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Homeworking was a novelty enjoyed by relatively few in the labor market. When COVID-19 shut everything down in 2020, however, many people, especially those working in office jobs, had to switch to doing their work from home.
But despite the reopening of society as a whole, many people have decided to keep their work-from-home arrangement for at least a few days a week. According Forbesa study predicts that 25% of North American professional jobs will be remote by the end of 2022 and the trend will likely continue to increase.
If you’re one of the countless people who now regularly work from home, you’ll know how difficult it can be to have a workspace that’s both productive and comfortable. From the search for essentials such as best laptop stand you can afford the little conveniences that make the work day more pleasant (hello, essential oil diffuser!), we’ve rounded up over a dozen essentials for anyone working from home.
While it may be tempting to sit in any chair you have around the house, home workers still need a good ergonomic office chair to prevent long-term back pain. The Ergonomic office chair Ticova, available on Amazon for $220 right now (that’s $100 off the list price), features a high back with elastic lumbar support to help support your back while you work at your desk. It also has the ability to tilt 130 degrees so you can find your preferred angle.
Once you have the right chair to keep your back comfortable and protected, you’ll want something for your feet and legs. This Adjustable footrest under the desk is on sale on Amazon for $28 right now, a 39% discount. There are two height settings to choose from, and the cover is easy to remove when you need to wash it.
The best laptop stand that we could find for teleworkers is the Lifetime Ergonomic Laptop Stand. This stand is compatible with a variety of laptop sizes (including MacBooks) up to 17 inches. It easily adjusts angles and swivels for easy viewing on any desk or flat surface to keep your neck and back properly aligned. You can order our pick for the best laptop stand from Amazon for under $15 (another reason we love it).
For the home worker who uses multiple monitors – even if it’s just a single detached monitor and your laptop screen – these Auledio Dual Monitor Three Leg Risers provide a perfect view of your split-screen digital workspace. Not only does this functional trio of shelves elevate your monitors, it creates more space on your desk for other essentials. Right now, the set is on sale for $26 on Amazon, down from the normal retail price of $40.
An efficient and effective portable workstation needs a reliable wireless keyboard and mouse. We like it Cimetech Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo pack sold on Amazon for around $25 so far. Rather than relying on Bluetooth, this digital duo easily connects to any computer with a small, plug-and-play USB receiver. You don’t need to download any software and the components work within 33 feet of the receiver.
Sometimes when you’re working from home, you just want to get away from your desk and curl up on the couch while you go through the day’s tasks. The right lap desk can make this possible without discomfort or inconvenience.
You can find countless options, but we like the LapGear Designer Desk from Amazon for just $35. Not only do you get a traditional desk, but it also includes a handy compartment for your phone that keeps it visible and secure, as well as a handy space to slip papers in and keep them stable while you work.
One of the biggest challenges for the employee working from home – especially during the summer – is getting quiet time without being disturbed. This wooden panel can be hung on your workspace door, gently letting others in your space know that you are busy and should not be disturbed at this time. Even if you don’t hang it on the door, it can be a nice addition to a home office wall decor.
You can order it on Amazon for less than $10!
When all your wireless devices are working while you unplug for work, you’ll need a recharge at some point during the day. This Fitwish four-in-one wireless charging station can manage your smartphone, Apple Watch, AirPods and even an Apple Pencil at the same time.
At less than $22 on Amazon, this wireless charging station is a fabulous deal that remote workers who use whatever Apple should pick up to stay connected throughout the day.
In the days of Zoom calls to work, a good selfie ring light isn’t just for Instagram influencers anymore. The UBeesize 10 inch Selfie Ring Light has everything you need to look your best on a video call. Not only do you get the flattering ring light (with up to 30 built-in lighting options), but the package comes with a tripod for your smartphone that positions the phone in the perfect spot for the best angle. It is compatible with Apple and Android smartphones.
You can get it on Amazon for around $20.
We love a device that makes home more comfortable and relaxing, especially when you’re working. This Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser and Humidifier combines steam to keep your office air moist while releasing your choice of scent. The ceramic ultrasonic device has a range of 200 square feet, has seven different light colors that can be used individually or in rotation, and is rated safe to use around children and pets.
You can pick one up for around $20 for a limited time on Amazon (down from the regular price of $25.49 at the time of this writing).
It doesn’t matter if you’re taking important phone calls for work at home or listening to your favorite music playlist. A good wireless headset will quickly become your favorite gadget.
The Vocline USB Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones available on Amazon for $64 provides clear sound for both the listener and the person wearing the headphones, minimizing background noise. The microphone ensures that you can be heard by your boss or colleagues without any problem. This device can be used in three ways: via Bluetooth, with the plug-and-play USB receiver or via a 3 1/2 millimeter wired connection. Charging the headset can last up to 133 hours when connected to a personal computer, depending on the brand.
Sometimes the classic pen and paper format is the best tool for productivity. When you’re looking for a neat and efficient one-sheet planner to keep you focused on the task and tracking all of your goals, have the Bliss Collections Daily Notebook By your side.
On one sleek page, this planner has a calendar, appointment clock, meal planner, water tracker, and fitness journal, plus places for gratitude, work, notes goals and personal accomplishments. This nifty 50-sheet notepad can be purchased on Amazon for $13.
Coffee mugs are an essential part of any office setup and this one lets you celebrate your wonder. The YouNique Designs Work From Home Employee Of The Month Mug can be filled with 11 ounces of your favorite Joe or beverage of your choice. The mug is also dishwasher and microwave safe.
Get ready for a motivational coffee break for $20 on Amazon and show it off on your next Zoom call.
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