In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, working from home has transitioned from an occasional perk to a widespread norm. While this shift offers unprecedented flexibility, it also presents unique challenges in maintaining productivity. Our home environment, filled with both comforts and distractions, requires us to rethink our work setups. It’s not just about having a desk and a computer; it’s about curating an environment that promotes focus, efficiency, and well-being. In this article, we delve into must-have tools and equipment designed specifically to enhance your work-from-home experience, ensuring you remain at the peak of your productivity game. Dive in and discover how to upgrade your remote work arsenal.
1. Stay connected with a wifi range extender
Probably the most important thing for a home office set up is having good wifi connection, there’s nothing worse than trying to connect to a call with poor signal or work to a deadline and being slowed down by your internet. Whatever the setup, it’s important to have the Internet coverage you need to stay connected and productive.
The Wi-Fi Range Extender from tp-link.com wirelessly connects to your Wi-Fi router, strengthening and expanding its signal into areas it can’t reach on its own. With speeds of up to 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5 GHz*1, put strong, fast Wi-Fi in every room and say goodbye to dead zones.
2. Save Space with a 60 Second Desk
When working from home, finding a suitable space can be tough, not everyone has a spare room they can easily convert into an office. For days when you need to work from home, Clever Closet UK, the specialists in discrete under stairs and loft storage units for the home, has deigned a really useful pop up desk that can be used in any room in your house allowing you to work in an ergonomically sound working environment – which includes a safe, functioning desk space, at home.
Designed as an ergonomic office desk, the “60 Sec Desk” can be put together, and taken down, quickly and easily, for storage and aesthetic purposes, at the end of the working day. During the current pandemic, as workers are increasingly working from home, the kitchen table has become the temporary solution for many, which has led to back-aches, and which some have dubbed: “Covid Back.”
3. Get organised with a ‘Boss Bird’ planner
Working from home and having a routine can be really challenging, whether it be juggling family and workload or simply trying to find balance and get organised, the founder of Boss Bird has launched a new holistic undated diary which will help women get back on track as lockdown measures are eased and a sense of the “new normal” becomes a reality.
The A5 and A4-sized hard-back planners are an elegant, inspirational mix of intricate yet cohesive lists, spaces, jottings, doodles, notes and other aspects, helping users map their busy days. There are areas to jot down a food diary, exercise goals, social media posts, events, family tasks, business goals and more so each and every day is mapped out in a fun yet achievable way.
4. Stay hydrated with a cute reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated throughout your working day not only helps with concentration and energy levels, but it’s also great for reducing stress levels and preventing headaches, which is handy if you’re on a computer screen all day. Having a reusable drinking bottle on your desk while working can help remind you to get increase your water intake, especially a stylish one!
Ohelo water bottles are not only beautifully designed, but they’re also sustainable (with 5% of profits to charities), 100% leak proof and they also keep your drink cold for 24hrs or hot for 12 hours – never lukewarm!
5. Correct posture SliderMouse Pro
If you’re are working with a laptop stand, you will also need a keyboard and mouse to ensure your posture is protected. The SliderMouse Pro is an innovative ergonomic mouse designed to reduce wrist strain and enhance user comfort, especially during prolonged usage. Its intuitive sliding design not only minimizes the need for excessive wrist movements but also ensures precision in cursor navigation. For remote workers, this translates to reduced fatigue and increased efficiency, making it an essential tool for those long workdays.
5. Add a motivational wall sign
Did you know that LED neon signs are about 80% more energy efficient than traditional neon signs? And that they look good doing it? Neon87 is a LED neon signage studio that makes everything from simple signs to custom creations.
These neon signs are perfect for any home office, from motivational words to fun and quirky designs. Check out the full mini collection here.
6. Reduce eye strain with proper desk lighting
Having the right lighting when working can make all the difference. Not only can it reduce eye strain but it can boost productivity levels and invigorate you. The Groov-e Apollo is a stylish desk lamp packed with all the latest features to make work life easier.
Not only is it a flexible lamp with three LED light modes, it also features wireless charging which means no more hunting around for chargers as users can simply place their mobile device on the base to charge instantly. What’s more users can connect to the Apollo via Bluetooth to hear their favourite tunes around the room using its 3W speaker. USB powered, users can take the Apollo and plug in wherever they are working.
7. A heated throw blanket to keep you warm at your desk
One of the most cost effective ways to keep yourself warm while you work is using an electric heated throw or blanket. Having the heating on all day whilst working from home will not only cost a small fortune, but it also dries the atmosphere in the home, which isn’t great for your skin or overall health.
Heated throws are the perfect working from home essential, they’re also great for keeping you cosy on the sofa and adding extra warmth to your bed. With a handy built in timer that you can set to turn off after a certain time to prevent over heating.
8. Make your space more zen with a relaxation reed diffuser
The natural Relaxation Reed Diffuser (£25) from Absolute Aromas is the perfect addition to any work space. This beautifully fragranced essential oil blend Reed Diffuser is perfect for the Autumn season, giving your home the warming, calming and cosy smell of Tangerine, Bergamot and Lavender.
Absolute Aromas products are cruelty free, GM free, vegan and contain essential oils from controlled, sustainable sources that have little or no negative impact on the environment. The 100% natural Absolute Aromas Reed Diffuser is available at www.absolute-aromas.com and from health stores nationwide.
9. Block out distractions with noise cancelling headphones
Working from home can be tough when there are so many distractions, from family to outside noise, having quality earphones / headphones with solid noise cancellation is great for blocking out background noise and being able to fully concentrate on work.
There are plenty of options on the market, one product we would highly recommend would be the ADAPT 360 from EPOS, we tested these out recently in a few different scenarios and the noise cancellation and sound quality are both outstanding – perfect for listening to podcasts at your desk, taking work calls, reducing background noise and allowing you to focus on work.
10. Prevent neck pain with a laptop stand
Many people suffer from neck pain caused by poor posture and too many hours spent looking down at a screen. This discomfort can lead to poor productivity and of course ongoing health problems. Having a good laptop stand like the Twelve South Curve will make working instantly more comfortable and healthier. Stylish with an improved ergonomic design, the Curve means users no longer have to hunch over and tilt their heads downwards towards a screen. They can elevate their MacBook to a more comfortable height, relieving neck and shoulder strain in the process.
Whether you want to use your MacBook as a second screen or make more of a productive work station by adding a keyboard and mouse the Curve is the perfect option.
11. Correct posture with a kneeling hair
Good posture isn’t just about appearance; it’s directly linked to our overall health and work efficiency. The Posture Wooden Deluxe Kneeling Chair is designed to promote an upright posture by distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure on the lower back. As a result, users often experience less back pain and discomfort, allowing for longer, uninterrupted work sessions. This chair isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s a commitment to a healthier, more productive work lifestyle.
12. Portable radiator to keep you toasty while you work
There is nothing worse then being cold, especially when you’re working. Having a portable radiator is ideal for heating up one room all day, keeping you warm and able to focus on your work, without wracking up those heating bills.
The oil filled Zanussi heater is portable, remote controlled and a 24 hour built in timer so you can schedule the room to start heating up just before you clock on for the day.
13. Limit direct light with a beautiful floor lamp
Working under direct or harsh lighting can not only cause eye strain, but this can also lead to headaches, fatigue and increased stress. By adding a floor lamp into your office space, this will illuminate the entire space and provide the right light for working in.
Opt for a lamp or floor lamp with a shade attached, such as the BHS one pictured above, as this will help to balance and sofen the light coming from the bulb and keep any harsh glares or shaddows at a minimum.
14. Stay caffeinated with a Desk Mug
Keep yourself caffeinated with Contigo’s Streeterville Desk Mug blends elegant design with a comfort handle and a secure, splash-proof lid meaning you can say goodbye to spills. Boasting Contigo’s THERMALOCK™ technology, the mug ensures beverages remain piping hot for up to five hours or icy cold for up to an impressive 15 hours.
15. Minimise plus and wires with the Twelve South StayGo Mini
StayGo Mini provides four additional ports including a headphone jack, USB-A, USB-C (for pass through power) and HDMI port so that users can easily connect and power their most essential accessories. Being able to easily access external hard drives, connect a display, use a keyboard or Magic Trackpad and other peripherals using StayGo Mini will make editing video, photos or polishing presentations on iPad Air, iPad Pro or MacBook much more convenient and efficient.
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