10 Essential Home Office Supplies

“Working from home and flexible working are becoming more commonplace, which has increased the need for home offices. But working from home can be fraught with distractions and you might not have the equipment you need to ensure you are working in a comfortable position. Here are 10 home office essentials that you need for ultimate productivity.

1. Sit-Stand Desk
It’s no secret that sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health, but having a job which requires you to work from a desk means that you probably spend a lot of time sitting down. But this doesn’t need to be the case. Sit-stand desks are height adjustable so that you can switch from working in a seated position to working whilst standing up and back again, with ease.

There are many benefits to working in the standing position for different periods throughout the day, including increased calorie burning, reduced back pain, increased circulation and increased concentration levels. A desk that can improve your health is a must-have!

2. The right chair
How many hours do you spend sitting at your desk? 7? More? It’s really important that during those hours, you can be seated in a healthy, ergonomic position that will not damage your back. You’ll need an office chair with wheels, a suitable backrest and maybe even a headrest so that you can sit comfortably in your home office.
3. Good quality computer
It is essential that you have a good quality computer to use when working from home. Whether you decide to work from a laptop with an additional keyboard or choose to use a desktop tower with a monitor, you’ll need to ensure it has enough memory and that the processor is fast enough for you to be efficient.
4. Laptop holder
If you work from a laptop then you will have probably noticed yourself leaning forward awkwardly when using it on your desk or table in order to see the screen. Using your laptop in this position can result in back, neck and shoulder issues, which will significantly impact your comfort and productivity. A laptop holder will allow you to position your laptop at a suitable height so that you can assume the correct posture when working. Raising your laptop from the surface of your desk will also allow the fan on your machine to work more effectively which could increase the lifespan of your equipment.

5. Multi-plug extension lead
When working from your home office, it’s likely you’ll need to charge or plug in many devices at one time. The list of equipment for a home office is long;  including your laptop, monitor, phone, printer and potentially even an internet booster. You probably don’t have enough sockets for all of that, which means you’ll need a multi-plug extension lead to boost the number of sockets that are available to you and bring them closer to your desk.

6. Ergonomic keyboard and mouse
Your keyboard and mouse are integral to the use of your home office equipment, and working on them should be comfortable. If you currently use a flat keyboard, you are at risk of developing sore wrists and even carpal tunnel syndrome. An ergonomic keyboard and mouse are home office essentials that will allow you to type and scroll with ease. Additionally, if you opt for a laptop stand, you’ll need a good wireless keyboard.

7. LED desk lamp
Incorrect lighting in your office can result not only wreak havoc during video calls but can also result in eye strain, which can cause headaches and further vision problems. A purpose-designed desk light will allow constant lighting in your workplace that will not result in damage to your eyes.

8. Waterproof desk pad
Once you’ve invested in a good-quality office desk, you’ll want to ensure it is protected. A waterproof desk pad which can be used underneath your keyboard and mouse will reduce the risk of any scratches and also prevent any spillages from your morning coffee from staining the surface of your desk.

9. Desk organiser
An organised workspace can have a huge impact on your personal productivity and happiness at work. Using a desk organiser will ensure that all of your important documents are kept tidy and not spread all over your desk causing distraction and untidiness.

10. Office plants
Indoor plants in the office are a great way to brighten up your workspace and boost your creativity levels. Incorporating greenery in your home office helps to relieve stress by creating a feeling of tranquillity and if you can find some plants that interest you, you may even notice an increase in your focus levels.

When designing your home office, be sure to think about these essentials which will help you to remain comfortable, productive and happy. You should also spend some time thinking about the colours you want in your office that can impact your mood.”