As more and more people across the globe continue to work from a home office (or couch or kitchen table), the must-haves quickly become obvious. It is also important to maintain a business attitude, no matter your attire, and to have a clear space for work that is separate from play.
Beyond a laptop and smart device, the following eight essentials can help you complete your perfect home office:
A good chair. While it might be comfortable initially to take your laptop with you wherever you go at home, a good chair will save your back and set you up for long-term success. If you can’t get your office chair delivered, check to see if your company will splurge on an ergonomic option for home.
Some natural beauty. If you are working in a corner of the basement to enjoy a little quiet, you are hardly likely to feel inspired by your work space. This can be as simple as a couple green plants (a cactus counts, particularly if you don’t have a green thumb) and a coat of fresh paint. Add a few pictures or family photos and you’re set.
Regular hours. Burnout is real and it can be easy to let work seep into every single hour of the day when you’re officing from home. However, setting and keeping regular hours will be good for your stress levels and your work productivity.
Office basics. If your at-home recycling bin is overflowing daily due to work documents, a small recycling container is in order. Other office basics may include a shredder, filing cabinet, pens and paper, cabinets and maybe even a water cooler to remind you to stay hydrated and take regular breaks. Think about what you use most often in the office to set up your at-home space.
Healthy snacks. Along the lines of the water cooler, it is important to have a stash of healthy snacks on hand – nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables, for example – so that you aren’t always rushing off to the kitchen when you’re hungry. Healthy snacks can keep you mentally focused and physically satisfied.
Noise-canceling headphones. No matter where you’re working, it is easy to get distracted by buzzing phones, the neighbor’s dog or your roommate’s music. A good set of noise-canceling headphones can help you tune out the outside noise and tune in to the work at hand.
Connection. And not just a good wireless connection. Whether you stay connected to colleagues and friends through regular Zoom meetings, walks or coffee meet-ups, it is important to connect with others on a daily basis.
The right attitude. Are you working from home by your choice or someone else’s? Regardless, a positive attitude, focused mindset and regular schedule can help keep you on track. Regularly remind yourself of the things you like best about working from home.