The transition from office work to hybrid work and even full-time work from home has been great for many people. It allows for greater flexibility, a better work-life balance and healthier habits. It also gives job seekers greater choice when applying for positions that would otherwise require moving to another country or state.
Of course, this major change also comes with some disadvantages. The art of working from home is not suitable for all types of workers. Some people prefer to work in an office environment so they can hold themselves accountable for completing their work efficiently (see: no naps). Others like the collaborative aspect of hanging out with colleagues rather than relying on Slack to socialize during the workday.
It’s no secret that it’s much easier to sit down and get to work when you have your own clean and organized workspace than, say, rolling out of bed, grabbing your laptop, and heading straight back to bed jump to go to work (we were there!). But these days there are also a variety of products and programs that make actually sitting at a desk and getting into the zone much easier.
However, working from home also gives you the opportunity to multitask and get things done for yourself and your family during your workday. Whether you want to get fit from home or use your lunch break to do laundry, it’s entirely possible to get a lot of shit done if you play your cards right. This means you have more time to enjoy when you shut down your laptop for the day.
“While working from home may seem like it’s easy to get distracted, I find that working from home is a great way to block out your day so you’re even more motivated to get everything done,” explained Olivia Dreizen Howell, co-founder and CEO of Fresh Starts Registry, certified life coach and clinical hypnotherapist. “For example, I spend every morning doing a 15-minute sprint to write down the day’s to-do list while listening to up-tempo and uplifting music, then get up to walk around, throw in laundry, and put dishes on the table Bring the sink, clean the bathroom for 5 minutes and then sit back down and switch to classical music or subliminal audio while I start work!”
If you’re ready to increase your productivity tenfold and get the most out of working from home, you’ve come to the right place. We tested and reviewed the following essentials and found them to be some of the best WFH gear to upgrade your home office. Whether you want to use your office hours to get in shape or just do the dishes during a conference call, the following gear will help you perfect the WFH routine.