Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of the home office has risen considerably. If you’re going to be working from home, then it’s vital that you’re as productive as possible. In some cases, this might mean investing in a few key pieces of equipment. Let’s consider some of the more important ones.

 

Headphones/Earphones: Staying Focused in Noisy Environments

It might be that your house is not an ideal, tranquil environment in which to work. In this case, it’s worth investing in a quality set of noise-cancelling headphones. These are available in a range of styles, from in-ear to over-ear. Pick the ones you like. Consider not only the quality of the sound but also the experience of wearing them. Uncomfortable headphones are as likely to be a distraction as they are a blessing.

Ergonomic Chair: Comfort for Long Work Hours

If you’re going to be sitting in the same place for hours on end, a good chair is a critical investment. It should not only be comfortable to sit in but supportive of good posture. Look for something with good lumbar support, and that can be moved up and down to suit your body and seating position.

Some of the best office chairs command prices well into four figures, but you can often find them discounted at liquidation sales.

 

Adjustable Desk: Flexibility for Better Focus

Adjusting the chair is one thing, but if you can adjust your desk, you can eliminate the chair altogether. This might allow you to create a standing desk workspace, which can be a good match with certain kinds of work and certain kinds of workers. Working while standing might not appeal to everyone, but it can improve circulation and reduce your strain. Just make sure that the level of the desk is parallel with your elbows, or slightly below them, so that your arms can rest on the desk when you are standing upright.

External Monitor: Expanding Screen Space for Efficiency

The more screen space you have, the better. This goes especially for tasks that require many windows. If you’re looking at the internet on one screen, checking emails on another, and writing a document on a third, then getting multiple screens there might help you to more quickly notice new incoming information. There are plenty of great displays out there, and they’re affordable enough that many workers can afford to invest in several of them.

Try to match the size, colour, and style of your monitors. You might also change the size and colour of your cursor so that you can easily spot it when it gets lost.

 

Task Lighting: Reducing Eye Strain

When you can see what you’re doing, you’ll have an easier time avoiding eye strain. Look for small lamps for task lighting. Ideally, they should be dimmable and come with adjustable arms so that you can direct them to exactly where your attention is going to be focused. LED lamps are the most efficient, which is particularly important if you’re going to be running the lamp for hours on end.

 

Tools: Maintaining a Clutter-Free Space

Your work might require that you stay on top of a range of items. Pencils, pens, notepads, cables, plugs, and books might need to be stored securely and neatly. Cable management might be done using ties and trunking. Make sure that there’s a bin available, as well as enough shelves and drawers so that everything has a home.