How to Spend Your Work-From-Home Stipend Like a Pro
Evolving past upgraded second monitors to create the home office of your dreams
Last week, I was talking with someone specializing in AV setup for remote and hybrid teams and stumbled upon a puzzling question… Why do so many people I know spend so much money on second monitors?
Don’t get me wrong, I personally have and love a second monitor. I use one regularly and would advise most people to consider a second monitor for their workspace, but I’m confused by the number of people who splurge for high-end monitors when their role doesn’t benefit from the higher resolution.
After talking to a handful of remote workers about this, I realized this is primarily a symptom of the “Work-From-Home Stipend.” This is a common benefit deployed by remote-first companies to allow their teams to upgrade their home offices. On the one hand, it’s a much better policy than no policy at all, but on the other hand, it creates some interesting side effects that I had never considered until I looked at it more closely.
Many Work-From-Home stipends aren’t large enough to make a meaningful difference
The most impactful tech purchases also require some expertise to buy and install
Many workers don’t know where to begin to spend this benefit
The bloat of double monitors is a symptom of these factors. Let’s dive into each to better understand both how organizations can better equip remote workers and how workers can make the most of this benefit in their home office.
What’s an Appropriate Work-From-Home Stipend Amount?
I haven’t been able to find a consensus average for remote work stipends, but based on my research, I’d peg the typical range at a $500 - $1,000 one-time stipend for office setup.
Once I had this range identified, I wanted to see how it matched my network’s experience, so I posted this poll on LinkedIn:
I was shocked that over half of the respondents reported having no work-from-home stipend at all, but it seemed like the $500 - $1k range was an appropriate approximation for an average. It also passed the sniff test of searching for job descriptions with WFH stipends listed and cross-referencing against the amounts they advertise.
While that may seem like a lot of money, $500 for a home office upgrade doesn’t go very far. At that range, we’re not talking about overhauling our office setup, we’re talking about adding one or two pieces of gear. That’s better than nothing, but it’s what leads a lot of workers to shrug and say “how about a new monitor?”
I don’t think that we necessarily need to increase our stipends across the board, but I would advocate a tiered approach that’s optimized for the outcomes we’re aiming towards. Handing an employee $500 and saying “go nuts” both limits the potential of what we can accomplish with our stipend and produces analysis paralysis that leads to the lowest common denominator purchase… Second monitors.
The Most Impactful Work-From-Home Tech Purchases Require Some Savvy
I have some deeply conflicted thoughts about work-from-home stipends. On the one hand, I believe this benefit is extremely beneficial for remote teams, but on the other hand, it offloads a ton of responsibility on the employee. Now, they need to become IT experts, equipping their office with tech gear that they may not understand.
There’s a natural evolution here that I believe will change a ton in the coming years. In 2025, I’d be shocked if the average remote employee is handed a blank check with no recommendations. I think we’re moving to a far more concierge approach, with specific gear packages designed for specific roles and needs.
This eliminates the burden for remote employees to be their own IT person. Instead of being told “you have a fixed amount of money… figure out how you want to spend it” the most effective remote leaders will tailor packages to their team based on their needs.
A developer has far different needs than a salesperson, who has far different needs than a CEO. While the idea behind the stipend is that each of those individuals can choose the gear that’s best for them, that’s not what happens in reality. What actually happens is that the majority of employees in that situation end up buying the easiest thing to think of and install.
Yep, a second monitor.
Okay, I’m done complaining about second monitors. Let’s talk about the gear I’d rather see you buy with your stipend so you can be more productive.
How to Spend Your Work-From-Home Stipend: A Mental Model for Prioritization
There is no one-size-fits-all solution here, but I wanted to provide a mental model to help us prioritize our home office purchases. Only once we’ve satisfied all three of these priorities should we turn to a second or third monitor.
Priority 1: Use Your Work-From-Home Stipend to Improve Connectivity
I don’t care how high res your second or third monitor is… If your video call is lagging, you look like an amateur. Priority #1 is speed. The three things I’d consider, in priority order, are a mesh wifi router system, a dual-band WiFi 5 USB adapter, and a wired ethernet connection for your computer.
Let’s dive into options for each…
Best Mesh Wifi Router Options for Your Home Office
Mesh wifi routers are amazing for home networks for two reasons: First off, the router the internet company sends you sucks and secondly, the larger your home is, the more you’ll need additional nodes. I recommend one node for every 1,000 square feet of your home. If you have a 3,000-square-foot house, that’s 3 nodes for best results. Here are a few great options for mesh wifi systems:
Google Nest WiFi - Google Nest WiFi is an easy-to-use and reliable mesh WiFi system that can provide strong and consistent WiFi coverage for a home office. It comes with a user-friendly mobile app that allows you to manage and monitor your network from anywhere. The system is also expandable, which means you can add additional Nest WiFi points to increase the coverage area.
$399 for three nodes
Eero Pro 6 - Eero Pro 6 is a high-performance mesh WiFi system that can deliver lightning-fast WiFi speeds and reliable connectivity for a home office. It comes with advanced features such as built-in Zigbee smart home hub, WPA3 security, and parental controls. The system is easy to set up and manage, and it can be expanded with additional Eero devices.
$599 for three nodes
Netgear Orbi - Netgear Orbi is a powerful mesh WiFi system that can provide wide coverage and fast internet speeds for a home office. It comes with a tri-band technology that can support multiple devices without any lag or buffering. The system also has advanced features such as parental controls, guest WiFi access, and app-based management.
$480 for three nodes
Using a Dual-Band WiFi USB Adapter for Better Coverage
One of the challenges of working from home is competing with video games, Netflix, and your partner’s video calls. Your computer is competing with every other connected device in your house for the same bandwidth, which causes video lag and annoying instability. That’s why I love investing in a Dual-Band Wifi 5 USB Adapter that allows you to speed up your laptop’s connection easily when you need an extra boost. Here are a few great options:
TP-Link Archer T4U V3 - The TP-Link Archer T4U V3 is a dual-band USB adapter that supports speeds of up to 1200Mbps. It uses the latest 802.11ac WiFi technology and has two external antennas that can provide strong and stable signal strength. It is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.
Available for around $40
ASUS USB-AC68 - The ASUS USB-AC68 is a high-performance dual-band USB adapter that supports speeds of up to 1900Mbps. It comes with three external antennas that can provide excellent signal coverage and stability. It also has a USB 3.0 interface for faster data transfer speeds.
Available for $90
Netgear A6210 - The Netgear A6210 is a dual-band USB adapter that supports speeds of up to 1200Mbps. It has two external antennas that can provide strong signal coverage and can be adjusted for optimal performance. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Available for under $40
Wired Ethernet as a Last Resort
Finally, if you invested in a mesh wifi system and you placed a node in your home office, you likely have the ability to plug directly into the Ethernet port. I recommend having the capability to do this in a pinch. You never know when you may need it, and it’s not expensive. Here are a few options that work for most tech setups:
Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable - The Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable is a high-quality cable that supports gigabit Ethernet speeds up to 10Gbps. It is available in various lengths and comes with snagless connectors that can reduce strain on the cable and the port.
Under $20
AmazonBasics USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter - The AmazonBasics USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter is a compact and portable adapter that can convert a USB port to an Ethernet port. It supports gigabit Ethernet speeds up to 5Gbps and is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Under $15
StarTech USB-C to Ethernet Adapter - The StarTech USB-C to Ethernet Adapter is a versatile adapter that can connect to laptops with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports. It supports gigabit Ethernet speeds up to 5Gbps and comes with a built-in USB Type-A port that can be used to connect additional peripherals.
Under $25
Priority 2: Improve the Comfort of Your Home Office With Ergonomics
Once we’re confident in our connectivity, the second priority is our own comfort. We only have one body and we’re spending a lot of time in our home office, so we want to invest in both our own comfort and ensuring our posture doesn’t get out-of-whack.
Upgrade Your Sitting Situation
Let’s start by upgrading our office chair. We spend way too much time sitting in this thing to skimp. Here are a few great options:
Hbada Ergonomic Office Chair - The Hbada Ergonomic Office Chair is a stylish and comfortable chair that is designed to provide excellent lumbar support. It has adjustable armrests, a recline function, and a breathable mesh backrest to keep you cool and comfortable. It is available in a variety of colors and can support up to 250 pounds.
Available for around $200
Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair - The Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair is a highly adjustable chair that can be customized to your body shape and size. It has adjustable armrests, a tilt function, and a breathable mesh backrest that can support up to 330 pounds. It also comes with a headrest that can be adjusted up and down.
Available for under $350
Smugdesk Ergonomic Office Chair - The Smugdesk Ergonomic Office Chair is a comfortable and affordable chair that is designed to provide excellent lumbar support. It has adjustable armrests, a tilt function, and a breathable mesh backrest to keep you cool and comfortable. It can support up to 300 pounds and comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Available for under $200
Bonus Points: Easy Upgrades for Your Home Office Chair
Get a tempered glass mat for under $100 to make your chair roll easier and protect your floors.
Swap out your desk chair wheels for these bad boys for $20. They’ll make a huge difference in how your chair moves.
Move from Sitting to Standing
Next, let’s invest in a sitting/standing desk that allows us to get up and move. Here are some options I’d recommend:
Varidesk ProDesk 60 Electric Standing Desk - The Varidesk ProDesk 60 Electric Standing Desk is a high-quality electric standing desk that is both sturdy and reliable. It has a wide range of height adjustments, from 25.5 inches to 50.5 inches, and can support up to 250 pounds. It also comes with a programmable keypad that allows you to set your preferred height.
Available for $800
Uplift V2 Standing Desk - The Uplift V2 Standing Desk is a popular and well-reviewed option that is both affordable and customizable. It has a height range of 25.5 inches to 50.1 inches and can support up to 355 pounds. It also comes with several customizable options, such as desktop size, color, and leg style.
Available for $600
Fully Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk - The Fully Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk is a stylish and eco-friendly option that is made from sustainable bamboo. It has a height range of 23.75 inches to 49.25 inches and can support up to 350 pounds. It also comes with an LED programmable keypad that allows you to set your preferred height.
Available for under $400
Upgrading to More Ergonomic Tech
Finally, let’s avoid carpel tunnel with a few ergonomic tech items. Here are a couple more items I’d recommend splurging on:
Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard - This isn’t for everyone, but if you can get over the split keyboard design, people swear by these things. You can get an ergonomic keyboard for $50 - $150
Logitech MX Vertical Ergonomic Mouse - The Logitech MX Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is a well-designed mouse that promotes a natural hand position and reduces muscle strain. It has a 57-degree vertical angle that reduces wrist pressure and an advanced optical sensor that provides precise cursor control. It also has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to four months on a single charge. It’s available for $100.
Priority 3: Become a Remote Work Rockstar with Better Sound and Video Quality
Okay, now that we’re positive we won’t have video lag and we’ve optimized our home office for our long-term comfort and health, it’s time to amp up our AV gear to make us look and feel like remote rock stars. Here are the key upgrades I’d consider once I’m at this stage:
Upgraded Video and Microphone Quality
We want to start by making sure our video and audio quality is professional-caliber instead of the crap that comes pre-installed in our laptops. Here’s where I’d start:
Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam - The Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam is a popular choice for video conferencing and streaming. It has a 1080p resolution and a 78-degree field of view that captures clear and detailed images. It also has built-in dual stereo mics that provide clear and natural sound.
Available for $75
Blue Yeti USB Microphone - The Blue Yeti USB Microphone is a versatile and high-quality microphone that is suitable for various recording and streaming applications. It has four different pattern modes (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo) that allow you to capture different sound sources and environments. It also has a built-in headphone jack that lets you monitor your recordings in real-time.
Available for $100
Elgato Cam Link 4K - The Elgato Cam Link 4K is a device that allows you to connect a DSLR, mirrorless, or action camera to your computer as a webcam. It supports a 4K resolution and provides low-latency, high-quality video capture. It is compatible with most camera models and software applications.
Available for $100
Lighting for Video Calls
Next, we want to set up our calls so they look amazing. I love getting some front lighting and RGB backlighting to add a pop of color.
A Basic Ring Light - Don’t need to get fancy with this… Just about any ring light will do. You can get a quality one for $20 that should last for a long time.
RGB Backlighting - You likely won’t need much here. I love these because they level up your backdrop without breaking the bank. They also have the added benefit of being able to be turned off and put away. No need to get a work-specific backdrop in your personal office or use virtual backdrops on Zoom. These run for less than $35 for two.
Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Headphones
Finally, if you work in a noisy, busy, crowded house, I highly recommend splurging on some nice Bluetooth headphones with noise canceling. While a good pair will definitely run you more than most of the other gear we’ve bought, you can’t put a price on peace and productivity.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II: These headphones are among the most popular noise-canceling headphones on the market, and for good reason. They feature excellent noise cancellation, crystal-clear sound, and comfortable padding that makes them perfect for extended video calls. They also have a built-in microphone for clear audio input during video calls.
$335
Sony WH-1000XM4: The Sony WH-1000XM4 is another excellent option for video calls. These headphones offer superior noise cancellation, clear audio quality, and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They also feature a built-in microphone and offer touch controls for easy use.
$350
Jabra Elite 85h: The Jabra Elite 85h is a noise-canceling headphone that features an impressive 36-hour battery life. They have a built-in microphone for clear audio during video calls and are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. They also feature touch controls and are compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
$250
In this new, remote-first future, employees have more responsibility than ever. They need to learn how to be IT experts, operational experts, and digital communication experts. If you’re looking to level-up as a remote team member and leader every week, subscribe to my Substack for free.
Tim Hickle is a marketing leader who helps high-growth startups and scale-ups get unstuck and hit their goals while embracing AI and the future of work. To learn more about how Tim can help your organization grow, visit TimHickle.com