By: Kelly Spors
You may not realize it, but the items you keep on your desk and around your workspace can boost your productivity and help make your day more effective and enjoyable overall. You probably already have many of the basic essentials—paper clips, a stapler, pens and sticky notes. But are you missing out on some of today’s most useful and valued office accessories?
Here are five supplies to refresh your workspace—whether you’re looking for work desk ideas or to spruce up a home office:
A Dynamic Note-Taking System
Plain notebooks and notepads are fine for jotting down basic notes, but you can take your note-taking to new levels by getting a dynamic note-taking organizer. The TUL Custom Note-Taking System, for example, offers color-coded dividers and allows you to rearrange and add pages—allowing you to maximize the effectiveness of your notes. You can also attach business cards and other relevant information, so you’re keeping everything in a one place. (And don’t forget to buy high-quality TUL pens and/or mechanical pencils to go along with your notebook.)
Fun Office Decor and Cubicle Decor
Need some office decor ideas to liven up the look of your office? Perhaps you can create canvas prints of personal photos, quotations and more to give your workspace some individuality. Or perhaps you could splurge on some cute office supplies such as the desk accessories from the See Jane Work line, which includes faux leather paper trays, a faux leather business card holder, decorative woven bins and more. There is also a host of different types of entertaining Post-it note dispensers out there. They come in a variety of fun shapes, from cats to hearts to apples to golf clubs.
Wireless Headphones
Sometimes you need music to get into the groove while you get a project done, or to tune out office distractions. Perhaps you need to listen to a webinar without annoying your coworkers. You need headphones. But let’s face it: Earbuds plugged into your laptop are old-school. Splurge on a set of high-quality Bluetooth/wireless headphones. The wireless headphones available these days are easy-to-access, lightweight and low-profile.
A Really Comfortable Chair
OK, this doesn’t go on your desk, but you still really need it. When you’re finished after a long day at your desk, you don’t want to keep feeling it in your back, legs, neck and arms. An uncomfortable office chair not only makes you feel bad. The lousy ergonomics can eventually cause back and neck troubles, carpal tunnel syndrome, and worse. A quality desk chair can make a big difference. For example, the Serta iComfort Exclusively for WorkPro – i5000 series chairs include a spinal support system, fingertip controls on the arms, and unique cushioning in which millions of titanium gel beads gather to provide strength and support where needed.
An Essential Oil Dispenser
Ever feel stressed? Aromatherapy through the use of essential oils can help you create a calmer, more relaxed office environment.
Don't settle for a barebones desk. Considering how much time most people spend at work, it makes sense to get the supplies and tools that can make your workspace as productive and rewarding as possible.
About the Author
Kelly Spors is a freelance writer and editor based in Minneapolis. She previously worked as a staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal, covering small business and entrepreneurship.
All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is,” and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.