Every year, Americans embark on over 405 million business trips, translating into 1.1 million people traveling for business daily. For the professionals on the move, converting business travel into productive work sessions is an alluring thought. Picture this: you get off a flight and into a mobile office, ready to tackle projects and meetings without missing a beat.
Building a well-equipped mobile office in a vehicle is no longer a pipe dream. With thoughtful planning and a few strategic investments, you can create an extension of your office on four wheels. In this article, we will discuss the essential steps to create a world-class office on wheels.
1. Choosing the Right Vehicle
According to a recent survey, business travelers waste an average of 12 hours on every business trip. Moreover, staff working at smaller companies waste 70% more time on a trip than staff working at larger firms. A mobile office is a perfect solution to save this valuable time.
Picking the right vehicle is crucial and the choice depends on your preferences, space requirements, and duration of the frequent business trips. It’s also essential to consider what comfort features and business amenities you want in your mobile office. The most popular vehicle options for mobile offices include vans and SUVs.
Before we delve into vehicle types, let’s consider a scenario. Chicago is one of the top 5 business destinations, with its central location, diverse industries, and world-class convention facilities. Hence, it is no surprise that more than 30% of Chicago’s overnight visitors are on a business trip. According to Eminent Limo, sprinter vans that transport large groups of people and modern amenities are perfect for mobile offices.
Thus, consider a Sprinter rental in Chicago if traveling to the Windy City on a business trip. These offer the most space and allow you to create a custom workspace with a desk setup and even a resting area if you plan on longer trips. If you are on a tight budget, SUVs with fold-down seats and huge cargo space are also a good option. Consider a car like a station wagon only if you plan on making a mini setup for shorter trips.
2. Essential Equipment for Mobile Office
The second most crucial factor to consider while decking up your mobile office is the choice of tools and equipment for productivity while on the move. Create a dedicated workspace with a bespoke desk, a comfortable chair, and space management options like cabinets and organizers.
Every mobile office must have reliable internet connectivity. Invest in a good-quality Wi-Fi hotspot and a signal booster if necessary. Stable internet connectivity will allow you to complete tasks like managing your schedule, sending emails, and even hosting virtual meetings while on the move.
Speaking of meetings, the mobile office must also have efficient communication tools. These include equipment such as noise-canceling headphones and a robust external microphone, to handle calls and conferences without interruptions.
Additionally, ensure the vehicle has effective power management with a power inverter and portable power stations. Also, invest in a portable printer, scanner, monitor, and whiteboard or corkboard. According to recent statistics, 46% of employees feel that technology and digital tools make them more productive.
3. Optimize the Mobile Office for Productivity
The key to maximizing your productivity on the road is to create a comfortable and efficient mobile office environment. When setting up your workspace in the van, position your seat and cushion so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees bend at 90 degrees. Moreover, your elbows must also be at a 90-degree angle while typing.
If possible, choose a vehicle with a sunroof to let natural light in, and park in areas with ample natural light whenever possible. Use portable lights with brightness adjustment for focused illumination and blue light filters on your laptop or tablet to reduce eye strain. Invest in a vehicle like a Sprinter van with built-in climate control to create a comfortable working space.
Working from anywhere is an absolute luxury in today’s dynamic work culture. A well-designed and well-equipped mobile office allows you to transform business travel into a productive work session and enjoy the flexibility to work on your terms. The benefit also extends beyond productivity as it helps you to maintain a healthy work-life balance. You can blend work with travel and explore new destinations without compromising your professional responsibilities.
