Working from home can be a double-edged sword. While some have the luxury of working productively from a home office, most of us may be confined to getting work done within our bedroom walls. And with the bed right beside our workspace, we get how tempting it is to curl up on it and take a mid-day nap (that stretches beyond the lunch break).
But with the current situation that we’re in, it’s likely that WFH would remain the default mode for us working professionals for a while. And if you’re been thinking of creating a more conducive WFH environment, we’ve got just the thing for you.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the top home office essentials that’ll get you working from home at peak productivity – and potentially help you realise that remote working may not be so bad after all.
1. Ergonomic office chair
If you’re starting to feel the strain from sitting down for at least eight hours a day, it’s about time to invest in a more ergonomic office chair. A chair that does not properly support your back will cause a laundry list of problems in the long run, including cramping, muscle fatigue, and even spinal problems.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution (we suggest trying out the chair before you buy it), our top pick that assures both quality and affordability is definitely the ErgoTune Supreme (S$550) which has a supportive mesh and adjustable armrests for solid lumbar support.
2. Desk lamp
The second most important thing when working from home is definitely proper and adequate lighting. Whether you’re working in the day or burning the midnight oil, a solid desk lamp will help put you in focus mode and minimise eye strain. Plus, having a desk lamp can be handy if you don’t want to disturb other members in your household at night or constantly depend on natural sunlight.
We recommend the Xiaomi Mi LED Desk Lamp (S$59) that has four different lighting modes to let you easily adjust the colour temperature and brightness. Bonus: you can even connect it to your Google Home or Amazon Alexa for smart voice control.
3. Noise-cancelling earbuds
While headphones may seem like a better noise-cancelling option, they can give you a headache if you wear them for a prolonged period of time. Instead, opt for noise-cancelling earbuds like the Apple Airpod Pros (S$365). On top of active noise-cancellation and a customisable fit for all-day comfort, it’s also equipped with a decent microphone so you won’t miss a beat in any of your video conferences.
4. Mechanical keyboard
A mechanical keyboard is a must-have when it comes to boosting productivity. Unlike regular ones, mechanical keyboards have a spring-loaded switch that gives you a satisfying click when you press a key.
This helps you type faster and more accurately, which is why it has been a favourite among gamers. For a beginner’s set-up, we suggest the Tecware Phantom 104 RGB Mechanical Keyboard (S$78) which is not only wallet-friendly but also takes up minimum tablespace with its compact design.
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5. Ergonomic mouse
Did you know ‘ergonomic’ doesn’t just apply to chairs? An ergonomic mouse helps to improve precision and speed while fitting comfortably in your hand.
We love the Logitech MX Master 3 Wireless Mouse (S$169) which works perfectly with both Windows and Mac computers. It stays powered for up to 70 days on a full charge and features a customisable thumb wheel to scroll seamlessly across screens.
6. Mousepad
While your hands work comfortably on the ergonomic mouse, you also shouldn’t forget your wrists! Another thing to look into is an ergonomic mousepad to helps sustain a neutral wrist posture and reduce nerve compression while providing good traction for your mouse.
Go for the 3M MW309LE Precise™ Mouse Pad (S$30) which has a gel wrist rest for optimal comfort. It also has an anti-microbial finish to prevent stains and odours, making it very easy to clean.
7. Laptop stand
With most of us working from our laptops, we think that a laptop stand is a key office accessory that will not only elevate your WFH space but also ease the tension off your neck and save your posture.
A good laptop stand shouldn’t just be adjustable to meet your eye level, but should also be portable enough for you to carry around. Try this Non-Slip Aluminum Alloy Portable Laptop Stand (from S$12.90) which has six adjustable heights and is made with light aluminium, so it’s perfect for working on the go.
8. Notepad
However digitally native you may be, a notepad is always good to have around to take down quick notes or write a daily to-do list. Research has also shown that handwriting your notes helps you process and retain information better.
Check out this cute Notepad Cube Bluebell: Essentials (S$12.99) by Kikki.K that will definitely make a good addition to your workspace. It also comes with a handy cut-out penholder to hold your essential pen.
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9. Insulated water bottle
While many think cute mugs are a WFH essential, we find a big insulated water bottle more practical. Not only does it avoid endless trips to the kitchen, but it also keeps your drink hot/cold for longer periods of time. And because it is covered, you won’t risk spilling your drink all over your precious computer.
Owala’s FreeSip Water Bottle (S$36.90) has triple layers of insulation to keep your drink cold for up to 24 hours. It is also completely leakproof and comes with a built-in straw for easy drinking.
10. Home scents
Be it a candle or a reed diffuser, setting the mood with a nice scent can help you work more productively. Some may say it’s a placebo effect, but you sure cannot deny that it does help to lift the mood a little and brighten up your day.
Our favourite would be Jo Malone’s Lime Basil & Mandarin Diffuser (S$155) which gives off the aromas of peppery basil and refreshing limes for a mid-day perk-me-up. While the diffuser is on the pricier side, its 165ml volume will last for months on end.
11. Blue-light computer glasses
As we spend more time staring at our laptops and other digital screens, it makes sense to invest in a pair of blue-light glasses to reduce exposure to blue light and prevent eye fatigue.
If blue-light protection is not already included in your prescription glasses, check out Owndays for its range of PC lens glasses that will cut up to 25% of blue light.
12. Disinfectant wipes
Pandemic or not, you should always keep a pack of disinfectant wipes on your desk to clean your workspace. A spotless office will create a healthy, happy, and conducive work environment that will get you working at a more productive rate than a dirty, cluttered space.
Reach for the Walch Multi-Purpose Disinfectant Wet Wipes (S$14.90 for a bundle of three) that will help you clean easily and effectively kill 99.9% of germs on almost all surfaces.
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