What are the most useful home office essentials to boost productivity?
Photo by Norbert Levajsics on Unsplash
Whether you work from home for your own business or work a remote position for an employer, utilizing your home office is a major perk. However, staying productive while working from your home office is a challenge that many moms face, especially during periods when the kids are home from school on breaks or during the holidays. But fear not, I have some tips for how you can stay more focused and work more efficiently, starting with these essential additions:
Tech
Wireless printers
Who needs another cord tangling up under their desk and creating clutter? Not you. Instead, consider investing in wireless office equipment like wifi printers.
High-quality headphones
Having a home office is a great convenience that cuts out your commute and lets you spend more time with the family while still accomplishing everything you need. However, the noise of other family members living out their daily routine can be disruptive to your workflow and focus. Get yourself a pair of noise-cancelling headphones to block out distractions and work more efficiently.
Second monitor
You know what they say, two is better than one. And, when it comes to getting your work done, that’s definitely true. Purchasing a second monitor cuts down on time tabbing back and forth and lets you read and research while you type.
External keyboard
If your home office is equipped with a laptop, you may want to get an external keyboard to help you type faster. Find an external keyboard that is designed for optimal efficiency and you’ll quickly see the difference.
Wireless mouse
I don’t know about you, but the touchpads on laptops can be frustratingly finicky. Instead, use a wireless mouse to improve precision and work more efficiently. Don’t forget to pair it with a mousepad to make sure it tracks without glitches—I recommend one with a nice family photo.
Organization
Disorganization can make you feel unnecessarily stressed, unfocused, and overwhelmed by an otherwise normal workday. To declutter your home office and optimize it for a more productive workflow, there are a few organization essentials you should consider adding to your space:
Desk organizer
Having papers and supplies strewn across your desk is distracting and can lead to you losing something important. Many desk organizers now also have chargers for your phone, tablet, and other gadgets, so everything you need is nearby and ready to use.
To-Do list or whiteboard
Having a to-do list pad or whiteboard is an easy way to visualize the tasks you need to accomplish each day. If you want something dual-functioning, you could also get a cork board-whiteboard combination.
Comfort
It should come as no surprise that comfort can impact productivity. Think about all the time you spend readjusting or distracted by your pain. Plus, discomfort usually means that something isn’t set up right for your body, which can often lead to other issues. To make sure you’re as comfortable and focused as possible, purchase these items for your home office:
Ergonomic desk chair
For most of us, working from home requires a lot of sitting. And, if you don’t have the right chair, that can lead to a lot of discomfort whether it be your back, elbows, or rear. That’s why it’s important to invest in an ergonomic desk chair that is designed to provide the support you need and can be adjusted to your body for the perfect fit.
Wrist support
Depending on the type of keyboard you have, you may notice that your wrists have become sore from resting on a hard surface like the edge of your laptop or desk. Using a write support can provide extra cushion for more comfortable typing, keep your wrists at the proper angle to help prevent repetitive injuries, and help you get your work done faster since you’ll be in correct form.
Laptop stand
Do your eyes or neck feel strained after working for a while? If so, it may be due to the position of your computer. Your laptop should be high enough that the top of the monitor falls just below your line of sight. That way, you simply have to shift your eyes down to read instead of bending your neck.
These essentials are a great way to improve your productivity when working at home but don’t forget to add some personalization, too. Feeling comfortable and happy in your space is just as important.