Most of us spend much of our workdays in front of a computer. This adds up to a lot of time out of the day, week, and year, so it is important to customize your workspace in a way that is comfortable for you and make that work more enjoyable. There are many options available for desk and computer accessories that can make your workday more relaxing, productive, and fun!
Productivity
Speakers: There are various types of external speakers you can purchase in order to listen to audio on your computer. Speakers can offer better audio quality and louder volume than your computer or laptop might be able to. These may be advantageous for online meetings as well, and most plug in via a simple USB connection.
Webcams: If you use applications like Zoom or Skype often, you should consider purchasing a webcam. External webcams can provide better video quality, or provide video if your computer does not have an integrated webcam. Some may even include an integrated speaker as well.
Headphones/Earbuds: In a quiet office, headphones and earbuds come in handy when you need to listen to something without bothering your coworkers. There are various types of headphones out there designed for audio quality and comfort.
Reusable Smart Notebook: Smart notebooks can be used in place of sticky notes or notepads, and offer a more eco-friendly, reusable option for note-taking in the workplace.
Headphone Stand: If you use headphones in the office, a headphone stand is a handy, convenient place to store them. Some headphone stands include other features as well, like lighting and charging.
Wireless Charger or Multiport Charger: It is important to keep all your devices charged at the office and wireless chargers and multiport chargers can offer an organized, convenient place for you to do so.
Wireless Mouse: Having too many cords and wires on your desk can be overwhelming and annoying, and sometimes limit or restrict your movements. A wireless mouse can help keep your desk organized and clean.
Microphone: Like webcams, if you videochat often in your office, a microphone can help improve audio quality or provide audio if your computer or laptop does not have an integrated microphone.
Desk Organizers: Pen holders, paper organizers, trays, drawers, etc. These organizers can all help keep your desk organized and clean. A place for everything and everything in it’s place!
Desk Lamp: A personal desk lamp can provide extra lighting if needed. There are several different types of desk lamps, including ones that go over the keyboard and ones that can be stored on the side of your monitor. And some with offer features like chargning ports for extra convenience.
Comfort
Heated Mouse or Keyboard Pad: If you tend to be cold at the office, you should consider purchasing a heated mouse pad or keyboard pad to keep your hands warm while you are working on your computer.
Heating pad: Heating pads can be a convenient, portable solution if you are cold in the office. You can sit on them, put them on your back or on your lap, etc.
USB Fan: If you tend to be hot in the office, there are many different kinds of desktop fans, including ones powered via USB and ones that can mount to your monitor.
Foot Rests and Hammocks: If your feet often get uncomfortable sitting at your desk, there are under-desk footrests and foot hammocks that you can purchase to get your legs and feet in a more comfortable position. These may help with posture and ease back strain as well.
Phone or Tablet Holder: If you work with a phone or tablet often, there are holders you can purchase to prop them up for easier viewing.
Seat Cushion: Many office chairs can be very uncomfortable, especially after sitting in them for several hours each day. A seat cushion may be able to make your experience at the office more comfortable.
Posture Aids: If you struggle with back/neck pain due to bad posture at the office, there are several different aids you can get to improve your posture while at the office like posture belts.
Wrist rests: If your keyboard doesn’t include a place to rest your wrists, you may want to invest in some wrist rests/pads to put in front of your keyboard and mouse.
Monitor Stand: A monitor stand can provide an adjustable solution to prop your monitors up to alleviate neck pain. They can also come with extra storage space.
Ergonomic Chair: As stated earlier, desk chairs are often uncomfortable, which is why investing in an ergonomic chair might be best for you. Ergonomic chairs can provide extra support and comfort that will make your day at the office much better.
Fun
Mini Vacuum Cleaner: There are several miniature vacuum cleaners on the market that you can use to clean your desk, keyboard, and monitors – especially handy if you eat or snack at your desk frequently!
Photo Frame: Regular and digital photo frames both can provide an element of customization to your desk to make you feel more at home.
Light Therapy Lamp: If your office lacks natural lighting, you might want to consider purchasing a light therapy lamp that can help boost mood and productivity.
Fidget Toys: There are several different kinds of fidget toys out there that can help with focus and restlessness. From stress balls to magnets to spinners, there are many discrete options that are good for the office. Stop annoying your co-workers when you click your pen repeatedly!
Keyboard and Laptop Cases/Covers: For some extra customization, you can purchase laptop and keyboard covers will cool designs that can provide both protection and fun.
Plants and Candles: Fake plants, real plants, and candles can all provide some calming decor on your desk. Not everything has to plug in!
Mini Sand Box: If you have some downtime at the office, a mini sand box can be very entertaining, as well as calming and therapeutic.
Fun Daily Calendar: There is a fun daily calendar for almost any subject out there – maybe even computer and IT tips! Each day, you can flip the calendar to a new joke, image, fun fact, etc.
Mini Desk Games: There are hundreds of different miniature desk games out there that will keep you entertained at work, like a mini basketball hoop, mini golf pad, mini bowling alley, mini dartboard – just make sure you get your work done first!
Fun Decor: Almost every desk accessory has a fun version of it. From pen holders to tape dispensers to mouse pads, you will be able to find something customizable and/or fun that will liven up your desk!
Health
Standing desk: If you feel restless sitting down all day at work, or your back and posture are suffering as a result, there are standing desks or attachments for regular desks that allow you to stand so that you can take a break from sitting.
Balance Board: If you have a standing desk, standing on a balance board is a good way to get in some easy exercise while working.
Bicycle Pedals: Under-desk bicycle pedals are a great way to release some energy and stay active while sitting at your desk in the office.
Under Desk Elliptical: Like bicycle pedals, an under-desk elliptical can also provide a great solution for restlessness in the office.
Walking Pad: If you have a standing desk, you might consider purchasing a walking pad – essentially a treadmill at your desk. Walking pads are a great way to stay active while working.
Blue Light Glasses: Blue light glasses have filters in their lenses to block blue light from reaching your eyes. They are great for reducing eye strain if you spend a lot of time looking at screens.
Thermos, Water Bottle, or Mug: It is important to stay hydrated at the office! A thermos, reusable water bottle, or mug dedicated to your desk at work can help you stay hydrated. With a lid is preferred to avoid any accidental spills on anything electronic.
Exercise Ball: Replacing your office chair with an exercise ball can be a great way to resolve restlessness and get some subtle exercise in while you are working.
As you can see, there are a ton of different ways that you can customize your workspace to make it more fun and functional. You can stay healthy with some under-desk exercise equipment, stay comfortable with some ergonomic desk accessories, stay productive with the essentials, or simply have some fun with entertaining miniatures in your down time. Each of these items can help you feel more relaxed, comfortable, and efficient. Enjoy your workday more with some accessories! Of course, make sure you have permission, if needed, before making changes. After that, have fun!
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