Work Smarter, Not Harder
You might not put much thought into it, but how you set up your workspace can make or break your productivity. While having the right accessories can help you stay focused and on track, other items just add clutter. Whether you're working from home or at the office, it pays to know how to organize your space effectively. Here are 10 desk accessories that boost your productivity, and 10 that only get in the way.
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1. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Whether you're working from home or you're in the office, noise-cancelling headphones are a must. Without them, you can get easily distracted by outside noise, which can disrupt not only your meetings and client calls but your focus as well.
2. Computer Stand
To make sure you're not hunched over your entire workday just to see your computer screen, invest in an adjustable computer stand. That way, you can fix your monitor or laptop to a certain height that's perfect for viewing and won't need you to constantly lean forward, which can cause neck strain.
3. Ergonomic Chair
You can't forget about the chair, of course! To ensure you maintain good posture and aren't straining your spine, get an ergonomic chair. This will help prevent back pain and neck and shoulder aches. If you'll be sitting for long hours, it may help to get a standing desk as well, so you're not staying sedentary during your entire workday.
4. Whiteboard or Corkboard
Have too many tasks to keep up with and need a visual to keep you in check? A whiteboard or corkboard can help! Pin one at eye level near your desk, and you'll be able to jot down notes, ideas, and deadlines as they come, keeping you on track during your workweek.
5. Desk Lamp
If your workspace doesn't already have good lighting, then it's important to invest in a desk lamp with adjustable brightness levels. This way, you're not squinting in the dark (or relying on the glare of your computer screen), and you're not blinded by a too-bright bulb. Choosing a lamp that mimics natural sunlight will also help during colder seasons.
6. Plants & Greenery
If you're not in a room with a window, you'll definitely want to arrange some greenery around your workspace. This will help add some natural elements that give you and your room space to breathe, which may increase your productivity levels. Your work environment shouldn't feel like a prison, after all.
7. Wrist Rest for Keyboard & Mouse
If you often need to type for long hours, you'll want to invest in a wrist rest for your keyboard and mouse. These padded setups keep your wrists supported and in a neutral, relaxed position, which helps reduce strain and carpal tunnel.
8. Planner or Calendar
Even if you have a whiteboard already or are planning to get one, don't forget about pinning up an actual calendar or keeping a personal agenda. Having these ready at your workspace will allow you to keep better track of your tasks, projects, and deadlines, so you never fall behind.
9. Desk Organizer
Have too many pens, markers, and post-it notes lying around? Get a desk or drawer organizer to keep clutter off your desk. Just the sight of a messy space can hurt your productivity, so try to keep these items out of sight—but still within reach—if possible.
10. Visual Timer
To ensure you're taking frequent breaks throughout your workday, try following the Pomodoro technique: take a five-minute breather for every 25 minutes of work. A visual timer can help keep you on track and remind you when to rest.
Which items should you keep off your desk and out of your workspace, then? Here are 10 accessories that will only add clutter.
1. Decorative Items
Having too many figurines or trinkets on your desk can hurt your productivity. These items can be distracting, and you may be tempted to fiddle with them or reorganize them instead of focusing on your tasks. One or two may be fine, but if you have a whole army, store them somewhere else.
2. Too Many Cables
It's understandable that you may need to connect several things to your monitor or laptop, which can often result in a mess of cables all over your desk. Not only might this take up precious workspace, but it also doesn't look pleasing to the eye, which can ruin your productivity. To keep cables out of sight, get an organizer to keep cords out of the way.
3. Large File Organizers
Need to rearrange piles of paperwork and folders? A file organizer is great to keep clutter off your desk, but a large one will only take up space. If you can, place your organizer somewhere within reach but out of your immediate sight, such as by your feet or on the floor beside your desk.
4. Snacks & Sweets
It's normal to get peckish during your workday, but stashing snacks and sweets right on top of your desk is a no-no. Not only will they take up precious space, but they'll also tempt you to munch all day long. By the time you clock out, you might have clocked in way more calories than you were expecting.
5. Too Many Stationery Sets
Having one stationery set is fine, but having too many will only add clutter. Plus, if you don't already have a desk organizer to keep pens, markers, and post-it notes out of the way, you'll only be adding to the mess by introducing more of these same items.
6. Fairy Lights
Fairy lights can add a pretty glow to your workspace, but they shouldn't be treated as a replacement for a desk lamp. Being so dim, you'll still need to strain your eyes in the dark, which can hurt your sight and focus.
7. Dirty Plates
Place any used plates or mugs in the sink after you've finished your meal. Leaving dishes on your desk will only add clutter and end up hurting your focus and productivity. You should also avoid eating at your desk—doing so might
8. Fragrance & Diffusers
Unless you're working from home and strong-smelling scents allow you to better focus on your tasks at hand, keep fragrances, candles, air fresheners, and diffusers off your desk. In the office, this might distract coworkers with sensitive noses, and some may even have allergies. It's best to keep your space fragrance-free.
9. Loose Leaf & Crumpled Paper
You don't want a large file organizer taking up most of your desk space, but you also don't want all your papers scattered or crumpled everywhere. The solution? Keep your loose-leaf stored in its designated folders, and crushed-up notes in the trash bin.
10. Your Phone
Another thing that definitely shouldn't be on your work desk? Your phone. Sure, you might be tempted to keep it within reach so you don't miss any important calls or messages, but having it beside you at all times will only hurt your productivity. Even setting it to silent can still make you want to look at it every minute or so. What can you do? Keep it out of reach—and only peek at it when you're on a break.
