Couch-Friendly Tools for Better Productivity, Call Quality, and Security
We get it—you're working from the couch. Maybe it's your third Zoom call of the day, your dog just barked during a client presentation, and your Wi-Fi is hanging on by a thread. Welcome to the casual home office, where slippers are standard, and the kitchen doubles as the breakroom.
But while remote work offers flexibility and freedom, it also brings a new challenge: making sure your home setup doesn't slow you—or your company—down.
At TotalBC, we've seen it all: choppy calls, unsecured devices, and Teams integrations that make collaboration feel more like an obstacle course. That's why we're breaking down three must-have tech upgrades to level up your remote work game—without trading your sweatpants for slacks.
1. Upgrade Your Headset, Upgrade Your Reputation
Let's talk about call quality.
If you've ever started a sentence with "Can you hear me now?"—you need a better headset. Relying on built-in laptop mics or $15 earbuds might work in a pinch, but it's not sustainable for professional communication.
A poor headset can lead to background noise, distorted audio, and the dreaded echo. Not only does that affect your productivity, but it can hurt your credibility in client calls or team meetings.
What to Look for:
- Noise-canceling microphone to block out barking dogs and laundry machines
- Wireless connectivity for mobility around the house
- Long battery life so you're not scrambling mid-meeting
CallNet, TotalBC's VoIP for Business solution, pairs perfectly with high-quality headsets and offers HD audio, mobile calling apps, and call routing, so you're always clear and connected—whether you're at a desk or on your couch.
2. VPN-Ready Security for Cameras & Smart Devices
You've got a webcam. Maybe even a smart camera or two. But is your home network actually secure? When you're handling sensitive files, financial data, or client info remotely, your personal Wi-Fi setup might not be enough.
That's where a secure VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes in. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, shielding company data from hackers, snoopers, or that oddly suspicious "smart fridge" you forgot was connected to the network.
And it's not just about your laptop, remote workers are using webcams, external monitors, smart assistants, and even IoT devices (like smart lighting or thermostats) as part of their home office setup. Without proper safeguards, these can become entry points for cyber threats.
What You Need:
- VPN-enabled routers or secure business VPN access
- Two-factor authentication for all devices
- Managed IT support to monitor and maintain your home network health
TotalBC's Managed IT Services make it easy to stay protected. We'll set up, manage, and secure your remote work devices, and offer 24/7 support to keep your digital environment threat-free—without you needing to be an IT expert.
3. Seamless Microsoft Teams & M365 Integration
If your current workflow involves switching between apps, files, and chat threads like a digital gymnast, it's time to simplify. Enter: Microsoft 365 and Teams integration done right.
A streamlined setup allows you to:
- Schedule meetings directly from Outlook into Teams
- Edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint docs in real time with teammates
- Access everything from anywhere—securely
With the right integrations, your couch-based workspace suddenly becomes a collaborative powerhouse. Whether you're in a video call, chatting with coworkers, or finalizing a proposal in OneDrive, it all flows smoothly—just as remote work should.
Bonus Tip: Create a "Focus Zone"
Remote work comfort is key, but so is focus. Create a semi-permanent workstation near your couch or lounge that includes:
- A portable laptop stand or lap desk
- Noise-reducing curtains or panels
- A small ring light or camera enhancer for video calls
By pairing this physical setup with the three tech upgrades above, you'll blend comfort and professionalism in one stylish, remote-ready package.
Work From Anywhere, Worry About Nothing
Working from home doesn't mean working with subpar tools. Whether you're taking calls from the kitchen or editing files from your couch, your tech setup should support your productivity, not drag it down.
At TotalBC, we help remote employees (and the companies that rely on them) create seamless, secure, and high-performance home office environments. With our powerful CallNet VoIP solution and comprehensive Managed IT Services, you'll get:
- HD-quality business calls
- Secure VPN access and threat monitoring
- M365 + Teams integration that just works
- Ongoing support from real, friendly experts
Ready to Upgrade Your Remote Work Lounge?
Whether you're managing a hybrid team or flying solo from your home office, TotalBC has the tools to power your productivity—comfortably.
Contact us today at 866-673-8682 or visit www.totalbc.com to learn how CallNet and our Managed IT Services can optimize your remote work setup for speed, security, and simplicity.
