Home Setup for Banking (Need Advice from the Best)

Just started full-time and want to make my setup at home as good as possible without destroying the bank account (just graduated without much, with that said willing to spend more on an investment that will make my life easier late Sunday night if possible).

Mostly work in spreadsheets / models, perhaps at once I'd be working on a deck, in the excel backup, monitoring email teams / in a call [edit: and on WSO]. Makes it seem like two 27" monitors are the obvious choice with laptop on a platform. Would it be nice to get one 32" and maybe be able to work in a deck with chrome / some other info open on it as well? Would that even fit? Would it be helpful for excel to have an even wider monitor? What about the aspect ratio for the monitors, would 16:10 on both or one be helpful? 

Apologies for the barrage of questions, hoping to capture anyone's experience / words of wisdom. Still would be perhaps more grateful to hear back from the people who need to work fast all days of the week for long hours, who know exactly how much lies in the margins with these things. Thanks

Best Setup?

two 27" monitors
50% (16 votes)
one 27" monitor, one 32"
6% (2 votes)
two 27" inch or one 32", as long as one of them is 16:10 or deeper
19% (6 votes)
One ultrawide monitor
22% (7 votes)
As long as I get my gaming mouse (loser) (jk)
3% (1 vote)
Total votes: 32
3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for setting up an efficient home office for banking work:

Monitor Setup

  • Dual Monitors: Many users recommend dual monitors for productivity. Two 27" monitors can provide ample screen real estate for working on spreadsheets, models, and decks simultaneously.
  • Single Large Monitor: A single 32" monitor could also be a good option, especially if you prefer having a larger, continuous workspace. This setup can be particularly useful for working on decks with additional information open on the same screen.
  • Aspect Ratio: A 16:10 aspect ratio can be beneficial as it provides more vertical space, which is useful for viewing more rows in spreadsheets or more lines in documents.

Additional Tips

  • Clear Workspace: Keep your workspace clear and free from distractions. One user mentioned moving their TV to the bedroom to maintain focus.
  • Phone Management: Limit phone usage to breaks to avoid distractions. Some users even replace their phone with a Kindle to read during downtime.
  • Printer: Having a reliable printer can be crucial, especially if you need to print documents frequently. One user noted their printer failed after heavy use, so investing in a durable model might be wise.
  • Separate Work Area: If possible, create a separate work area to help maintain a work-life balance. This can be as simple as working at the kitchen table or as elaborate as having a dedicated office space.

Productivity Tools

  • Productivity Tools: Utilize productivity tools to automate repetitive tasks and save time. This can include software for managing emails, scheduling, and other routine tasks.
  • Protected Time: Ensure you have protected time to focus on deep work without interruptions. This can help you maintain productivity and manage your workload more effectively.

Community Insights

  • Community Feedback: Engage with the WSO community to get more personalized advice and learn from others' experiences. Many users share their setups and what works best for them, which can provide valuable insights.

By considering these tips and leveraging the experiences shared by the WSO community, you can create a home office setup that enhances your productivity and makes your work more manageable.

Sources: What kind of tools / apps do you wish existed in the industry?, What I Wish Every First Year Analyst Knew, Will office be the buy of the century this correction or is it dead?, WFH Grind & Productivity Hacks, WFH Grind & Productivity Hacks

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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