In the new post-pandemic normal, more and more employees are embracing flexible work schedules from the comfort of their homes. Global Workplace Analytics estimates that 22% of the workforce will work remotely by . With so many employees transitioning to a remote work environment, many are unsure of what they need in their home office, which leads to a loss of productivity and unnecessary frustration.
Like the vast majority of teams across the world, employees and employers had to rapidly out how to work from home together. One of the biggest questions that companies ask is this: what do employees need to set up a home office for remote work? Purchasing office equipment is a large expense, and likely to be underestimated.
Remote work requires a computer, reliable internet connection, and power, but this list goes beyond the basic, non-negotiable items that you will need to successfully work from home. Below we have listed the top 21 essential home office equipment and supplies you’ll need to create a workspace that encourages success in terms of maintaining productivity levels and avoiding burnout.
Office Furniture
1. Office Chair
Invest in an ergonomic office chair to avoid back pain
Your office chair is arguably the most essential piece of office equipment to consider carefully. Ensure the chair you choose has lumbar support, adjustable chair and armrests, and chair wheels safe for all floors.
2. Computer Desk
Choose a desk that is right for you and your space
A survey by OWL Labs shows that 20-25% of companies pay or share the cost of home office equipment. If it’s in the budget, emphasize the importance of having a proper desk. Your desk is the sacred plane that houses all your essential office equipment. Be sure to check that the desk you choose is compatible with your office chair height and surrounding space.
3. Lighting
Make sure your home office has adequate lighting
If possible, set up your remote workspace near a window for natural light to boost your mood and productivity. If natural light isn’t an option or you work longer hours, you’ll need a small desk lamp for task lighting.
4. Filing Cabinet
Keep clutter at bay with a filing cabinet
Depending on the type of work you do, client files and legal documents can build up fast. Select a filing cabinet that is compact and matches your home office aesthetic.
Office Supplies and Stationery
Don’t forget to stock up on basic office supplies. Avoid interrupting your day because you ran out of printer ink by setting up monthly or yearly recurring orders through programs like Amazon Prime.
5. Notebook
You’ll need a notebook or legal pad for quick notes
6. Whiteboard
Take a break from the screens and brainstorm with a whiteboard
7. Paper Organizers
Keep your important documents organized with filing folders and paper trays
8. Writing Tools
Find writing tools that you want to use
9. Desk Organizer
Find a desk organizer that keeps everything in place to stay focused. There are even some studies show that people with an organized desk stay focused 167% longer than those with a messy workspace.
Things to Keep You Focused
Staying focused and remembering important dates can be a challenge when battling the distractions that come with working from home.
Consider using a desk calendar and digital time management tools that offer notifications for upcoming appointments, recurring reminders, to-do lists, and more.
Eating healthy snacks and staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining an efficient work-from-home routine. Noise-canceling headphones are a must if you work near a busy street or with a roommate that’s constantly in and out.
10. Physical or Digital Calendar
Maintain a calendar for appointments and reminders
11. Memo Board
Hang a decorative memo board for motivation and focus
12. Healthy Snacks
Keep healthy snacks nearby to avoid trips to the kitchen
13. Water bottle
Pick out a refillable water bottle that you enjoy using
14. Headphones
Block out distractions with noise-canceling headphones
Support and Comfort Essentials
Take advantage of the work from home comfort by personalizing your home office with small items that bring you joy and boost your productivity.Add plants to your workspace to reduce air pollution and lower stress levels.
Take it to the next level with a small humidifier with your favorite essential oils to create a relaxing environment.
15. Office Plants
Keep low-maintenance plants in your home office
16. Wall Art
Hang up wall art to personalize your workspace
17. Humidifier
Consider a small humidifier to improve your home’s air quality
Computer Accessories
18. External Monitors
Expand your virtual workspace with external monitors
Don’t waste time bouncing around from web page to web page. Invest in two external monitors to avoid the stress related to task switching and maximize your efficiency.
19. Monitor Stand
Consider a monitor stand to encourage better posture
If your desk isn’t adjustable, you’ll need a monitor stand to raise your screens to eye level.
20. Wireless Keyboard / Mouse
Pick a wireless keyboard and mouse that supports your wrists
With how much time we spend at our desks, working on our computers, a wireless keyboard and mouse with an ergonomic design is essential to avoid long-term joint strain.
21. Power Strip
Protect your devices with a surge power strip with a USB
One thing I didn’t consider when I first started working from home, was the number of devices that all need to be plugged in at once. Invest in a power strip with various types of slots to ensure you have one spot to safely charge up all your devices.
The Significance of Essential Office Equipment
Setting up an efficient home office requires thoughtful consideration and investment in the home office supplies and equipment, including but not limited to, quality office furniture, a systematic way of ordering basic supplies and stationery, various time management tools, and of course, comfort accessories.
Arrange your home office equipment in a way that promotes creativity and a calming environment. Distinguish your home office from the rest of the house by personalizing your workspace. The beauty of working from home is you get to choose what equipment and supplies work best for you!
Home Office Furniture, Storage & Accessories
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