Offices are breeding grounds for stress, with long days, heavy workloads and deadlines. Your workspace, be it at home or a building, needs tools and devices that facilitate effective performance while supporting your health and well-being. Check out our experts’ top five office essentials to make your work life more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are office essentials?
Office essentials are the gadgets, electronics, equipment and stationery supplies that you frequently use at home or work to make your processes more efficient and reduce anxiety. They can range from copy paper to laminators, printers to paperclips. They also include ergonomic devices that support a healthier lifestyle. Besides improved mental health and productivity, a smartly stocked office attracts and keeps employees, which helps secure your business’ longevity. Allow your employees to suggest the items they need most.
What do I need to create a home office?
Once you’ve designated a distraction-free room in your home for your office, you’ll need to furnish it with a suitable size desk and a comfortable, supportive chair. An adjustable standing desk is a good option if you work for long periods. If you have a lot of paperwork, a filing cabinet is an excellent space to organize and store documents. If not, shelves or a few desk drawers will suffice.
A small, fireproof safe is appropriate for keeping critical documents, certificates and valuables. It never hurts to keep a first aid kit close by and a few cleaning supplies, like a duster or disinfecting wipes. An all-in-one printer and scanner will prove helpful, while a computer is non-negotiable. Ensure you equip your devices with the software to do your job and virus protection. Don’t forget your general office stationery like paper, pens, pencils, a stapler, a tape dispenser, and paper clips.
Buying Guide:
There are countless office gadgets and devices to help you achieve your work-related goals, but how do you decide which ones are right for you? Here are some general considerations when selecting your office essentials.
- Size: Be it furniture, equipment, electronics or stationery, work within the confines of your office space, and remember, clutter is distracting.
- Durability: As a general rule, if you use office items consistently, ensure they are sturdy enough to survive daily wear and tear.
- Price: Ergonomic equipment is usually more expensive than its unmodified version, but your body will thank you for the support in the long run. Concerning stationery, there are many glorified items you can always find at a lower price. You can prioritize design over price regarding smartly tailored storage solutions.
- Aesthetics: Attractive office essentials make a space more comfortable, inviting and stimulating, so choose items that spark a little joy.
- Functionality: When you’re rushed or stressed at the office, an underperforming or malfunctioning gadget is enough to make you snap. Ensure that any office supplies you purchase can get the job done, and if it doesn’t check all the boxes, find another comparable item that will.
Everlasting Comfort Office Chair Seat Cushion
Best Overall
Ergonomic, Memory Foam Cushion
This office chair cushion uses memory foam technology in a U-shaped, ergonomic design to provide the ultimate comfort and support for your body. It conforms to your shape, supporting your tailbone, spine, hips and legs, relieving pain in those regions. Even with extended use, it will not flatten or lose shape. The cushion has a non-skid rubber base that will not slide on your seat even if you move.
This comfy cushion is ideal for an uncomfortable chair and is less expensive than replacing the chair itself. It is machine washable and dryer safe; unzip and remove the cover, wash in cold water and tumble dry low.
Pros:
- Made from memory foam
- Healthy, supportive design
- Non-slip bottom
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- The cushion is not long enough
Simple Houseware Wall Mount Document Organiser
Runner Up
Sleek, Versatile Organizer
This desk organizer can store files, documents, stationery and other office supplies. It is paper alloy steel with five tilted mesh trays and a sixth, flat bottom tray. It fits letter size or A4-size paper. You can save space on your desk by mounting it to the wall instead. It comes with drywall mount anchors and other hardware necessary for installation.
This organizer is straightforward to assemble; it’s a one-person job that takes about 10 minutes. You can leave it freestanding on your desk or shelf, and its rubber feet will prevent slippage and scuff marks.
Pros:
- Stylish and versatile
- Holds multiple items
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Cannot fit legal size paper
HUANUO Under-Desk Adjustable Foot Rest
Most Adjustable
Comfortable, Ergonomic Footrest
This adjustable, ergonomic footrest elevates your feet and legs, helping to refine your posture and ease pressure points. You can manually adjust it to one of three different heights and use your feet to reposition its angle while seated. It comes assembled so that you can use it immediately out of the box.
The footrest’s textured platform has gentle, circular bumps which massage your feet to reduce stress. You can use it at your office desk during the workday or while relaxing at home.
Pros:
- Preassembled
- Modifiable height and angle
- Textured
Cons:
- Angled positions cannot lock in place
Bostitch Heavy-Duty Office Stapler
Most Portable
Stylish, Compact Stapler
This stapler fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and holds up to 105 staples. It can powerfully fasten up to 40 sheets of paper at a time, twice the number of standard staplers. The pins clamp tight and flat, so paper stacks are neater and shorter. This gadget comes in seven colors, including bright, metallic options.
This stapler can open 180 degrees to tack documents onto bulletin boards or for craft projects that require this angle. This device has a non-skid rubber base and can stow horizontally or vertically to occupy less space.
Pros:
- Staples up to 40 sheets at a time
- Compact size
- It opens to 180 degrees
- Great colour options
Cons:
- Works inconsistently
Deco Brothers Desk Organizer Caddy
Most Affordable
Multi-compartment Caddy
This black mesh desk caddy is a definite upgrade to the traditional pencil holder. It has five deep compartments for multiple office supplies, like pens, pencils, highlighters, scissors, rulers, glue and rolls of tape. There are two shallower compartments at the front for Post-it notes, paperclips and other small items.
This caddy is excellent for someone who loves stationery or needs a space-saving organization system. It is budget-friendly and durable; it will last several years on your desk.
Pros:
- Value for money
- Holds many supplies
- Different size compartments
Cons:
- Rough transportation can dent the device
