We're taking our top WFH tips and pairing them with multiple product suggestions: starting small with time-management notepads and butt-support cushions, then moving up to bigger fish like standing desks and tech organizational systems. Scroll on to get in tip-top shape for giving this remote-productivity thing a run for its money all year long.
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Create A Dedicated Workspace
A dedicated workspace looks different for everyone depending on the size and layout of your space — but, a good place to start is with an at-home desk.
Whether you want to go for a more streamlined standing setup, a wall-mounted system, an in-bed/on-couch lap desk, or a classic standalone model, finding the proper pedestal for your work will enhance your abilities to complete it.
Overstock Poppy Lift Top Desk, $, available at Overstock
Foundstoneu2122 Hayward Solid Wood Floating Desk, $, available at Wayfair
Oren Ellis Metal Ladder Bookcase, $, available at Wayfair
MoWdwrk Small Oakwood Desk, $, available at Etsy
Kikkerland Felt iBed Lap Desk, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Invest In A Tech Setup
If working from a laptop at home feels restricting, compared to your previously more expansive in-office layout, try investing in a larger monitor, connective cables, wireless keyboard, and mouse to open things up.
There are plenty of more affordable separate screen options (aka under-$100) out there if you're on a tighter budget — plus, when you're no longer WFH, they can serve as an extra TV for elevated Netflix streaming in bed.
ViewSonic 22 Inch IPS 1080p Frameless LED Monitor, $, available at Amazon
Packard Bell Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Set, $, available at Urban Outfitters
EMINTA Dual-Sided PU Leather Desk Pad, $, available at Amazon
Cordinate 3-Outlet Extension Cord with Surge Protection, 10 ft, $, available at Amazon
Acer 23.8-Inch (1920 x 1080) Widescreen Monitor, $, available at Amazon
Organize Your Desk Essentials
Now that you've got your workspace carved out, it's time to streamline the essentials — from paper goods to larger tech items, invest in organizational systems that elevate your WFH setup by keeping clutter at bay for a more unencumbered workflow.
Shop Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters Terrace Desk Organizer, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Grovemade Desk Tray Light, $, available at Grovemade
Dotted Line Clint Storage Box and Pencil Cup Organizer, $, available at Wayfair
Ontel Pillow Pad Multi-Angle Soft Tablet Stand, $, available at Amazon
Anthropologie Maren Leather Desk Blotter, $, available at Anthropologie
elago Charging Hub, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Grovemade Maple Desk Shelf, $, available at Grovemade
Support Your Body
Finding the right body support for your WFH setup is key — and whether you invest in the entire chair, add a seat cushion, or go the foot-riser route, make sure it's a product with ergonomic benefits. Aka one that provides your entire body with proper alignment and pressure-relief for prolonged periods of sitting.
Foundstone Mila Task Chair, $, available at Wayfair
Cushion Lab Extra Dense Ergonomic Lumbar Pillow, $, available at Amazon
DeinDekor Designer desk chair from Velour / Office Chair 7 Colour, $, available at Etsy
AllModern Cabrera Task Chair, $, available at AllModern
Everlasting Comfort Under-Desk Memory Foam Footrest, $, available at Amazon
World's Smallest World’s Smallest Vacuum, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Yicaihong Store Magic Rest Ergonomic Keyboard, $, available at Amazon
Zipcode Design Billups Ergonomic Mesh Task Chair, $, available at Wayfair
PharMeDoc Orthopedic Seat Cushion for Office Chair, $, available at Bed Bath and Beyond
Set Firm Work Hours & Wellness Reminders
While we rely heavily on our smartphones and computers for keeping track of time, reverting back to a dedicated timekeeper can help tighten productivity AND remind us to take breaks. Try using everything from a journal that holds you accountable to a time-management clock that carves out and alerts you on anywhere from five to 60-minute work periods — so you can get up and stretch your legs before getting back to it.
For some bonus wellness points, add in a smart water bottle that either marks off hydration time OR gives you a glowing reminder to keep sipping.
mooas Cube Timer 10, 30, 50 and 60 Minutes, $, available at Amazon
Habit Nest The Morning Sidekick Journal, $, available at Amazon
Hidrate Spark 3 Smart Water Bottle, $, available at Amazon
Keep Track Of Priorities
Again, keeping virtual to-do lists may have worked for our previously more in-transit schedules — but in a stuck-at-home setting, sometimes getting back to our hand-written roots is most impactful.
Try keeping either a physical productivity planner (that you can also use for mindfulness journalling) or a strategically prompted to-do pad that will help you keep your workflow (and your mind) clean, clear, and ready for action.
Knock Knock Knock Knock My Awesome Week Pen-To-Paper Mousepad, $, available at Amazon
Erin Condren Layers LifePlanner™, $, available at Erin Condren
Enhance Your Atmosphere
Successfully working from home doesn't just hinge upon balancing your employment priorities, it's even more important to maintain a self-balance too. Adding certain atmosphere-enhancing goods to your space can help elevate your mood for a healthier and more productive daily workflow.
Think everything from ambiance-boosting desk lamps to air purifiers, plants, desk diffusers, and candles.
Gantri Cantilever Table Light, $, available at Gantri
The Sill ZZ Plant, $, available at The Sill
Levoit H13 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier, $, available at Amazon
HAITRAL Modern Table Lamp - Gold, $, available at Amazon
ONUEMP Cactus Portable Diffuser (White), $, available at Amazon
Build A New Work Wardrobe
While one of the best things about WFH is getting to wear whatever the heck we want, sometimes staying in the same pair of PJs for three days straight can make us feel a little less than productive — which is why it's worth investing in (or revisiting if you already own) a few chic-but-comfy clothing essentials.
Opt for matching loungewear sets that look stylish while feeling super soft, or go the flowy house-dress route for an easy elegant look that won't make you too buttoned up.
Uniqlo US U Crew Neck Long-Sleeve T-Shirt, $, available at Uniqlo
Everlane The Tiered Cotton Dress - Black, $, available at Everlane
ASOS DESIGN Lounge jersey slub tie waist casual jumpsuit in oxblood, $, available at ASOS
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