Upgrade Your Workplace: 10 Must-Have Items for Your Ideal Office Space
Modern workspaces evolved to include items that significantly enhance productivity, comfort and creativity. But, everyone is looking for ways to optimize their work life, and navigating through the wide range of office products can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the following recommendations support physical and mental health, while also improving efficiency. As such, these can be game-changers for those who spend a lot of time at their desks.
1. Ergonomic Chairs
Ergonomic chairs are a must for comfort and good posture while working at your desk. As an office worker, sitting too much can affect your health, depending on your posture, genetics and activity level. Even so, you can focus on what you can control or correct to reduce potential harm.
If you’re looking for ergonomic chairs, check for comfortable padding, lumbar support, backrests and armrests. The material should also be breathable for both warm and cold days. Also, ensure that it’s adjustable so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. Furthermore, your back should be fully supported by the lumbar part of the chair. Use these recommendations for good posture to help narrow your choice as there are many different types of chairs available on the market.
2. Standing Desks
Standing desks address the same concerns as ergonomic chairs: They help boost blood flow to your brain, work your leg muscles and improve your posture while working. Standing desks also give your back and neck a much-needed rest from sitting down.
Additionally, the possibility to change from sitting to standing promotes your well-being and flexibility. In the end, the little changes you incorporate to improve your life can play in the long run. Notably, to keep the ideal posture, be sure to keep your wrists straight and your elbows at a 90-degree angle both when standing up and sitting down.
3. Dual or Triple Monitor Setups
While the previous recommendations were focused on health, the monitor setup targets your efficiency. That’s because more screen space means better multitasking, which can be indispensable for industries like IT, design or customer service.
Plus, it’s good for your eyes if the visuals are a comfortable size and at a distance. For this, the monitors should be directly in front of you or slightly below eye level so that you can keep your head aligned with your shoulders and avoid discomfort.
4. Wireless Gadgets
This category of items is important for promoting creativity and overall positivity. Wireless devices give your office a cleaner, sleeker look that adds value to its aesthetic, and numerous accessories are available without a cable. For example, a wireless charger reduces clutter and keeps your equipment ready, whereas a wireless mouse or keyboard will help with mobility during work.
Even if you don’t necessarily mind the clutter, wireless items allow more space on your desk to display things that keep you happy and motivated, like photos, games or snacks.
5. Noise-Canceling Headphones
This gadget can be an asset for both remote and on-site workers. While some people thrive in a dynamic atmosphere, others need peace and quiet to focus. Ultimately, working from home has its own distractions — from neighbors to family or electronics — and so do office spaces. If you’d like to control the auditory environment, noise-canceling headphones can be a great help.
For example, try incorporating specific playlists to enhance your productivity. The options are limitless and can vary from white noise to your favorite reggaeton, depending on your preference. Then, during breaks, relax with an audiobook or a podcast that will help you more easily detach from your tasks.
6. Collaboration Tools
Whiteboards or digital projectors are great for team activities, such as brainstorming sessions, as engaging visual elements with auditory information create a productive environment.
These may come as a great upgrade even if you’re a one-person party, especially if you’re a visual learner. Another bonus is that you can combat monotony by mapping out your thoughts on a whiteboard or taking a class in a more casual setting with the help of a projector.
7. Modular Furniture
Flexible furniture can benefit both a team and an independent worker. It can also keep the office modern, but with a practical twist. The entire concept is that you can easily customize your workspace anytime you feel the need for a change.
Besides supporting a growing team, this system can also help you create a dynamic space that can be changed without hassle. In this way, you’ll achieve a versatile environment that supports your interest, while having storage solutions for your belongings.
8. High-Speed Internet & Wi-Fi Mesh Systems
Even though high-speed internet is essential, it can still be unreliable at times. In this case, a Wi-Fi mesh can help because the system is tuned with the satellite to create a unified network.
This may be worth trying if you experience trouble with your current arrangement. Then, you’ll be able to maintain a productive and uninterrupted workflow because the internet connection will be secure and fast.
9. Breakout Station
If you’re primarily using your home office, this station can look however suits your personality best: View it as a book corner, a PlayStation space, a drawing table or a nap couch. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, besides choosing whatever appeals to you most.
This method can be applied no matter the location of your office. For instance, in the case of a coworking space, you’ll usually find some kind of recreation room, which can be a kitchen or a game area.
Or, if you find yourself in a more traditional setting, you can always find a neighboring coffee shop where you can loosen up during your break. The key is to change your surroundings and take a break from work to refresh your mind and body.
10. Green Enforcement
There are also small features that can change the whole vibe of your office. The ultimate goal is to achieve an atmosphere that supports your work habits. For example, if you’d like a professional setting, stick to the basics and keep your space distraction-free. On the other hand, if you’re looking to warm the space, you can do so with the help of a plant that’s low maintenance or a piece of art that resonates with you.
Another important factor is the access to natural light, which is not always easy to achieve. So, if you can’t have large windows in your office, experiment with some light structures that will get you the effect you’d like.
Changes in the workplace environment should be met with curious, experimenting eyes: Reflect on what’s available and what you want to incorporate into your routine, but try to take it step by step. In this way, you’ll have time to understand what fits into your space and what doesn’t. Also, keep in mind that some features — like standing desks — may be generally accepted, but may not work for everyone. Lastly, prioritize what genuinely helps you, as opposed to following current trends. Designing your workspace is a continuous process, so explore what works best for you.
