know these aren’t particularly environmentally sound,” she admits, “but I can’t function without coffee and this is so easy and efficient to use. It lives on my counter all year round.”

According to Leimkuhler, “it’s tempting to guzzle coffee after coffee when you work from home, but that all too easily leads to caffeine headaches and dehydration.” To battle the 3 p.m. slump, she instead makes herself a pot of tea with “this lovely infuser and whichever loose-leaf tea I’m feeling at the moment.” Leimkuhler adds that a personal pot of tea is a “nice little ritual” that feels like a self-care perk of working from home.

For those whose tea-making time is money and would prefer a faster way to brew, Strategist contributor David Schwartz told us about Breville’s “groundbreaking” Tea Maker, which does “something that almost all run-of-the-mill coffee makers do: It brews automatically, at any time of day, without you having to do anything but pour in the tea.”

Kitchen items

“If you’re used to working in an office every day, your routine likely includes stepping out for lunch or having it delivered, and making your own can be a big adjustment,” says Leimkuhler. She says this rice cooker (which is also a favorite of cool florist Elle Jaime and Brad Leone ) gets used in her home at least every other day. “In the morning when I make my coffee, I wash and prepare 2–3 cups of rice, then set it to cook. When the rice is done, the cooker keeps it warm all day, so when I’m ready for lunch (or dinner) I have perfectly cooked, hot rice ready to top with anything.” Leimkuhler adds that she purchased her cooker nine years ago, and it’s still going strong.

Another (far less expensive) gadget that makes mealtime less of a chore while working at home is this egg cooker. Jennifer Tsay, the CEO and co-founder of photography studio  Shoott , bought it early on in the pandemic to ensure she didn’t miss breakfast or lunch. The cooker, she says, is “a convenient, handy, and quick little appliance that makes eggs exactly the way you want: It’s perfect for quick breakfasts in a pinch, a much-needed protein-based afternoon snack, or to cook eggs to incorporate into salads or other dishes.”

Architect Samantha Josaphat and Luis Medina, who together lead architecture firm Studio 397 , told us their favorite home office piece is their water carbonator, which they’d recommend to anyone who wants to stay hydrated, but who gets bored of still water and hates the waste (and weight) of buying cans of seltzer. While they still use Sodastream gas containers with it, Josaphat and Medina say they prefer the Aarke’s design to Sodastream’s because it has “a lever as opposed to a button, which makes it more of an experience to use.” (And Strategist editor Maxine Builder also found it to be the most stylish-yet-effective seltzer-maker out there.)

Headphones and speakers

If your home is on a busy street — or filled with busy roommates — you’ll likely be after some headphones soon enough, say many of our people who work from home. For a relatively affordable (if not fully noise-cancelling) corded option, Arsenault recommends these basic in-ear headphones from Master & Dynamic, a brand we’ve written about before ( Black , Michael Strahan , and hotelier Marie Louise Scio are also fans.) “My boyfriend and I both work from home in a one-bedroom flat,” Arsenault told us. “If I need to watch something or if I am transcribing an interview, then I just pop in these headphones.”

For a truly noise-canceling pair of headphones, two folks we talked to — fashion photographer Jacqueline Harriet, who conducts her entire business from home, and Blackburn — recommend Apple’s AirPods Pro. Strategist contributor Sarah Wexler also praised these larger AirPods, which she says stay in place better than any wireless headphones she’s used before. According to Harriet, their Bluetooth connectivity gives them an added benefit while working from home: “I like them because you can dance and do your chores while making conference calls with clients.” (For more earbuds, be sure to check out the selection from various brands that we tested .)

For an over-ear noise-canceling option, Sony’s newly released WH-1000XM4 headphones are the next generation of what Strategist contributor David Pogue has called the “best wireless headphones he’s over owned.” One writer of this piece (Louis Cheslaw) tested the XM4s and found that the newer model, even if marginally, is better for working from home than its predecessor, thanks to features including a lift-to-pause technology and the ability to connect the headphones to two devices at once via Bluetooth. For more headphones (both noise-canceling and not) at a range of prices, here’s a list of the favorites we’ve tested over the years.

People who don’t wear headphones (they do exist) looking for a better way to listen (and talk) during video calls should consider this inexpensive plug-in headset that Strategist senior editor Anthony Rotunno uses on Zoom calls. The headset, he writes, “tethers me to more professional environments and makes me feel like the CEO of my new office of one.” While it can plug directly into any device with an old-school headphone jack, newer machines may require an adapter like this one to be compatible.

Sometimes our workers-from-home say they want whatever they’re listening to to come from a source a bit further from their ear drums. This speaker is what Sophia Kardonski, the co-founder of Miami’s Sobremesa dancing supper club (who runs her business from her home five days a week) uses during her workdays. “The battery life lasts forever,” she says, adding that it’s called the Revolve for a reason: “The sound really does revolve around the room, it’s like a portable surround sound system.” While Bose makes a top-of-the-line portable speaker, we’ve written about other well-regarded ones at varying price points here .

This less-expensive and more-colorful Bluetooth speaker is what writer Jia Tolentino relies on. In her words, the (fully waterproof) speaker hits the two most important qualities for a portable speaker: It “sounds great” and “syncs instantly.”

Computer and laptop accessories

If you’re planning to work from home on an Apple computer, writer Emma Grillo told us she bought this keyboard with a gift card she won for good performance at her first internship. “I work off of a really small laptop, and typing all day is so much easier on this portable keyboard, which is bigger and easier to use than my laptop,” she says.

The one issue with flat keyboards like Apple’s Magic Keyboard is that too much time typing at one can result in sore wrists at best and carpal tunnel (or more) at worst, according to physical therapist and board-certified athletic trainer Dr. Scott Weiss. “The wrong mouse-and-keyboard setup can wreak physical havoc on your hand, wrist, and forearm,” Weiss told our tech writer Jordan Bowman. Those looking for an ergonomic keyboard should consider this model that Verge editors told Bowman they love for its comfort-driven features, such as a supportive wrist pad and contoured design, without any of the add-ons that can quickly make ergonomic keyboards super expensive (like rechargeable batteries and backlit keys). According to this keyboard’s fans, it’s a functional option that “still looks and feels like a high-end professional product.”

When it comes to an ergonomic mouse, four experts Bowman talked to about the best wireless mouses recommended this one. Beyond being designed to comfortably fit the shape of your hand, the mouse’s customizable thumb wheel can be set to scroll left-to-right across your screen, which a video creator says is a “huge” help when moving through a film’s timeline.

If you, like Leimkuhler, find the feeling of using a mouse on a desk or table to be “a little like nails on a chalkboard,” you might want to consider picking up a mousepad. The one she uses is a (now sold out) Yayoi Kusama mousepad from the MoMA Design Store, which adds a pop of color to her desk while also protecting it. This still-available Roy Lichtenstein design that Leimkuhler pointed us to would have the same effect, she says.

To solve her bedroom’s (relatable) single-outlet problem, Kathy Li, the Strategist’s audience growth coordinator, bought a “ridiculously long” 15-foot extension cord. Now, she says her phone and other devices can happily charge on her desk while she works, even though the outlet remains “all the way on the other side” of her room.

“One of my biggest complaints about working from home is not having a full-sized monitor,” Blackburn told us. He says that this iPad stand helps simulate a monitor for him by raising his iPad to the level and angle of his laptop screen, so he can use it as a second screen for his laptop. He adds that this “sturdy, affordable” holder (which can also fit a phone) is great “if you just want to have YouTube on while you work.” Blackburn adds that newer iPads have built-in technology should you want to use them as a second display for your laptop screen instead of YouTube (and that the dual-display function can be added to older iPads using Duet Display. )

According to Strategist writer Jenna Milliner-Waddell, this inexpensive doodad allows you to use your phone as a second monitor of sorts. It holds a phone side-by-side with a laptop screen, “so when calls, texts, or email notifications come in, I can simply glance over to see what’s going on without breaking contact with my keyboard or computer screen, significantly improving the number of uninterrupted hours I work a day.”

If you’re looking for a proper monitor, Lynch has high praise for this one, which he says basically changed everything about his work-from-home life . “Having room for two documents side by side on my screen, rather than having to flip back and forth between them, made me work so much faster,” he says, noting how handy monitors can be for those who try to keep dozens of windows open on a tiny laptop screen. Lynch adds that the monitor’s stand can be raised, lowered, and tilted across four different planes to create the perfect display setup.

“I love this thing,” Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo says of this flexible phone holder, which she has called her best WFH-related purchase. Since buying it, Corsillo told us she’s used it “for yoga, to watch TV in the bath, to talk to friends while baking, and to take photographs for articles.” Her partner, she adds, has even borrowed it for his own remote work as a teacher.

Kardonski told us that she tends to work most often from her couch, with her computer on her lap. She says after being “sketched out by my laptop sitting on my ovaries for hours, and feeling like it’s zapping my insides” she bought this DefenderPad shield, which slides right under the laptop and uses EMF shielding technology to combat radiation. It might cost a lot for a tech accessory, she says, “but considering a laptop case can easily be over $60, the portability and peace of mind this pad gives me is definitely worth it.”

Sarah Weingust, the founder and CEO of travel company HostelPass (who from her home runs a business with employees all over the world), says this small stand that “sticks onto the bottom of your laptop” is helpful for two reasons. “I find it helps most with my posture and comfort, but also can be really helpful to keep my computer cool if I’m running a lot of programs,” she told us. “It props up my laptop and doesn’t cover the fan, making it easier for air to flow and keeping my computer from getting overheated.” Weingust adds that, for such a small stand, it doesn’t move even if she’s “typing up a storm” and that it has three levels to choose from, including an option to lie flat as if it wasn’t there. If you’re looking for other ways to keep your electronics fresh and high-performing, check out our expert-recommended guide to everything you need to clean tech products.

Strategist contributor Liz Carey — a television writer who works a lot from home — praised this affordable, adjustable table as an essential piece of gear, saying it helps her to maintain a better posture when she spends hours working from the desk in her bedroom. “The tabletop can be tilted, and you adjust its height via two buttons on either of its legs,” she writes. “If I put it on top of the regular desk I work from in my bedroom, the setup affords me enough height that you could call it a makeshift standing desk.” It also allows her to work from her bed (which more than one of our sources say they will do from time to time). “Perched on my mattress , the table stands tall enough that I can extend my legs beneath it or sit cross-legged.”

For a sleeker-looking stand that could support a laptop or monitor (though probably not in bed), communications strategist Amy Lebowitz told us she ingeniously repurposed this kitchen storage rack (designed by Strategist favorite brand Yamazaki Home) to instead “prop up my second monitor at eye level without taking up a bunch of space on my desk.” She describes it as a “great design” that allows her to store things underneath her monitor — something you just can’t do with a stack of books.

Maybe after a year of barking at a screen or into your headphones’ microphone, you’re realizing you need a better way to be heard during all those Zoom meetings. If so, two different professionals told us this USB microphone is the best thing they got for working from home . Strategist contributor Laura Fenton , the author of  The Little Book of Living Small , says she bought hers after “one too many tinny-sounding interviews,” promising that the device is “easy enough for a non-techie person like myself to use.” Jon Lincoln, the founder of online retailer  goimagine , also bought the mic and told us “it has worked great as an inexpensive solution to make sure everyone is heard clearly during our virtual meetings.”

If working from home means you’re also working on a personal computer, you might want to invest in a back-up program, according to Eric Lawton, a freelance designer who works from home five days a week. “Don’t learn the hard way like I did and procrastinate about backing up your files,” he told us, adding that Blackblaze software provides a simple way to get unlimited storage for your computer, as well as any external hard drives attached to it. “It’s a must have for any freelancer whose files are their livelihood.”

Lawton also told us he likes to use this desk protector underneath his laptop and workbooks. “Essentially, it’s just a really comfortable place to rest your wrists and arms,” he told us. For more lap desks to consider, we’ve listed the best-reviewed ones on Amazon here .

Comfort-driven accessories

While you should probably change out of your pajamas, the folks we spoke to say that a proven work-from-home benefit is being able to add a dash more comfort to your work environment. Just as you might use one to warm you up in a chilly office, a blanket can be a nice accessory to keep you cozy while working at home, too, according to Arsenault (“If I’m working at the kitchen table, I wrap myself in a blanket.”). Her go-to is a luxe merino-and-cashmere blanket , but if you’re looking for something more affordable that simply looks nice and will keep you comfy, this faux fur throw from our list of interior-designer-recommended blankets should do the trick. According to the designer who recommended it, it’s “inexpensive, easy to maintain, has a great look, and is ultra-soft.”

These weren’t marketing manager Summer Langton’s first pair of blue-light-blocking glasses , but she tells us they were the first that worked. “They have a slight warm yellow tint to them,” she explains, “which really helps me with eye fatigue. I fully notice the difference at night if I’ve worn these all day vs. if I haven’t.”

Hannah Richtman, the owner of Brooklyn vintage store The Break , says this aesthetically pleasing humidifier is the first thing that comes to mind as a work from home essential. “It’s changed the way I wake up in the morning (sore-throat free) and actually looks nice in my home,” she says, adding that the humidifier has also stopped her from having to remind herself that “you don’t have COVID, the air in your apartment is just dry.”

While you don’t need to put on dress shoes if you’re working from home, a pair of slippers is crucial for keeping your feet warm and clean, according to Lawton ( and Black ). “It’s hard finding house slippers that are comfortable, well-designed, and not covered in fur,” Lawton says. But he swears that these loungers from Allbirds are all three. They “fit the bill perfectly — so much so that my girlfriend and I have matching pairs,” he adds. For a more (non-fur-covered) footwear you can wear inside and on the occasional errand, check out our cool-person-approved list of slides for men and women.

Perhaps, like Fast Company associate editor Yasmin Gagne , you too have been able to take advantage of the “five-minute midday shower” that she often treats herself to while working from home. On days when she showers and doesn’t have to show face at any Zoom meetings afterwards, Gagne told us she’ll wear “this weird towel/turban at my desk,” adding that it makes her “hair dries faster” and “doesn’t get my shirt all wet.”

To soothe tech neck from staring at her computer screen all day, Strategist writer Chloe Anello invested in this acupressure mat and pillow. “I put it on my couch and lay on it while I answer emails,” she says. “Going through my inbox is much less stressful when doing it from an acupressure mat.”

If you don’t currently have the funds to invest in a new ergonomic chair or desk, Apothékary  founder Shizu Okusa suggests using this affordable posture corrector. Her mother bought one for each member of her family when they were all working at less-than-ideal ergonomic setups at home. “This strap holds your shoulders back for you, which ultimately makes it difficult to sit with a curved spine, and over time your muscles are conditioned to support better posture (even if you’re not wearing the strap),” she says.

“In the same way  certain upper-back braces  use tension to pull your shoulders back to encourage better posture, the S’portBacker uses tension to tilt your pelvis slightly forward and prop you up to encourage better posture while seated,” explains Klein, who uses this when working on low-back chairs or stools. “I have a hard time maintaining an upright posture in a chair without a back; no matter how hard I try to keep my core engaged, I typically (subconsciously) end up slouching and rounding my shoulders or overarching in a way that gives me lower-back aches,” she says. “But the S’portBacker makes it easier to keep my core activated (without overcompensating in my back).”

Last year, our beauty writer Rio Viera-Newton invested in this tinier version of the massage tool beloved by athletes as a way to soothe muscles (and stress) from WFH. Skeptical of its size — “it’s only a touch bigger than my hand and a lot lighter than my MacBook Air” — she was blown away by its power. “At three different speeds, it vigorously vibrates to loosen up muscles while the attachment ball thrusts up and down, massaging deep into those sore spots.” It has another fan in Lumen co-founder Merav Mor, who also bought the Theragun Mini after she started working from home during the pandemic. “I use my Theragun to give myself a soothing shoulder massage between meetings or to just relieve sore muscles,” she says.

Things to keep you focused

If your brain is understandably struggling to switch between work and rest modes without the change of scenery, Richtman recommends these focus-enhancing supplements from the Nue Co. (a brand we’ve written about before ), which she says have helped her feel more “control over my health and well-being.” Since she’s started taking them, Richtman says she’s “repainted my entire apartment, learned how to groom my dog, and felt much more aligned with my daily to-do list.”

When she’s approaching an afternoon slump, Gagne says that putting a dropper’s worth of this ( less-expensive ) liquid supplement in a glass of water “actually works.” She adds: “It tastes like dirt, but placebo effect or not, I feel like I can focus better afterwards.”

Julianne Fraser, the founder and CEO of digital-marketing agency  Dialogue New York , says her biggest challenge with working from home was finding ways to set boundaries between home and work life. Then she discovered the Instagram-famous Loftie alarm clock. “It has greatly improved my sleep quality,” Fraser says, because in addition to working as a wake-up alarm (allowing her to leave her phone outside of her bedroom), the clock is also a night-light and speaker that can play music, sound baths, guided meditations, and breath-work sessions. “I fall asleep to the sound baths and use the breath-work and meditation features instead of scrolling through my Instagram feed.”

“It’s the straw,” Langton says, that elevates this water bottle from just another vessel for keeping hydrated into a true WFH-essential. “I love that I can drink hands-free while I’m typing,” she explains, adding that she likes using a clear bottle (versus the opaque Hydroflasks and Yetis) because she can “see how much water I have left.” Her love for the Eddy+ was confirmed, Langton adds, when she relocated to her family’s house earlier this year, forgot to bring it with her, and ended up ordering another immediately. (We’ve also described it as one of the best water bottles that you can buy on Amazon.)

Grillo told us that she turns this lava lamp on whenever she sits down to work. “It sounds kind of ridiculous, but it always makes me smile to look at,” she says. “Freelancing and working from home can be really stressful, so it’s nice to just zone out to my lava lamp for a few minutes, and remind myself how lucky I am to get to do what I do.” As for how it works, Grillo says it usually takes the lava lamp about 20 minutes after you turn it on to really get going, which she uses as a timer. “By the time the insides are bouncing around, I aim to be pretty deep into my work and no longer doing clerical emails and invoices.”

Grillo adds that she always keeps a “chunk” of purple amethyst crystal on her desk, because as well as being aesthetically pleasing, a former meditation professor told her it prevents harmful rays from electronics. “I even brought a chunk with me every day to an internship when I was 21, which I think thoroughly freaked out my boss,” she adds.

Strategist editor Maxine Builder wrote about how this satisfying block color timer is the “only thing that helps her avoid Twitter,” claiming that it helps her work for two hours straight without feeling burned out. Just flip the cube to display the time you’d like to count down from and the timer will begin, allowing you to give yourself a guilt-free break on social media between timed chunks of work.

“Taking breaks is necessary” when working from home, Black wrote when a reader asked him for things that could make an office of one more enjoyable. He added that it helps to “walk around the block, or do something physical to keep the blood flowing.” If you can’t walk around the block, Black recommends these handles you can use to get a few push-ups in (and perfect your technique) at home. As he puts it: “You don’t get pecs from writing emails!”

With additional reporting by Dominique Pariso.

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This is the future of remote work in 2021.

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Remote work is here to stay in 2021

The world witnessed a historic shift in the 2020 job market due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While some companies used to offer the ability to work from home as a perk, it has now become the norm for most businesses. By 2025, an estimated 70% of the workforce will be working remotely at least five days a month. While 2020 may be considered the year of remote work, it is just the beginning as we see the trend continuing in 2021.

Remote work becomes permanent

The percentage of workers permanently working from home is expected to double in 2021, according to a survey from Enterprise Technology Research (ETR). “The productivity metric is proving that remote work is working,” said Erik Bradley, chief engagement strategist at ETR. “So, we all thought that there would be some increase in permanent remote work, but we didn’t expect that to double from pre-pandemic levels.” Another recent Gartner CFO survey revealed that over two-thirds (74%) plan to permanently shift employees to remote work after the Covid-19 crisis ends. As expected, Big Tech companies are paving the way . Twitter, based in San Francisco, told employees in May that they could work from home indefinitely. Square, which is also led by Twitter's Jack Dorsey, adopted a similar policy around the same time and will allow employees to work from home indefinitely, even after offices reopen. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told employees in late May that many would work remotely indefinitely and plans to keep staff remote through 2020.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told employees that many would work remotely indefinitely.

Remote work means less office space

Moe Vela, Chief Transparency Officer of TransparentBusiness , predicts that the need for large physical office spaces will gradually become a thing of the past. “Completely remote companies with no headquarters will continue to form as other organizations decide to reduce their office space for hybrid teams or forgo one altogether to save on costs,” adds Vela. And companies are already taking steps in this direction. Earlier this summer, outdoor retailer REI announced that it is selling its brand new, unused 8-acre corporate campus in Bellevue, Washington. In a statement, CEO Eric Artz said the company would "lean into remote working as an engrained, supported, and normalized model" for employees. Many companies are also planning a new combination of remote and on-site working, giving rise to a hybrid work model. As Anna Convery-Pelletier, CMO at Radware , suggests, “One strategy might be to have specific days for in-person meetings and collaboration, and then other days allocated for remote work. In-person meetings might be reserved for brainstorming sessions, introducing new projects, or team-building exercises, while remote days would be for work that can be performed individually. The office could be redesigned and reorganized by getting rid of cubicles and creating more collaborative meeting spaces.”

Remote work requires more engagement

In an office setting, a positive attitude and strong relationships open the doors to advancement. One of the disadvantages of working remotely is that it's more difficult to highlight professional achievements. In 2021 employees will need to put extra effort into amplifying their engagement virtually to ensure they have access to new opportunities. In a remote setting where employees collaborate mostly via email, engagement is much harder for workers to convey and for employers to identify. By participating in virtual events, being active in online meetings, and keeping enthusiasm high, employees will be able to stand out as leaders while working from home.

Remote work affects performance management

Remote work has changed performance management considerably. Organizations will increasingly focus on work done instead of hours worked—making tools and apps to help manage remote employee performance more essential. To maximize employee efficiency, employers will need visibility over what workers are doing. Some examples of remote employee management tools include Time Doctor, Timely and TransparentBusiness. At some point, it may even be necessary to create a new job position, like Director of Remote Work, to oversee production and collaboration and ensure operational efficiencies. Some companies are also making performance reviews ongoing rather than annual. Continuous feedback will become essential as managers strive to help employees navigate their job responsibilities and meet performance expectations. Rethinking how goals are set and identifying key performance metrics will be critical to managing remote workers in the new normal.

Matt Damon Movie Dud Falls Off Netflix Top 10 Global Chart After 1 Week

Nyt ‘strands’ hints, spangram and answers for wednesday, may 22, how could a ukrainian drone weighing just a few pounds blow up a 46-ton russian tank the warhead is the answer, remote work makes cybersecurity vital.

As organizations allow a significant part of the workforce to remain remote, cybersecurity will become an even greater concern in 2021. In Cisco’s Future of Secure Remote Work Report , 85% of all respondents reported that cybersecurity is extremely important or more important than before the pandemic. A real concern is around how data is being accessed and how to secure it effectively. Jack Mannino, CEO of security firm nVisium , agrees that organizations need to think more strategically about cybersecurity investments and how to best protect workers, data and equipment. “The shift to remote work has prompted many organizations to make significant new investments in their IT systems and infrastructure,” Mannino said. “While the shift has already happened for many, the security debt created in the process has not been addressed in many places. Securing a remote workforce requires a different mindset and presents an expanded perimeter for an attack.”

The Covid-19 pandemic has proven that we can work from home and do it effectively—without losing productivity. In a survey by Mercer , an HR and workplace benefits consulting firm, 94% of employers said productivity was the same as or higher than before the pandemic, even with their employees working remotely. The future of remote work will require many changes, including investing in digital infrastructure and freeing office space. For most companies, having employees work outside the office will require reinventing many processes and policies. The question is, will the benefits outweigh the drawbacks? Only time will tell.

Are you feeling stuck and unfulfilled in your career? Download my free guide:  5 Signs It’s Time to Make a Bold Career Change!

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The Realities of Remote Work

• Laura Amico

Work-life boundaries are blurring and managers worry about productivity. What can be done?

The Covid-19 pandemic sparked what economist Nicholas Bloom calls the “ working-from-home economy .” While some workers may have had flexibility to work remotely before the pandemic, this unprecedented shift to remote work looks like it could be here to stay in some form.

• Laura Amico is a former senior editor at Harvard Business Review.

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TechRadar Work From Home Awards 2021: the best apps and gadgets for home

We've picked the best technology that has helped us work from home

Workstation Essentials

Communication drivers, keeping active, time savers, ergonomic ingenious, smart working, fuelling your day, app must-haves.

This past year has made working from home the new normal, and many of us are now either working from home permanently, or adapting to a hybrid model of working where we spend some days working from home, and other days working from the office.

This has meant that getting the best technology to help you work from home has never been more important, and the TechRadar Work From Home Awards have been created to celebrate the very best in home working gadgets and apps.

Our team of experts have been carefully testing and evaluating all of the entries, and we're now pleased to announce the winners of the TechRadar Work From Home Awards 2021 below:

Einova by Eggtronic Power Bar

"The Power Bar is very simple to use and convenient as a way to charge all your Apple devices in one place, though it would be even more useful for when office workers are travelling than working at home." Cat Ellis, Fitness and Wellbeing Editor

The Apple MFi-certified, multi-device wireless Power Bar from Einova is exactly what your home office has been waiting for – especially if your desk has become a cable graveyard and you’re looking to declutter. 

It's an all-in-one power bank that charges up to four devices simultaneously with Apple MFi, USB-IF certification and 53W total output. You can charge your iPhone, AirPods and an Apple Watch thanks to the three wireless charging spots — two 7.5W high-speed Qi Apple Fast Wireless Charging spots plus one 5W magnetic wireless charging spot designed for your Apple Watch. 

Each 7.5W Qi spot has its own dedicated LED light, which activates when the spot is charging a device. Radically simple design with versatility and portability: the Power Bar makes staying on top of your digital life a breeze while working from home and on the go.

"The LG Gram 17 is a fantastic laptop that's brilliantly designed, with a thin and light body that's easily portable. Other laptops can feel outdated and bulky compared to this." Matt Hanson, Senior Computing Editor

Unveiled at CES 2021 and launched to the UK public in February, the LG Gram series of laptops have won numerous awards this year thanks to industry-leading portability and performance, including a TechRadar Recommends award, with 10 awards in total and counting. 

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The LG gram is available in three sizes (14-inch, 16-inch and 17-inch) with the new models continuing the brand’s legacy of go-anywhere computing convenience as ultra-light and ultra-portable laptops. 

Boasting exceptional and nimble performance and long battery life, the laptops feature stylish new designs for a premium, sophisticated look whilst meeting the heaviest demands of our data-rich, 24/7 connected world. The 2021 LG Gram range feature 16:10 screens, designed for maximising work efficiency. 

The keyboard and touchpad have also been enlarged for faster, easier typing without compromising the portability of these compact devices – features include extra big and flat keycaps for seamless typing to reduce typos, and enhanced key pitch stroke from 1.5mm to 1.65mm helping to relive fatigue in your hands. 

An all-in-one power button allows users to power their gram and login at once, for extra ease of use and speed. Thunderbolt 4 lets you enjoy dual 4K and single 8K display connection to only one Thunderbolt port with stability, scalability and security. 

Providing a big-screen experience without sacrificing portability, the flagship LG Gram 17 boasts a large 17-inch screen while only weighing 1.35kg (2.98lbs), allowing consumers to enjoy better productivity while travelling. Thanks to LG’s ultra-narrow bezels and a hidden hinge design, the laptops achieve an impressive screen-to-body ratio (STBR) of 90%.

LG UltraFine IPS monitor 32UN880-B

"Nice size, beautiful screen, easy to manoeuvre - fits the bill for remote workers." Joel Khalili, TechRadar Pro Staff Writer

The LG UltraFine 32UN880-B monitor is the perfect companion for work productivity. As an LG UltraFine display, all the details are mastered with unparalleled detail and powerful performance on offer for users looking to view their content in luminous display, perfect for those specialising in content creation, or photo or video editing.

This monitor comes with P3 (the standard of colour gamut) support with 500 nits, offering sustained high brightness in any ambient lighting conditions, helping users to demonstrate their ideas powerfully.

The higher resolution means more than just a better-quality image - with DCI-P3 and HDR10, the LG UltraFine Ergo provides peerlessly sharp and vibrant displays to allow users to appreciate their work down to the smallest detail.

The 31.5-inch 4K IPS display delivers a comfortable viewing experience by reducing colour shift from different vantage points.

Samsung Smart Monitor

"This monitor offers a really interesting design with built-in Office support and apps. It's great to see Samsung include features to help reduce eyestrain as well." Matt Hanson, Senior Computing Editor

The Samsung Smart Monitor launched in November 2020 as the world’s first do-it-all screen, designed for users who are working, learning and staying entertained while at home. 

Whilst Samsung’s Smart Monitor incorporates powerful mobile and PC connectivity, as well as remote home office and learning features, it also provides users with Samsung's Smart Hub for when the work is done. 

Similar to Samsung’s built-in Smart TV platform, Smart Hub allows the display to be used as a complete entertainment hub so that consumers can stream their favourite content, including Netflix, HBO and YouTube , via the monitor’s app store. 

For home office and learning, the display operates Microsoft Office 365 applications without a PC connection thanks to embedded Wi-Fi, allowing users to view, edit and save documents in the cloud directly from the monitor. 

Remote Access also allows users to wirelessly and remotely access files from a PC or view content from a laptop whether it is situated elsewhere in the house or at the office. The USB Type-C port allows for data, display and power — up to 65W — with just a single connection, keeping the area around the monitor clean and beautiful.

The Samsung Smart Monitor provides numerous connectivity options for both PCs and smartphones. Users can connect their personal mobile devices with just a simple tap using Tap View,1 App Casting or Apple AirPlay 2. 

For a complete desktop experience using a mobile device, users can also connect to the monitor with Samsung DeX. 

The Samsung Smart Monitor also features technology designed to make viewing more comfortable. Adaptive Picture optimises picture quality for any viewing environment by automatically adjusting brightness and colour temperature in response to room conditions. This ensures the most comfortable viewing experience in any environment, reducing eye strain even after extended use. The monitor also features a special eye-saver mode to reduce blue light.

BT Hybrid Connect / Unbreakable WiFi

"Incredibly simple to set up, and works exactly as advertised – your broadband cuts out and after a short wait, a seamless 4G signal kicks in, ensuring no drop in service. No doubt incredibly handy when you have meetings all day. The high monthly price is perhaps its only drawback." Samuel Roberts, Entertainment Editor

BT’s Hybrid Connect is the UK’s first unbreakable home broadband backed up by EE, the UK’s best mobile network, redefining broadband reliability in a time where a strong and fast connection is more important than ever. 

BT’s Hybrid Connect works to reinforce the always-on promise, working with your Smart Hub 2. If your broadband ever goes down, it automatically connects you to EE’s 4G network, without you needing to lift a finger or lose focus during important workstation tasks. 

So, even if there’s a fault with your fibre broadband connection (e.g., due to a damaged phone line, a fault at the cabinet or poor weather), it can keep all your workstation devices connected to the internet.

When the broadband connection is restored, it will automatically defer back to the fixed connection, minimising any interruption to internet use. 

Hybrid Connect offers a truly unbreakable connection, perfect for uninterrupted video calls and endless streaming and works alongside BT Complete WiFi, so whether connected to a broadband network of the EE network, customers will continue to receive a signal at their workstations, even in those hard-to-reach places in the home. 

With BT’s Hybrid Connect, customers have the reassurance of an always-on connection, meaning that they never need to worry about dropping off important work calls, missing out on virtual university lectures, not being able to send or receive emails or being unable to progress with their to-do lists ever again because of a lost internet connection. 

Productivity remains high and unwanted Wi-Fi related distractions are gone. And it’s not all work and no play. When the working day is over and it’s time to wind down, the device continues to power your home entertainment needs, delivering the best possible streaming and gaming experience to your workstation thanks to an uninterrupted and unbreakable connection. 

Working straight out of the box, not only is Hybrid Connect always-on, it’s also perfect when switching to BT, providing instant connectivity for new customers, while they wait for their fixed line broadband to be activated.

Epos H3 headset

"You don't want your home office to be cluttered with multiple headsets, and the Epos H3 does it all - gaming, video conferencing, and music. It's comfortable enough for all-day use, and sound quality is consistently impressive." Cat Ellis, Fitness and Wellbeing Editor

Despite being aimed at gamers, the Epos H3 headset is also an excellent choice for people looking to keep in contact with colleagues while working from home.

The Epos H3 closed acoustic headset delivers an immersive game audio experience with multi-platform plug and play ease of use. A microphone with a flexible lift-to-mute boom arm delivers clear audio in meetings and during games. 

A stainless steel slider in the headband with length indicators provides easy adjustment and hinged ear cups angle to fit any face shape for long wearing comfort.

The length indicators and click stops on the slider allow the user to easily find and remember their most comfortable fit. The new design also features hinged ear cups that angle to fit any face shape.

OWC Envoy Pro FX

"Feels like a premium product in the hand, and the machined metal shell is easy on the eye. Strong read/write speeds and compatible with most devices (Thunderbolt/USB-A), helps it stand out in this crowded market." Joel Khalili, TechRadar Pro Staff Writer

The first portable SSDs on the market were one small step in mobile storage advancement, often with limited capacity, speeds, and reliability. 

However, the Envoy Pro FX (available from Amazon or Macsales ) is one giant leap. This portable SSD provides out-of-this-world performance and is the first of its kind universal Thunderbolt drive to work via USB-C and USB-A. 

This lets you plug it into yesterday’s and today’s Thunderbolt and USB-equipped Macs and PCs. However, it's also impressively future-proof, allowing you to plug it into tomorrow’s Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 machines. 

You can even plug it into iPad Pro, Chromebook, and Surface devices, and you'll never have to worry about your external drive interface or compatibility.

Iris Flow Headphones

"Nice design, and very good sound quality, as well as being quite comfortable to wear. Headphones are very useful for working from home, and this is a nice set." Matt Hanson, Senior Computing Editor

Iris Flow sets a new standard for personal audio, as these are the first headphones to feature IRIS technology that dramatically improves sound quality while simultaneously activating your brain, to help you Find Your Flow. 

Iris’ 25 years of research and development into the experience of audio have led to creating a solution to poor sound quality, enabling the world to now ‘listen well’. 

Its patented technology makes the brain more actively participate in the act of listening, which when used in an at home working environment, increases levels of engagement and focus, and facilitates effective communication. 

The Iris Flow headphones are a game-changer in work-from-home technology, transforming digital audio listening and communication into a truly immersive experience. 

Featuring impressive features such as 37-hours of battery life, best in market 40mm Beryllium drivers and Qualcomm cVc technology with dual microphones for optimised phone calls, Iris has engineered a headphone without compromise. 

But what differentiates the Iris Flow Headphones from any other is the technology within. At the heart of the product is a patented algorithm that reintroduces the spatial components of sound normally lost in any digital format, including music streaming, YouTube, or video conference calls. 

This spatial component of sound is how we have evolved to hear. It’s what makes us feel the emotion of sound at a live concert and allows us to connect with colleagues, friends and loved ones when we are deep in conversation in a live environment. 

For the first time ever, we can now experience that emotive, live sound experience when listening through digital channels, and it’s this scientifically-proven feature that truly stands these headphones apart and allows us to work more effectively at home. 

Other features include: USB-C charging, 3.5mm connector, sound isolating foam padding with rich protein leather, patented acoustic chamber, ergonomic aluminium chassis and a frequency response of 5Hz-25,000Hz.

AfterShokz OpenComm

"Aftershokz has made a name for itself in bone conduction headphones for sports, and the OpenComm puts that knowledge to good use in the home office, allowing you to hear what's going on in the rest of the house during calls - a smart choice." Cat Ellis, Fitness and Wellbeing Editor

Released in November 2020, OpenComm is the first bone conduction stereo Bluetooth headset from AfterShokz and is designed specifically for efficient communication in the workplace, whether the user’s office is a desk at home, a job site, or a driving cabin. 

This headset leverages AfterShokz’s award-winning and proprietary open-ear design reimagined for a different kind of consumer: the work from home professional.

Patented bone conduction technology delivers premium sound while leaving ears open, helping users stay connected to and aware of their surroundings. By eliminating the physical in-ear sound barrier that has always been present with traditional headsets, professionals can more easily collaborate with their peers, hear their children and deliveries at the door, and remain actively engaged within their workflow or work duties wherever work is being done. 

Features like an adjustable noise-cancelling boom microphone and 16 hours of talk time and a 5-minute Quick Charge that provides two hours of talk time ensure clear communication. 

Additionally, a lightweight titanium wraparound frame and open-ear design make OpenComm ideal for comfortable, all-day wear. OpenComm also features a multifunction button for accessible controls and NFC Pairing (Near Field Communication), which provides those with NFC-compatible devices with an easy way to connect their headsets. 

Extra benefits of the headset include an IP55 water-resistant rating and Bluetooth 5.0. This means that users can take a conference call or participate in a webinar while working from their home office, the kitchen, or even while on a neighbourhood walk with ease. 

However, the most unique feature of the OpenComm headset is undoubtedly the patented 7th generation bone conduction technology, with the adjustable DSP noise-cancelling boom microphone coming in at a close second. 

The signature open-ear design and patented bone conduction technology deliver unrivalled situational awareness, while PremiumPitch 2.0+ Stereo Sound provides high-quality audio. 

The adjustable boom mic helps to eliminate background noise for clear communication in loud environments, making it the perfect productivity partner for working from home or working while on the go. These design elements and features allow OpenComm to stand out in the headset industry as an option that pairs comfort with communication in a way the market hasn’t seen before.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G

"This is one of the best foldable phones you can buy, and delivers a great tablet-phone experience for home workers who want to take notes during meetings - though it's seriously, seriously expensive." Cat Ellis, Fitness and Wellbeing Editor

Navigating through working from home life can be challenging, so maintaining connections and keeping in touch with both colleagues and loved ones is vital, whilst also staying productive and keeping on track of daily tasks. 

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G is a category-defining smartphone providing an unrivalled mobile experience for those who enjoy being on the cutting-edge of technology.

Scoring 4 out of-5 stars in TechRadar’s review, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 was described as “the world’s most cutting-edge phone” at launch. Building on its longstanding legacy of Galaxy leadership, Samsung once again pushes the boundaries of mobile innovation and engineering, offering unparalleled versatility for everyday life.

Users can communicate in an instant thanks to ultra-fast full 5G band compatibility, while the 4,500mAh battery and Super-Fast Charging means users can do more without worrying about battery life.

From staying connected to loved ones to keeping work colleagues in the loop, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is not only a communication driver, but a way of staying on top of daily tasks. 

Users can enjoy a versatile device experience, whether the device is open or closed. The 6.2-inch Infinity-O Cover Screen provides maximum usability so users can check emails, look up directions, or even watch content without unfolding the device. When unfolded, the cinematic 7.6-inch Main Screen, with minimized bezels and notch-less Front Camera, immerses users with a 120Hz adaptable refresh rate, perfect for video calls 

You can also enjoy seamless multitasking, whilst staying connected to those that matter the most. The intuitive UX ensures apps can transition effortlessly between the smaller and larger displays, with optimised App Interactions supporting the flow.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

"A premium smartwatch with great fitness features - the Galaxy Watch 3 is a solid choice if you're not wedded to Google or Apple's ecosystems." Cat Ellis, Fitness and Wellbeing Editor

Scoring an incredible 4.5 out of 5 stars and Recommended Award in TechRadar’s review, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a next-generation companion for managing routines, smashing fitness goals, and holistically tracking health and wellness. TechRadar has also named it “The best Smartwatch for those on Android”.

From running, to HIIT, to yoga, Galaxy Watch 3 provides Samsung’s most comprehensive suite of health features yet, where TechRadar’s review praised the “strong fitness features” encompassing a wide range of lifestyles and preferences, all monitored via Samsung Health.

For users that have adapted to home-workouts, they can access a full-service fitness studio from the comfort of the living room with Samsung Health, which features a library of more than 120 different video workouts. 

For avid runners that hit the pavement at lunchtime to break up their WFH daily routine, the standalone running analysis offers real-time feedback during runs as well as six-factor post-workout reports, which help improve form and boost performance.

To track cardio progress, VO2 max readings analyses offers insight into oxygen uptake, monitoring oxygen flow to muscles to track progress.

What’s more, the Blood Oxygen (SpO2) feature measures and tracks oxygen saturation over time, and the Watch 3 can also measure blood pressure and electrocardiogram tracking via the Samsung Health Monitor app, providing users with deeper insight into health to make more informed decisions about their overall wellness.

Because recovery is just as important as the exercise, Samsung has been developing its sleep management offering since it was first introduced back in 2014. Now, Galaxy Watch3 offers brand new sleep score and insights so you can track your sleep and get familiar with your pattern.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 4G also encourages users step out into the fresh air to get their steps up, without being tethered to their phone. On the daily morning walk, pay for coffee in a tap via Samsung Pay, check schedules on the move and even message friends – no phone necessary.

The holistic health suite is underpinned by a timeless design inspired by a luxury timepiece, built with premium materials and Samsung’s signature rotating bezel, an exclusive feature to Samsung smartwatches which gives it the edge vs competitors, making it one of the most efficient ways to navigate features. 

The watch grade steel with a strap crafted from quality leather offers a sophisticated yet classic style, comfortable enough to wear at all times, whether that’s during an action-packed workout or whilst clearing the mind at a yoga session.

Power Plate Mini+ Massage Gun

"The Power Plate Mini+ Massage Gun really fills a niche - small enough to be truly portable, but powerful enough to give a proper massage. It's genuinely useful to have by your desk when working from home and your shoulders are getting stiff, not just after a workout." Cat Ellis, Fitness and Wellbeing Editor

Compact but solidly built, the Power Plate Mini+ is a portable massage gun that has real kick when you need it, but can also loosen tight muscles more gently than a full-sized version. 

It will give hours of use on a single charge, and is ideal for keeping in your gym bag for post-workout massage, or at your desk to loosen tight muscles while working. It's beginner-friendly too, with an excellent set of instructional videos available in the Power Plate mobile app, and a very reasonable price tag.

It's the best massage gun we've tested to date at TechRadar, and it's ideal for people working from home who may be feeling the stresses and strains of working all day at a desk.

Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Machine

"A reliable machine for coffee addicts working from home. It won't be for everyone, but we love Smeg's retro aesthetic." Joel Khalili, TechRadar Pro Staff Writer

The Smeg Drip Filter Coffee Machine features Smeg’s iconic retro-inspired design, and is available in a variety of colors. It’s designed to produce large quantities of filter coffee in one go, and a hot plate means you can keep the coffee warm for up to 40 minutes after brewing.

There’s a timer function, so you can load in the ground coffee, add water, and select the time you want the machine to start brewing your coffee. You can also choose between a delicate or an intense aroma from your coffee, depending on how you like it.

It did a very good job of keeping coffee warm for up to 40 minutes, while its stylish design also adds to its appeal and earns it a place among our  best coffee makers . 

Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-free

"The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-free has a nice design, plus a handy wirefree option that makes it easy to install. Could be very useful for people working from home who are now getting lots of deliveries, for example." Matt Hanson, Senior Computing Editor

The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell has been developed with security and efficiency for consumers at its heart. Over 70% of burglars enter the home through the front door, making it an area that requires additional security. 

Yet many people admit to not taking action to protect this vulnerable part of their property. Often because the products available are unsightly, poor quality and hard to install which can eat into people’s precious time. 

The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell can help keep your front door secure 24/7 whilst being quick and easy to use. It is 100% wireless, making it super easy for consumers to install, while its compact rechargeable battery lasts up to six months meaning consumers can save even time by not having to constantly recharge the battery. 

The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is also a faster way to answer your door. The only doorbell to directly video call your mobile when it’s pressed, so you don’t need to wait for an app to open – a simple swipe will let you speak to whoever had just rung the door bell. 

That means you can direct delivery drivers or let visitors know you’ll be home soon – even if you aren’t at home, saving you time. 

And, if you spot an intruder, you can trigger one of the built-in security features such as the siren to scare them away. The widest viewing angle and unique square video capture means you can see visitors from head to toe. 

The video is captured in clear 1080p resolution which means key details including the face and clothes of visitors can easily be recognised, even at night. For efficiency, this video is streamed directly to the homeowner’s mobile phone via the highly rated Arlo app ensuring they can keep an eye on who is arriving at their homes, even if they are away.

LG UltraWide Ergo 34WN780-B

"High-performance ultrawide monitor perfect for remote working. Offers excellent flexibility when it comes to positioning the screen, but it may not be compatible with all desk types." Joel Khalili, TechRadar Pro Staff Writer

The LG UltraWide Ergo 34WN780-B is a welcome innovation for anyone who spends a significant amount of time at their desk. The enhanced flexibility of the Ergo stand offers expanded ergonomic adjustment with movements including extend, retract, swivel, pivot, height and tilt. 

Users can ensure the monitor perfectly follows their eye level for a more comfortable and sustainable experience, helping employees now working from home to ensure they’re not risking their long-term health with poor monitor positioning and desk set-up. 

Promoting good posture, each individual user can create a perfectly customised work station. The compact design takes up very little desk surface, not only contributing to an easier installation but helping users achieve a clutter-free environment that offers a mess-free work station to boost mindful productivity.

Wiser by Drayton

"The ability to control environmental conditions in the home more easily and with greater precision can only be a benefit for home workers. The device sacrifices smart features (e.g. motion detection) for affordability, but many will consider this a fair trade." Joel Khalili, TechRadar Pro Staff Writer

Many people have been working from home in some capacity since March 2020 and despite trying to adapt the home, and it’s proved a challenge to create a productive and energy efficient workspace. In fact, a OnePoll survey by heating experts Drayton found that half of those polled wanted to improve their abode after six months of working from home. 

The innovative Wiser multi-room smart heating system gives users complete control of their heating and hot water via an intuitive app. You no longer have to heat the whole house all day and have the ability to only heat the rooms in use, such as the home office, to create a comfortable working environment, while reducing energy usage significantly. 

Designed by trusted British heating experts Drayton, Wiser allows you to create up to 16 individual heating zones, so you can set different room temperatures and heating schedules throughout your home to suit everyone’s work schedule. 

For those returning to work in the office on a part-time basis, the option to tweak schedules in just a few simple steps provides added convenience. Wiser is also Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatible, making the system ideal for those looking to embrace smart technology now they are spending increasingly more time at home. 

Not only does having the ability to control the room temperature make the working from home more comfortable, it makes the home more sustainable and saves energy – making it a great long term investment. 

Wiser works alongside the existing heating system with no need to alter pipework or valves, making it easy to fit as a standalone project or during a boiler service. Wiser is suitable for use with combi and conventional heating systems, with kits available to control heating only or heating and hot water.

Samsung Family Hub

"The Samsung Family Hub Fridge really is a game changer. From letting you see what's inside without having to open the door (saving energy as well as time) to letting you control your smart home gadgets, listen to music streaming services and even get recipe ideas using the contents of your fridge to prevent waste, this stylish device is incredibly innovative." Carrie-Ann Skinner, Home Editor

From keeping your food fresh to shopping for your groceries, tracking food expiry dates and providing recipes based on what you have in the fridge, the Samsung Family Hub is critical in helping you manage your time throughout the day, making working from home easier than ever.  

Family Hub enables people to easily share life’s important moments with one another and – through the use of the SmartThings App - control more of the connected devices within their smart home centrally. 

The latest version of Family Hub can help to fuel your day with its simple, sophisticated, and modern technology, complete with features that allow you to organise your food supplies in line with your fridge’s contents. 

In response to years of consumer insights with Family Hub, the next generation delivers innovative features that users want the most: cameras inside the refrigerator and improved, thoughtful meal planning and recipe suggestions tailored to personal preferences.

As well as helping you to fuel your day, The Family Hub also enables people to share a greater variety of media and entertainment and brings a new level of control to the connected home. To make sharing even easier, Family Hub has the SmartView feature, which mirrors content from connected Samsung TVs and Samsung mobile devices. 

With portrait mode, users can enjoy vertical smartphone videos, as well as their favourite social media content on the full screen of Family Hub. With almost half a dozen options available, members of the household can continue to enjoy music from their favourite music streaming apps even in the kitchen.

Surfshark VPN

"A high-quality VPN with feature-rich apps, thousands of servers and great customer support. It's also more affordable than some of the other premium players on the market." Joel Khalili, TechRadar Pro Staff Writer

The work from home setting that became a new reality last year shifted the perception of privacy protection and online security. 

Individuals and companies were quick to realize that the new setting does not offer office-level security of their networks and devices, thus were quick to turn to VPN services as an easy and effective solution. 

National lockdowns boosted the VPN market and Surfshark was at the forefront among premium VPN providers. 

Last year the company announced an initiative to support freelancers and small businesses that had to move to work from home with free VPN subscriptions. 

The initiative that lasted for over a week proved the demand for such security solutions, as hundreds of applications from small business owners for 6-month free VPN services were approved, and most of these companies extended their subscriptions after the period ended. 

In addition, the analysis of the increase in Surfshark VPN usage during the lockdowns showed an over 30% spike in demand for server resources that has not decreased and continues to grow to this day. 

Working from home has showed how important it is to have a reliable and seamlessly manageable cybersecurity solution such as a VPN to protect yourself and the data you are working with when having no office IT infrastructure to cover these needs.

The TechRadar hive mind. The Megazord. The Voltron. When our powers combine, we become 'TECHRADAR STAFF'. You'll usually see this author name when the entire team has collaborated on a project or an article, whether that's a run-down ranking of our favorite Marvel films, or a round-up of all the coolest things we've collectively seen at annual tech shows like CES and MWC. We are one.

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Economic View

The Battles to Come Over the Benefits of Working From Home

Not having to commute was the equivalent of a big bonus for many employees. In the future, bosses may expect more hours in exchange for remote work, an economist says.

By Austan Goolsbee

Millions of Americans have gotten a taste of working from home during the pandemic, and, boy, have they liked it.

Almost two-thirds of U.S. workers in a McKinsey survey at the start of the year said they wanted to work from home at least three days a week when the pandemic was over.

But battles are coming. People tend to think the fights will be over whether employers will allow remote work in the future. But a more vexing struggle may be over whether employers take most or all of these newfound benefits for themselves — not by prohibiting remote work but by expecting more hours from employees once the labor market is not as favorable to workers as it is right now.

Yes, some employers will probably fight the remote work trend. David Solomon, the Goldman Sachs chief executive, called remote work an “aberration,” and the firm’s bankers returned to the office in June. Across town, James Gorman, the Morgan Stanley chief executive, announced that his company’s employees would return by September and said, “If you want to get paid New York rates, you work in New York.”

But more frequently, employers seem desperate to find workers and unlikely to want to anger them. The Labor Department reported that the number of open positions reached a record of 9.2 million in May. With offers of signing bonuses, higher wages and expanded benefits, many workers are in the driver’s seat right now. It’s easy to see employers agreeing to these workers’ desires. Indeed, many commentators have declared that the United States is entering a “ golden age ” for remote work .

Many economists believe that increased work from home will last because it can raise the productivity of employees, thanks in part to fewer pointless meetings, less distraction and, most of all, a lack of commuting.

Think about how big a deal this is for a typical worker. The saved gasoline and forgone restaurant meals, work clothes and dry cleaning sessions can add up to thousands of dollars a year.

Skipping the commute is the biggest prize of all.

According to the Census Bureau , Americans spent, on average, a record 55.2 minutes a day commuting in 2019, before the pandemic. One in 10 spent more than two hours a day traveling to and from work. In dollar terms, not having to commute five to 10 hours per week is like getting a 10 to 20 percent raise. For someone with average hourly earnings in 2021 ( over $30 ), that time is worth $7,000 to $15,000 per year. Looked at another way, the monetary value of the saved commuting time would be one of the biggest tax cuts the middle class had ever received. If your pay is higher than average or your commute is longer, your benefit is worth even more.

No wonder so many people want to work from home.

But will workers who get to stay home receive the full value of this bounty, or will employers take it for themselves?

It’s not hard to see how employers could. With all the commute time freed up, what is to stop them from simply asking employees to work longer from home — to prepare that report before the meeting starts in the morning or to answer emails or contact clients or file those forms at all hours of the day or night? Blurring the lines between work and the rest of life does not have to benefit workers in the end. Indeed, it was the thing that worried people about working from home before the pandemic began.

Economists call this an “incidence” question: who ultimately benefits from a windfall. It’s just like a tax incidence question: Economists routinely analyze whether consumers or sellers truly end up paying when, say, a state raises its sales tax.

The first rule of incidence is that it depends on the conditions in the marketplace. The incidence of the working-from-home bounty will depend on whether labor remains scarce over the long run and on how powerful the employers are. Who needs the other side more? If workers have many options and can quit jobs that encroach on their time, they will tend to keep the bounty. If employers can choose among lots of workers, working from home may end up being much less favorable than it first seems.

The job market seems tight right now, and if employers put extra burdens on workers, it would probably be a serious error. They would have a hard time attracting people and would probably face a wave of resignations . But will that still be true in a few years, when things are back to “normal”?

The last 40 years of wage growth in the United States provide a note of caution. For decades, median pay tracked average worker productivity — the output generated by the typical worker — quite closely. Then, starting in the 1970s, this correlation began to break down . From 1979 to 2019 , the average productivity of workers rose 72 percent, but median pay rose less than one quarter of that — only 17 percent.

There is considerable debate among economists about why pay and productivity seem to have diverged . Some think the relationship remains strong despite the shift in the general aggregate numbers. Some cite one or more of these factors: globalization, technological change, or a change in the balance of bargaining power due to the declining strength of unions or the rising concentration of employers.

Beyond the subtleties, though, the basic issue is simple. Corporations claim a greater share of the national economy than ever before. If the last 40 years of productivity growth ended up benefiting shareholders and corporate profits more than it did wages, the same thing could very well happen with the newfound productivity benefits and time savings of working from home.

So now may be the perfect time to savor the little things — reading the newspaper in your pajamas, having an extra cup of coffee and simply not having to deal with traffic. Just know that even if you aren’t wearing real pants, your employer may soon be telling you to get back to work.

Austan Goolsbee is a professor of economics at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. Follow him on Twitter: @austan_goolsbee

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This chart shows the type of jobs that are still working from home

• The US is looking a lot different than the height of the pandemic, and that includes remote work.
• Some occupations are seeing fewer people working from home than just a few months ago.
• The following chart shows the share of employees working from home by occupation.

Americans still want to work from home, even if it's just part of the week . But some industries are saying it's time to come back to the office. In other words, the end of working from your couch is nigh.

Data from Gallup updated through April 2021 show that 72% of full-time workers in white-collar jobs were working from home compared to just 14% in blue-collar jobs. 

Insider looked at the jobs in which people are still working from home and found that exceptions to this trend include computer and mathematical jobs. 

Jed Kolko, the chief economist at Indeed, noted on Twitter that remote work has "fallen dramatically" for education, training, and library jobs as well as community and social services jobs. 

"For some sectors, [work from home] looks here to stay," Kolko wrote on Twitter. "Others, not so much."

As seen in the following chart, of the 11 occupations that we looked at where at least 30% of employees reported working from home because of the pandemic in May 2020, nine had shares of around 50% or higher in May 2020. This is when companies were telling some workers to work from home amid the pandemic as businesses closed in part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Related stories

However, only one of these 11 occupations had a share of 50% in June 2021, the most recent month with available data. Legal and business occupations still had a relatively high share of people working from because of the pandemic in June 2021, at 40%.

Computer and mathematical occupations also had a high share of people working remotely because of the pandemic in May 2021, at 55.0%. Community and social services occupations had a share of 29.1% in May 2021, much lower than the share during the same month a year ago.  

Daniel Zhao, senior economist at Glassdoor, told Insider in an email that there are several types of jobs, including tech, where workers may be especially interested continuing remote work life.

"As COVID-19 cases decline, many employers are planning to reopen offices and are ready to welcome back employees," Zhao said. "Workers in tech, marketing, HR, finance and others mostly working behind a computer are more likely to want a hybrid or fully remote workflow, if they wish."

He expects, however, for the share of employees working remotely to continue to drop .

Although the share for computer and mathematical occupations didn't drop as much as some of the other occupations, some tech workers may need to be coming back to the office soon. Some large tech companies plan to have workers come into the office at least part of the time, such as Google and Apple.

However, some Apple employees aren't too excited about this plan. Insider's Sarah Jackson reported that around 90% of roughly 1,700 Apple employees who answered "location-flexible working options are a very important issue to me" said they strongly agreed. 

But for some in tech, being fully remote as many were over the past year may still be an option. LinkedIn's Workforce Confidence of around 8,900 US workers surveyed showed that tech workers were most likely among the industries noted to say their work is allowing them to work from home all the time. Transportation and logistics followed closely behind with 46% of workers in the industry saying this.

According to a survey of 1,000 employees , 39% said they would quit if their bosses weren't flexible with them working from home. LinkedIn data also shows 87% of over 302,000 employees surveyed said they want to work at least part of the time from home.

"This hybrid workforce is expected to become the norm, and in today's competitive labor market, employers would be wise to rethink mandatory reentry policies and embrace flexible, hybrid work environments going forward," Zhao wrote in an email.

Watch: 3 tech execs say the future of mobile computing is in AR glasses, health-tracking wearables, and more

• Main content

Remote working - does it make us more or less productive?

COVID-19 caused a widespread transition to working from home. Image:  REUTERS/Hannah Beier

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Stay up to date:, future of work.

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• Working remotely is limiting valuable relationships at work, according to a new report.
• It may even be stunting some people’s career development.
• Hybrid models of work may be the future for many organizations, but they will have to work hard to create a healthy culture.

Getting back into the office might be the best thing for many people, their employers and for productivity, according to ADP Research, a US-based labour market analyst.

Its report, On-site, Remote or Hybrid: Employee Sentiment on the Workplace , is based on data from 9,000 employees in the US and concludes that: “On the whole, employees working on-site enjoy crucial advantages over their remote counterparts.”

It’s good to talk

Most of those advantages come from increased social interaction, clearer boundaries between home and work, and even improved career opportunities.

More spontaneous conversations, stronger feelings of connection and receiving constructive feedback are all areas where on-site workers gave more positive responses than those who work at home.

Spontaneous communication

Being on-site makes it more likely that you’ll have ad hoc conversations with co-workers – 77% of on-site workers compared with 60% of remote workers told ADP that was the case for them.

Of that 60%, men working remotely were more likely to have spontaneous catch-up chats than women, only 55% of whom said their working week was likely to include unplanned conversations.

Have you read?

9 out of 10 organizations are switching to hybrid working, according to a mckinsey survey, home-office, hq, hybrid or work-from-anywhere this is what businesses are planning, 4 things we need to consider to make hybrid working a success, longer working day.

If you’ve been working from home a lot in recent months, you may have noticed your day is getting longer. Remote employees have, on average, a longer working day – an hour longer, according to ADP.

For many, home-schooling and childcare responsibilities may also have led to disruption during regular business hours, and a need to catch up on work in the evening. “Parents returning to on-site work can look forward to a more focused and shorter workday,” ADP says in its report.

A hybrid future?

As COVID restrictions have begun to ease in many parts of the world, some companies, such as Facebook, have decided to make remote working available as a permanent fixture . Others are adopting a hybrid model, where attendance in an office is expected, but not every day.

A recent study of more than 30,000 US employees claimed that one day per week spent working from home could boost productivity by 4.8% . Time spent working rather than commuting to work was largely responsible for that estimate.

The ADP report also favours the hybrid model, saying: “Given the upsides and downsides of on-site work, a ‘hybrid’ option – working part on-site and part remote – may actually provide workers with most advantageous characteristics of both on-site and remote working.”

In addition to the flexibility hybrid working offers employees, there could be some important career development benefits, too. Some 67% of hybrid workers feel more visible and that their growth is being supported by their manager. By comparison, 49% of on-site workers feel that way. Similarly, 72% of hybrid workers said they received constructive feedback about their work, compared to 57% for on-site employees.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2020 examined the hybrid working model. It found that 78% of business leaders were anticipating some negative fall-out on productivity from remote working during the pandemic.

But the pandemic also demonstrated to many businesses the resilience of their office workers and the success of pivoting to a hybrid model, the report says. It also stresses the need to maintain a healthy corporate culture in the face of all this change.

“Ensuring employee well-being is among the key measures undertaken by business leaders looking to effectively shift to remote work,” the report’s authors write. “In particular, 34% of leaders report that they are taking steps to create a sense of community among employees online and looking to tackle the well-being challenges posed by the shift to remote work.”

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Working from Home: Before and After the Pandemic

Hilary Silver on pandemic trends.

People have always worked at home. The spatial separation of workplace and residence, fueled by the Industrial Revolution and reinforced by zoning codes, has never been complete. Employers build worker housing, small businesspeople live above the store, and generations of women take in piecework while tending to their families. The family farm persists.

In the United States, as agriculture contracted and factories and offices expanded, paid work in the home did dwindle over time. This trend began to reverse in the 1980s with the increasing application of information technology to many types of service work. But working from home really took off with the coronavirus pandemic.

Trends in homework

Decennial censuses show home-working was declining, both absolutely and relatively, from 4.7 million in 1960 to 2.2 million in 1980 (at right, top). Between 1980 and 1990, however, the Census Bureau reports a 56% rise, to 3.4 million people. In the 2000 census, nearly 4.2 million, or 3.2% of American workers, labored where they lived. Since then, the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates document a continuous rise. By 2020, over 11 million people, or 7.3% of the U.S. labor force, reported their primary job was mostly performed at home. The 2021 ACS one-year estimate was 27.6 million people primarily working from home nationwide, or 17.9% of employees.

The Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Surveys (HPS) were designed to collect data quickly and efficiently on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on American households. From August 2020 to July 2021, they asked, “Did any adults in this household substitute some or all of their typical in-person work for telework because of the coronavirus?“ Responses documented the rise in remote work, followed by a decline and levelling off above pre-pandemic levels (second Figure below).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) asked a slightly different question in its Current Population Survey (CPS): “At any time in the last four weeks, did you telework or work at home for pay because of the coronavirus pandemic?” Approximately 20% of respondents answered affirmatively as pandemic lock-downs entered their sixth month, though that portion fell to 17% by November 2021. The BLS American Time Use Survey reported that in 2021, 38% of employed persons did some or all of their work at home on days they worked, for an average of 5.6 hours, and 68% did some or all of their work at their workplace, for 7.8 hours on average. This compared to 24% at home and 82% onsite, respectively, in 2019.

Number of people working at home (principal place of work in primary job)

Note: Prior to the 2010 Census, decennial censuses asked about commuting. Commuting data is no longer included in censuses, but rather in the ACS. Five year ACS estimates are averaged over the years included in the range, so the latest ACS mostly represents pre-pandemic practices. Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Decennial Censuses and the five-year American Community Survey 2010-15 and 2016-2020.

U.S. teleworkers due to the coronavirus pandemic, by week (August 2020-July 2021)

Note: Weeks 13-27 refers to “Some adult in household substituted some or all of their typical in-person work for telework because of the coronavirus pandemic.” Weeks 28-32 refer to “some adult in household teleworked in the last 7 days” and “because of the coronavirus pandemic,” excluding those teleworking not because of the pandemic.

Source: Household Pulse Surveys Week 13 August 19-31, 2020, through Week 27 March 17-29, 2021, and Week 28 April 14-26, 2021, through Week 31 July 23-August 8, 2021.

Government figures on homeworking diverge from those in private surveys. For example, Gallup’s State of the American Workforce Report, found that 43% of employees spent “at least some of their time” working remotely in 2016, up from 39% in 2012. Gallup’s June 2022 poll found 70 million or 56% of fulltime employees said they can do their job remotely. Of those, three in ten (21 million) currently worked exclusively at home, down from four in ten in February 2022, while another five in ten (35 million) worked at home part of the time.

The discrepancies in official statistics have a number of sources. First, the Census Bureau has concentrated on people’s usual means of transportation to their main job. Transportation data show a precipitous drop in commuting in the early pandemic, with taxis the only form of transit that increased. But many people have secondary, home-based jobs or businesses, or perform part of their primary job at home and part elsewhere. Some surveys confine attention to full-time, continuously employed, wage-and-salary employees, excluding part-time, moonlighting, and self-employed workers. Second, sample sizes, methodologies, and terminology differ. Online surveys oversample the more educated and can capture responses from business owners or employers right alongside employees. Vague language is a further complication. Using synonyms like remote work or telecommuting is consequential, as not everyone working remotely is doing so at home or via information technology.

Workers who teleworked or worked from home in the last 7 days, by days of home work

Source: U.S. Census Bureau. Household Pulse Survey. Weeks 46-48

A third reason for figures to vary is the unit of analysis. The new HPS surveys households, not individuals, so it undercounts homeworkers living with other homeworkers. The Census Bureau’s 2022 Annual Business Survey is based on employers, finding the percentage of businesses with employees who worked from home rose from 28.1 in 2019 to 41.9 in 2020, a huge surge even before the pandemic.

Finally, changes in survey wording over time complicate the data. HPS surveys, for instance, initially focused on substituting telework due to COVID-19, but in the summer of 2022, began to ask simply how many days in the last week people had teleworked or worked from home (see above). In these data, we see that since the early 2022 Omicron surge, the number of homeworkers stabilized. As of July 2022, 67,977,728 people, or more than a quarter of the U.S. labor force, were working at home at least one day a week. Over half of those (38 million individuals) reported working at home five or more days in the week (far exceeding the 11 million Americans who responded in the 2016-2020 wave of the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey that their primary place of work was their home). Still, full-time home-working is slowly declining compared to hybrid and workplace-based work.

Surveys conducted by non-government agencies do seem to confirm the Yes, 5 or more days trends seen in government data. For example, the monthly online Survey of Working Arrangements and Attitudes reported that less than 5% of days were worked at home before the pandemic, rising to a high watermark on May 1, 2020, with fully 61.5% of full-paid working days worked at home, then a decline to 37% by the end of the year and 29.5% by August 2022, holding steady since. (European data, by the way, also found increases in working from home, though the rises were relatively more modest: Eurofound’s fifth round of the Living, Working, and COVID-19 e-survey of EU workers reported just over 33% working exclusively from home in mid-2020, falling to 12% by spring 2022, and a fairly constant rate of hybrid home-working of 18%.)

A sociological profile of homeworkers

What do contemporary homework-ers look like? In the past, homeworkers were thought of as low-paid contingent workers, marginal small business owners, or independent contractors. Nowadays, they tend to have a slightly higher social status and be more engaged in privileged, well-paid occupations and knowledge industries than on-site workers (see next page). Homeworkers earn more and have more assets than the average worker. In general, they are older, non-Hispanic White, highly-educated, and in better health. Indeed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report for November 6, 2020 stated that teleworking significantly reduced the likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19.

Social profile of U.S. labor force and homeworkers

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2016-2020, five-year estimates.

Eleven percent of homeworkers are Hispanic or Latino American, in contrast to 17% of the American labor force. Eighteen percent of homeworkers are Black, compared to 12% of U.S. workers, and 7% are Asian. According to a November 2020 analysis of data from the second phase of the HPS by the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge, racial disparities in access to remote work were explained mainly, but not completely, by differences in income and education, age, and location. Similarly, with CPS data, a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) study found occupation explained more than 60% of the total effect of race on tele-working for Black and Hispanic workers.

Historically, women were more likely to work at home than men. During the early Industrial Revolution, women performed piece work at home and were paid a fixed rate for each unit produced or action performed instead of an hourly wage. This way, they could combine child care and earning in one place. In 1980, 53.6% of homeworkers were female; in 2020, just before the pandemic, 51% were. Coronavirus kept more men home.

If gender is defined more subtly, 49.1% of teleworkers were female “at birth.” According to the June 2022 HPS, 32% of cisgender males, 29% of cisgender females, and 30% of the 2 million transgender respondents teleworked in the last 7 days, compared to 30% of the entire labor force. When asked about one’s “sexual orientation” rather than gender, 39% of LGBT respondents teleworked at least one day in the last week, considerably more than the 30% of straight respondents. It is important to recall, however, that the HPS is still experimenting with measures of gender and sexual orientation and so, these figures should be regarded with caution.

Home work today, unlike in the past, is associated with higher than average pay. The ACS data at left show these workers’ median earnings in the past twelve months in 2020 inflation-adjusted dollars was $51,673 compared to the national median of $40,122. Looked at another way, 24% of the U.S. labor force lives below the poverty line, but just 17% of homeworkers do.

Homeworkers have more assets, too. Perhaps unsurprising is the fact that nearly three-quarters of homeworkers own their homes compared to two-thirds of the overall labor force. More unexpected is the finding that, even though they do not commute to work, only 4% of homeworkers do not own a car, the same percentage as among the general labor force. In fact, like workers overall, three-quarters of their households own two or more cars.

Although pre-pandemic time use data show average full-time workers spent more time alone when they teleworked, which led to an increase in loneliness for some, recent ACS demographics imply that homeworkers are not especially isolated. Their households are somewhat larger than households of those who work on-site. Only 5% of homeworkers live alone, compared to 10% of non-homeworkers. In fact, 27% of teleworkers lived in two-person households, compared to 33% of non-teleworkers. Teleworkers are more likely to be married (60%) compared to non-teleworkers (51%), but are about as likely to have children (42% vs. 40%). Forty percent of the married households and 38% of the households with children teleworked. This implies that child care is not the only reason people are working at home.

An analysis of pre-pandemic time use diaries by Sabrina Pabilonia and Victoria Vernon examined hours of child care by homeworking mothers and fathers. While they saved time on commuting and grooming, fathers increased time on primary child care, while women increased household chores. Since the pandemic, these authors found with the 2021 American Time Use Survey, women were more likely than men to do some or all of their work at home on work days—42% of women, 35% of men. Parents in dual-career couples working from home alone increased childcare hours compared to on-site workers, but mothers also reduced paid work hours. When both parents worked from home, mothers and fathers maintained their paid hours and spent more time on childcare. Parents working from home did equally more household chores, although fathers working from home alone did more compared to on-site working fathers.

Class of worker of U.S. labor force and homeworkers

Industrial distribution of labor force and homeworkers

Occupational distribution of labor force and homeworkers

Workers 16 years and older

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey five-year estimates 2016-2020

When examining homeworkers’ employment, one distinction stands out: they are more likely to be self-employed. This has long been the case. In 1990, 54% of those working at home were self-employed, 10 times the rate of self-employment among those who worked away from home, while 17% were government workers, compared to 6% of non-homeworkers. In 2019, one-fourth of those working mainly from home were self-employed compared to 6% of the overall U.S. labor force. Only 7% of home-workers are government employees.

Homework does not compose a majority of any significant industry, but as the 2016-20 ACS shows, 11% of those working in agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, and mining; 14% in the information sector; 13.6% in finance, insurance, and real estate; and 15.5% in professional services work primarily at home. Indeed, compared to the 7.3% of the American labor force working at home just before the pandemic, home-workers are especially overrepresented in professional and financial services. While remote work increased in most industries, it is much more common in those with better educated and better paid labor (for instance, technology, communications, professional services, and finance and insurance workers).

Similarly, occupations that work with goods, whether producing, maintaining, or moving them, are much less likely to be performed at home. Three-fifths of all homeworking occupations are in management, business, science, and the arts.

Finally, the industrial distribution of homework is reflected in its bicoastal geography. Based on both the May 2020 and February 2021 CPS, workers in the New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Pacific regions, were most likely to be teleworking, while those in East South Central states were significantly least likely.

Prospects for homework

As the pandemic subsides, many firms are calling employees back to the workplace. Bosses worry about productivity and creativity. Two-thirds of executives in PwC’s Remote Work Survey said a typical employee should be in the office at least three days a week to maintain a distinct company culture. Cities are worrying about vacant office space and shuttered downtown businesses. But polls like Gallup’s or McKinsey’s American Opportunity Survey and job search data from Lightcast suggest a majority of workers would prefer to labor remotely all or part of the week, with many remote workers even willing to quit if forced to return to the workplace full time. Long commutes, care responsibilities, and lifestyle contribute to the resistance. Given the leveling off of homeworking trends, remote work—at least for part of the work week—may be here to stay.

Faced with worker shortages and the cost of office space, employers are also offering telework to broaden recruitment pools, reduce turnover, and moderate employee compensation. Around 40% of U.S. firms surveyed over the last year reported they had expanded opportunities to work from home or other remote locations (see chart). Eurofound’s e-survey found employers plan to permit an average of 0.7 days per week at home after the pandemic, although workers, especially women, parents, and those with longer commutes, want 1.7 days.

Days per week of working from home that employers are planning for after the pandemic, as of each survey wave

Source: Survey of Working Arrangements and Attitudes, Jose Maria Barrero, Nicholas Bloom, and Steven J. Davis, 2021. “Why working from home will stick,” National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper 28731. These data are made available under the CC-BY 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

There are limits. Researchers Jonathan Dingel and Brent Neiman have estimated that 37% of jobs in the United States can be performed entirely at home. The Global Survey of Working Arrangements asked full-time workers in 27 countries whether their job could theoretically be done from home. Of the 22% of workers in totally teleworkable jobs, 43% worked exclusively at home already, but of the 28% who said their jobs are partially teleworkable, only 8% were totally homeworking (another 35% worked partially from home).

The downsides of homeworking should not be underestimated, though. It fragments the labor force and impedes teamwork and unionization. It can impose long hours and multi-tasking on employees, as well as parental overload or neglect of children or elders confined to the home. Rather than work flexibility, it can extend the workday and encroach into leisure and family time and space. An April 2022 Conference Board survey found 47% of remote workers in the United States were concerned about the blurred boundaries between their jobs and personal lives. Workers may demand a “right to disconnect.” Indeed, a new law in Portugal bans out-of-hours employer contact, requires employers to contribute to the increase in utility costs linked to working from home, and restricts remote monitoring of workers. At the same time, younger workers may feel cut off from pre-pandemic office life, unable to acquire the social capital and mutual learning needed to get ahead. The surge in loneliness and mental illness resulting from the pandemic lockdowns, social distancing, and greater reliance on social media may also have some home-workers simply pining for the office water cooler.

As the pandemic eases, all these factors will influence the desirability and practice of homework. The traditional separation of public and private spheres may yet reappear.

Hilary Silver is in the sociology department at George Washington University. She has studied paid home work since the 1990s.

Even remote and hybrid work can burn you out. Here’s how to avoid it.

Our new era of work has led many to working harder and more often, carrying over bad habits from the height of the pandemic.

We’ve entered a new era of work: one in which rules have been bent and lines blurred. Many workers feel simultaneously less connected and more stressed by digital communication tools. The result is burnout, or feeling exhausted or cynical about your job.

Burnout doesn’t care if you work exclusively from the comfort of your home. It can happen if you have a light workload, if you like your colleagues, even if you’re passionate about what you do.

About 29 percent of workers say their job is stressful and 19 percent say it’s overwhelming all or most of the time, according to a survey from the Pew Research Center . Record stress levels recorded during the pandemic are yet to decline, according to a Gallup poll .

“What’s happening is there’s insurmountable workload and disconnection,” said Dan Pelton, a clinical psychologist who works in management consulting. “It’s creating a new sense of burnout.”

While some experts say that employers are largely responsible for making structural changes that reduce stress for employees, the burden often falls on the individual.

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Here are eight things you can do to help yourself this Mental Health Awareness Month. And if you feel like you can’t do it alone, find a qualified therapist who can help you virtually or in person.

Make a list of what you love and hate

Start with perspective. Make a list of what matters most in your life and see if it matches what you are actually prioritizing.

“What we usually find is family, freedom or relaxation is the top value, and work three or four,” Pelton said. So you should ask yourself: “Are you living according to your values?”

Throughout the day, pay attention to what stresses you out, said Bridget Berkland, employee well-being manager and certified health and wellness coach at the Mayo Clinic. Is it back-to-back meetings? After-hour communications? That can help you understand how to remedy the situation, Pelton said.

“Acknowledge it but don’t stay engaged with it,” said Lorenzo Norris, chief wellness officer for George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, suggesting that you don’t dwell on negative feelings. “That will just bring you down.”

Move your body; rest your body

You can improve your brain health, functions and mood by taking care of your body, Norris said. Find 10 minutes to power-nap (yes, even in the office), make sure you’re eating well and staying hydrated, and consider a walking desk or morning workout. If you’re too busy for fitness, turn your meetings into Aaron Sorkin-style walk-and-talks. While those efforts may not solve the core issues causing burnout, they can help you think more clearly and feel better.

“Just 30 minutes of exercise can improve your mood for four to six hours,” he said.

Cut down on boredom at work

It seems counterintuitive, but sometimes doing more can help with burnout. Just make sure it’s the right kind of work — and work you’re good at. This might mean unofficially crafting your job differently to boost enjoyment and fulfillment, said Michael Leiter, who co-wrote the book “The Burnout Challenge: Managing People’s Relationships with Their Jobs.”

Do an audit of the things that give you the most satisfaction and the things that make you feel most exhausted or cynical. Then start dialing up the tasks you can sink your teeth into.

“You have to get beyond being responsive to immediately what comes at you,” he said.

Try to make meaningful tasks close to 20 percent of your day to create an intrinsic reward system, Norris suggests. That might mean having a conversation with your boss to make adjustments and figuring out how the team can better share the workload, Pelton said.

Stop working every 25 minutes

Remembering to stop and take a break can be hard, but it’s critical to reduce burnout.

Set a timer to remind yourself to get away, Leiter said. It might even help to work in focused 25-minute intervals with five-minute breaks in between — a method called the Pomodoro Technique , said Pelton. Another method is looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, which can help mitigate eyestrain and exhaustion. Apps such as StandUp can help you build in regular breaks.

Integrate energizing activities into these pauses. Think about the things you enjoy, such as music, meditation, socializing, dancing or just getting some fresh air, Berkland said. A mindfulness activity Pelton suggests is stepping outside for 10 minutes and paying attention to your senses — what you see, hear, etc. This forces your brain to stay in the present vs. being depressed about the past or anxious about the future, he said. If you need help, try the Calm app .

Make your own break room. Claim a quiet space in your home or office and fill it with plants and activities such as coloring books for midday escapes.

Bring back the chitchat

Turn your colleagues into work friends with the power of chatting, light gossip and happy hours. They can be an important source of support when it comes to your mental health.

Consider “what social support you need for your well-being,” Berkland said.

Not sure where to start? Set goals such as having in-person or virtual coffees each week with a certain number of colleagues. Fit small talk into the beginning of meetings. Ask about people’s weekends, families or what shows they’re bingeing. You might even consider get-to-know-you games, said Pelton. For example, have everyone take a picture outside the window closest to them, whether that’s a remote location or at the office, and at the next team meeting, colleagues could spend the first 15 minutes guessing which picture belongs to which person. Then there’s the ultimate friend-maker: bringing pastries or other food to share.

Embrace ‘Do Not Disturb’

Default notification settings can lead to you getting pinged by work round-the-clock. To filter out the noise, turn on focus or work mode settings on iPhones and Android devices, and set time limits for each work app. You can close your email and toggle your Slack or Teams notifications when you need to focus. Or block off times on your calendar when you want to be heads-down.

The pandemic blurred the lines between work and home life, and many of us have yet to reestablish that boundary. But boundaries will help control your stress. Include your working hours in away messages and email signatures.

“Structure when you’re working and not working,” Leiter said. “Be firm on that.”

In addition to adjusting your notifications, have a discussion with your boss or team to establish norms so that workers can take breaks or log off guilt-free, Berkland said.

Take your vacation (and sick) leave

Take your time off — that’s what it’s there for. Go through your calendar and pick some days now, even if they’re far in advance. It can be a two-week excursion, a three-day weekend or a mental health day. Take your sick days, too. Just because you can type from bed doesn’t mean you should.

Remember, you’re doing great

Don’t be hard on yourself. No one is 100 percent happy with their job all the time. Putting unnecessary pressure on yourself can aggravate the issue and make it harder to pull out of a spiral.

“Don’t expect to do the impossible,” Norris said. “Sometimes the best you can do is get up and show up, and that’s okay.”

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Best Medicare Advantage Plans in 2024

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Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Medicare Advantage is a bundled alternative to Original Medicare that includes all the benefits of Original Medicare and often a few extras, such as cost help with dental and vision care [0] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services . Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans . Accessed May 7, 2024. View all sources . Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers, and plan availability depends on location.

Medicare Advantage plans are a popular option for people who are eligible for Medicare : Just over half of Medicare-eligible people are in a Medicare Advantage plan [0] KFF . Half of All Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries Are Now Enrolled in Private Medicare Advantage Plans . Accessed May 7, 2024. View all sources . But each plan has strengths and weaknesses. Here’s the list of Medicare Advantage plans that got our attention. (Information is current as of May 2024.)

Best Medicare Advantage companies

Best for size of network: unitedhealthcare.

UnitedHealthcare

CMS Star Rating Average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans are widely available and boast the largest Medicare Advantage provider network, although member experience ratings are average.

Call UnitedHealthcare

from UnitedHealthcare

States available

49 states and Washington, D.C.

Members in high-rated plans Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.

Medium (50% to 89%)

Member experience The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.

3.55 (Average)

• Largest Medicare Advantage medical network of all companies, with more than 1 million providers.
• Largest Medicare Advantage dental network, and all standard plans offer dental coverage.
• Available in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
• Member experience scores are average.
• Offers one of the highest-priced special needs plans, although lower-priced plans are also available.

Standout feature: UnitedHealthcare offers the largest Medicare Advantage network of all companies, with more than 1 million network care providers. [0] UnitedHealthcare . UnitedHealthcare’s 2024 Medicare Advantage Plans Offer Enhancements to Benefits that Matter Most to Members . Accessed May 7, 2024. View all sources

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans [0] KFF . Medicare Advantage in 2023: Enrollment Update and Key Trends . Accessed May 7, 2024. View all sources . UnitedHealthcare also partners with AARP , insuring the Medicare products that carry the AARP name. Many of UHC’s members are in highly rated plans, although member experience ratings are average among major providers.

» MORE: Read our review of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans

Best for extra perks: Aetna

Standout feature: Some Aetna Medicare Advantage members have access to cost help with dental, vision and hearing care, as well as a variety of other benefits, such as in-home health visits and meal delivery after a hospital stay.

Aetna, a CVS Health company, is the fourth-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. All of Aetna’s plans provide cost help with dental , vision and hearing care , and many offer other extras. Some valuable Aetna benefits include a travel benefit that allows you to access Aetna Medicare providers outside your service area, an over-the-counter benefit that lets you pick up items like vitamins and cold medications from drugstores or online at no cost and access to a consultant to help members find local resources and activities.

» MORE: Read our review of Aetna Medicare Advantage plans

Best for local support: Blue Cross Blue Shield

Standout feature: Blue Cross Blue Shield is a collective of 33 different companies, and many are geographically specific, offering benefits targeted to local members.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield collective is the third-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans and includes companies present in 48 states and Puerto Rico. Though BCBS’s presence is nationwide, individual companies offer benefits specific to their areas. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, for instance, offers a Medicare plan in partnership with Meijer, a supermarket chain primarily concentrated in the Midwest. And Highmark companies provide access to state-specific concierge teams that can connect members to local tools and resources. Member experience ratings vary from company to company, so it’s important to research your local BCBS provider.

» MORE: Read our review of Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans

Best for low-cost plan availability: Humana

Standout feature: Humana offers $0-premium plans in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and 83% of members in non-special needs plans (SNPs) are in a $0-premium plan.

Humana is the second-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, and in addition to being widely available, the company offers $0-premium plans in every U.S. state except Alaska. Humana’s average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment, is 4.35 out of 5, and the vast majority of the plan’s members are in highly rated plans.

» MORE: Read our review of Humana Medicare Advantage plans

Best of the Blues: Highmark

Standout feature: Highmark gets high Medicare star ratings and high member experience scores from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Highmark is a member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield family, which includes 33 independent companies that together form the third-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans. Highmark is one of the few Blue companies with a 5-star contract in 2024, and Highmark’s average star rating is among the best of the bigger BCBS companies. The provider also ranks second in customer satisfaction in Pennsylvania, one of the major Medicare markets surveyed in this year’s J.D. Power study.

» MORE: Read our review of Highmark Medicare Advantage plans

How to shop for Medicare Advantage plans

The right Medicare Advantage plan for you will depend on your health history, prescription medications and where you live, among other factors. Here are some strategies for selecting the best plan:

Check star ratings. The CMS collects data on Medicare Advantage plans from member surveys, the plans themselves and medical providers, and then it assigns a star rating based on the results. The star rating is on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being best.

Compare out-of-pocket costs. Each plan will have a monthly premium (many Medicare Advantage plans have no premium [0] KFF . Medicare Advantage 2023 Spotlight: First Look . Accessed May 7, 2024. View all sources ) and a maximum out-of-pocket cost, which is the most you’ll pay in a year for covered health care.

Keep your meds in mind. Your medications may seem like an afterthought, but make sure you investigate how each plan will cover your medications — or whether they’re covered at all.

Look for your doctors. If you’ve got a list of caregivers and medical facilities you use and prefer, look for plans that include them.

Consider the plan type. If you see specialists frequently and you don’t want to seek a referral for every office visit, a PPO plan is probably the better fit. If you’re a light health care user and see mostly your primary care physician, an HMO might be more affordable.

Here's an overview of our top picks for Medicare Advantage plans:

Best for size of network: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage.

Best for extra perks: Aetna Medicare Advantage.

Best for local support: Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage.

Best for low-cost plan availability: Humana Medicare Advantage.

Best of the Blues: Highmark Medicare Advantage.

You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan when you first become eligible for Medicare (your initial enrollment period) or during designated annual Medicare enrollment periods .

Medicare Advantage review methodology

The Medicare Advantage marketplace is concentrated among just a handful of companies; in many places, one insurer serves more than half of the market. NerdWallet reviewed 26 Medicare Advantage brands, with some insurers having more than one brand under their umbrella. (For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield includes the brands Anthem and Highmark.) At the national level, these reviews include nine of the 10 largest brands by enrollment. At the state level, our research includes at least one major insurer in 47 of the 49 states that offer Medicare Advantage plans, and includes the top two insurers in 35 of those states. (Alaska doesn't offer Medicare Advantage plans.) We also look at online search volume to identify regional and other notable players in the space.

NerdWallet’s Medicare Advantage reviews are based on ratings data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as well as pricing, plan availability by state, plan types available, consumer experience, extra benefits offered and more. These reviews are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several plans to find the best coverage and rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines for additional information.

Rebuilding the women’s movement in Afghanistan, one organization at a time

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After the Taliban takeover, former magazine-owner Siamoy* redirected her work towards women’s empowerment and capacity-building. Focusing on the most vulnerable women, including illiterate women and women with disabilities, her NGO now provides training and start-up funding for women-led businesses in five provinces.

“UN Women gave us hope – the kind of hope I had lost after the Taliban takeover,” says Siamoy. “I was in a deep depression. I thought I would go crazy. I had lost everything. … But now, thanks to UN Women, I have an office and employees.”

Hers is among the 113 women’s organizations being supported across 19 provinces through the ‘Rebuilding the Women’s Movement in Afghanistan’ programme. Launched in mid-2022, the UN Women programme provides tailored training, skills-building and seed funds for small-scale initiatives.

Women's rights and employment in Afghanistan 

According to International Labour Organization data , women’s employment rate was 25 per cent lower by the end of 2022 compared to before the Taliban takeover in 2021. With women also banned from working in national and international NGOs as of December 2022, and allowed to pursue a limited number of professions and run home-based small businesses, this programme is providing an essential lifeline for women to build their skills for future work and restore their hope.

“In this difficult situation, UN Women is standing with us,” adds Siamoy. “We will get stronger through this support. If we support 20 women, those women will help another 20 women.”

Since partnering with UN Women in October 2023, Siamoy is now able to pay seven full-time employees. They’ve also received five training sessions on strategic planning and project management.

“The training on project management is one of the best I’ve ever received,” she says. “I’ve changed some of my goals. I don’t want to work for just 20 or 40 women in Faryab anymore. I want to work for 500 to 1,000 women across Afghanistan. I don’t just want to give them tailoring machines. I want to build a factory for them to have a lifetime source of income. I’m dreaming big now.”

In a village in Ghor Province*, 43-year-old Bita* secretly surveys women to find out who are most in need. She established a local organization in 2011 that ran projects for elderly women but had to cease its activities. It wasn’t until 2022 that she was able to revive it, after partnering with UN Women.

“When we established our organization, we had just a few members, no formal policies, plans or real structure,” Bita admits. “But a UN Women colleague supported us with developing a policy. Another colleague helped us devise our organization’s structure.  … This has boosted our confidence.”

Building skills, capacity and hope for women in Afghanistan

In Mazar, Balkh Province, 30-year-old Najiba* had established a women’s organization in 2019 and was working as a manager at a private company. But after losing her job following the Taliban takeover, she decided to focus her energy on her organization.

With support from UN Women since January 2024, Najiba can now pay her 10 employees, who hadn’t earned any income since joining. She says training on management, monitoring and proposal-writing have all been extremely helpful.

“We now have a lot of information, which has opened a window of hope for us, especially on safeguarding [beneficiaries from risks] – a topic we learned about for the first time. Trainings on how to make policies and define our goals have also helped us refine and make ours more professional,” says Najiba.

In Baghlan, 23-year-old former medical student Kamela* is a programme officer with a women-led organization dedicated to capacity-building for women and youth, who also received training from UN Women on project management.

“A key lesson I took from the training is my value as a programme manager. Employees have power and I must recognize my power and that what I am doing is really important,” says Kamela.

“The training motivates us to do more. … we’re starting from the ground-up to help each other. UN Women is so supportive, regularly coming to our office to coach us. They tell us that we are doing good, then tell us how we can do things even better. They tell us how to be more impactful with our actions and guide us step-by-step and face-to-face. When we go to the UN Women office, they convey knowledge in a way that really motivates us.”

According to UN Women Special Representative in Afghanistan Alison Davidian, supporting women-led grass-roots organizations is not only helping to keep them afloat but preparing them for future larger-scale work: “This is UN Women’s value added – our commitment to investing in women’s organizations, not only financially but through long-term, consistent technical investment and capacity-building to ensure their success, motivate them and promote their sustainability.”

As of May 2024, the “Rebuilding the Women’s Movement in Afghanistan” flagship programme has partnered with 113 organizations in 19 provinces and supported at least 515 women earn salaries. This programme is made possible through the generous support of donors including: the Governments of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

* Names, locations, and details changed to protect the identity of the protagonists. They are also not shown in the accompanying photos.

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⚾️ Baseball bracket picks

Daniel Wilco | NCAA.com | May 21, 2024

How the men's college world series works.

Every year, the best teams in college baseball compete in the NCAA Division I baseball tournament, vying for the chance to play in Omaha at the Men's College World Series.

Here is how the NCAA Division I baseball tournament works, including the history and format.

What is the difference between the Division I baseball tournament and the Men's College World Series?

The NCAA Division I baseball tournament is a 64-team tournament in the spring. After two rounds of play (which each consist of multiple games), there are just eight teams left. These eight teams then head to Omaha, Nebraska, for the Men's College World Series. The MCWS is the culmination of the DI tournament, where the teams compete in two brackets, with the winners of each meeting in the MCWS finals, a best-of-three series to decide the NCAA champion.

When did the Men's College World Series start?

The first-ever NCAA Division I baseball tournament was in 1947, and would barely be recognized as the same tournament nowadays. The 1947 tournament featured just eight teams, which were divided into two four-team, single-elimination brackets. The two winners — California and Yale — then met in a best-of-three final in Kalamazoo, Michigan. California went undefeated through the inaugural CWS and beat Yale to capture the first title.

MCWS HISTORY: Coaches with most wins | Most titles | Most appearances   | Conferences most represented

How has the NCAA Division I baseball tournament changed since its inception?

The tournament has grown a lot since 1947. There are currently 64 teams that compete in four rounds (two double-elimination brackets, two best-of-three series) for the title.

Here are the major changes to the tournament, as they happened:

• 1948: First-round playoffs were changed to double-elimination.
• 1949: The final was expanded to a four-team, double-elimination format, and the site changed to Wichita, Kansas.
• 1950: Site moves to Omaha, Nebraska.
• 1954: Field expands to 23 teams. The field size bounces around between 21 and 32 for the next two decades. In the 22 years between 1954 and 1975, the field is never the same size two years in a row.
• 1976: Field expands to 34 teams, where it will stay until 1982.
• 1982: Field expands to 36 teams. Will expand multiple times in the next few years, before settling at 48 teams in 1987, where it will stay until 1999.
• 1988-1998: The eight regional champions are seeded into two four-team brackets. Those two brackets play double-elimination with the bracket winners then meeting in a one-game championship.
• 1999: Field expands to current size of 64 teams, super regionals are added.
• 2003: CWS finals become a best-of-three series.

How are teams selected for the NCAA Division I baseball tournament?

Since 1954, the NCAA Division I baseball tournament field has been split into two qualifying groups: The automatic berths, and the at-large selections. Since 2014, that split sees 31 conference champions receive automatic berths, and 33 teams receive at-large bids, decided by the NCAA Division I Baseball Committee. 

As part of that selection process, 16 teams receive national seeds, and are offered the option of hosting a super regional if they advance to the second round.

What is the format for the NCAA Division I baseball tournament?

There are four stages of competition for the tournament:

The first round sees the 64 teams split into 16 brackets. Each is a double-elimination bracket with four teams, seeded 1-4. Double-elimination means that a team isn’t eliminated from the bracket until they lose two games.

Super Regionals

The 16 winners of the regionals move on to the super regionals, where they are split into eight pairings. These pairings play in a best-of-three series.

Men's College World Series

The eight winners of the super regionals head to the MCWS in Omaha. They are split into two double-elimination brackets, consisting of four teams each.

Men's  College World Series Finals

The winners of the two MCWS brackets meet in the MCWS Finals, a best-of-three series to decide the NCAA champion.

When is the Men's College World Series?

The NCAA Division I baseball tournament starts after the culmination of the regular season, in late May or early June every year. The Men's College World Series, the final stage of the tournament, caps off the season in June.

You can see the bracket and schedule here .

How to get tickets for the Men's College World Series

Visit the tickets section on NCAA.com here for tickets .

Who has won the most Men's College World Series?

No team has won it more often than Southern California. The Trojans have 12 titles to their name, with the first coming in 1948, and the most recent in 1998. That also includes a stretch from 1968 to 1974, when USC won six of seven titles.

You can see the winners of every tournament here .

• Motivated by a storied history and a MCWS drought, St. John's baseball has its eyes on the NCAA postseason

• 2024 ACC baseball tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores

• 2024 SEC baseball tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores
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Men's College World Series

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Everything you need to know about how the Men's College World Series works

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College baseball career home run leaders

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