7 work from home office essentials to boost productivity
A well thought out office space can do wonders for your productivity. We’re more inclined to focus on our most meaningful work with a minimal, organised and comfy home office set-up. But how do you achieve work from home office harmony? Here are a few essentials that have helped me stay focused and in flow while working from home. By Haley Berryman.
My little home office set up featuring the Buro Metro chair.
The right desk—keep it minimal
If you work from home, you’re going to need a desk of some kind. Often our home spaces can be small so something clean, compact and clutter-free will have you focused for hours. All you really need is enough room to keep your laptop, screen and some space for a notepad, cup of coffee and perhaps a few inspiring items like crystals or art) and you’re good to go. I’m happy with my current desk (which was given to me…not sure where from), but lately I’ve also been eying up standing desks too (like this IKEA sit/stand desk) so I can stretch my legs every now and again. Let me know if you have one and if you love it?!
A great chair—ergonomics are everything
If you're wondering where to spend or splurge in your home office, your chair is definitely worth allocating some extra cash. A great office chair is arguably the most crucial investment for your productivity and health. I spent far too long using a cheap Kmart chair and recently upgraded to a proper ergonomic chair—it was like going from economy to first-class! When you can sit comfortably for hours (without causing any pain or strain on your back, neck, and wrists) you will amplify productivity while looking after your body. I love my Buro Metro office chair inspired by Kiwis who live and breathe innovation. It's fully ergonomic—seriously, you can adjust everything on this seat—for optimal comfort. It's also Greenguard Certified, which means it meets strict chemical emissions limits, has been tested for more than 10,000 chemicals, and is safe for indoor use. When you're spending so much time together, that's pretty important.
Tech accessories—to work faster
The beauty of working from home is you can craft a desk set up that fully supports your style of working. I love having a second monitor set up so I can research on one screen and write on another when in copywriting mode. I also recommend a wireless mouse and keyboard rather than just relying on your own laptop ones. A good external keyboard will help speed up your typing and encourage fewer mistakes, while a wireless mouse will help you move seamlessly from tab to tab, screen to screen and doc to doc.
Noise-cancelling headphones—cos distractions happen
I’m sure I’m not the only one who is about to dive into some deep work when the neighbour decides to mow his lawns or crank up the leaf blower, am I right? If you’re sharing your home with family hearing their antics around the house can be mighty distracting too. Working from home can mean you’re sharing space with others, so your best investment is a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones. I can’t live without my BlueAnt Pump AIr wireless headphones, and I also have a pair of older wired Bose Headphones.
A notepad—for all of the things
Those impromptu ideas may be brilliant, but they can throw you off focus really quickly. Give great ideas (or distractions like buying a birthday present for your pal) somewhere to go with a good deskpad. You can review this notepad at the end of the day and move items to your to-do, delegate list, or simply delete if it’s no longer important (the best productivity hack of all). I can’t live without my GirlFriday Signature Jotter and GirlFriday Daily Focus Jotter to keep me on track.
Good lighting—natural is best
Lighting can have a huge impact on your productivity. If the lighting in your space is too dim or too harsh (think bad fluorescent lighting) your eyes have to work a lot harder which causes strain and headaches, which doesn’t help us feel happy and focused. Natural light is best (and there have been studies to prove it). So set your desk up in a light-filled space with windows to enjoy the productivity and creativity boost that comes with natural lighting.
Beautiful scents—to set the mood
This one may not be 100% essential, however, I find scents incredibly powerful when it comes to finding my focus. The simple act of lighting a candle when I start my workday signals to my brain “it’s time to work”. It sets the mood and tone for the day. And to shift energy quickly, I always have a cleansing spray like Joyful or Sage from Botanist Aromatherapy on hand. I make my own candles at home, but if I’m feeling especially luxe I’ll splurge on a Diptype Candle (cos who doesn’t want a little Parisian mystique in their life).
Over to you!
What is one thing you can’t live without in your WFH set-up? Drop us a DM or tag us to show your home office set up on Instagram @coolwowcollective.
Written by Haley Berryman
Almond latte drinking, nature lovin’, mama of two. Endlessly coming up with ideas for others. Hippy at heart. Says ‘babe’ way too much. Shares personal musings on topics including freelancing, marketing, wellbeing and happiness. Connect @haleyberryman__ or haleyberryman.com.