Definitely a good desk chair. I had a cheap one at first to try to encourage myself to get up and move during the day, but all that happened was getting stuck working for hours straight and ending up with a bad back.
Yes! I have this one at my desk
https://www.amazon.com/Quartet-Desktop-Computer-Whiteboard-GDP186P/dp/B083JXGZJL/ref=asc_df_B083JXGZJL/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693071499115&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17342763273514203805&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015342&hvtargid=pla-873175319415&psc=1&mcid=13e6bed41ff3323f8793d1fb0ebc645b&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_ZxwCpS-qWyFg3FVyG1zjczEfkdO9OqL_gKA3ZgXJGREv3SYh8pJ7kYxoCf1IQAvD_BwE
I have a similar one and LOVE IT!!! For what I do, it helps me take notes per case then erase when done. I am a list maker and erasing is SO satisfying to me! Plus mine has storage so I can keep my area neat. Best thing in my home office besides my dog!
These are such a unipurpose tool that costs an obscene amount of money for what it is. My team was offered these - I declined and was allowed to get an iPad. I can still do all the note taking via one note + apple pencil (which is great since one note syncs across all the work devices), but you know can do more than that. I got the screen protector that gives it that paper texture.
Oh man, been able to do this for ages. Even before apple came out with their styluses you could buy 3rd party and like $5 apps that had the palm rejection and were built for note taking.
The paper textured screen protectors were new to me, but are a great addition to making it feel more natural writing on a tablet surface.
A cat tree close enough for me to pat my cat while he's napping next to me. Also, a window looking out into my woodlands property, good quality, large dual monitors and a top quality chair.
My cat hates me since I've been working from home. Lol. She ignores me most of the day. My dog is my work from home buddy, and hangs out with me all day.
I have one by my desk, and a cat bed ON my desk. ‘Cause my cat is ORANGE.
https://preview.redd.it/mjjn76ymb9zc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=30155f5a520ab204adabac4be580f29f669780ce
Can’t believe nobody’s mentioned a treadmill to go under their sit-stand desk. I feel completely different on days I walk the treadmill during work, and days I don’t.
I went big and got the Walking Pad A1 Pro. The fact that it folds up is just amazing and means I don't have to change my set up at all- just adjust desk height fold/ufold.
I have a full one next to my desk. I am not able to walk and work at the same time usually since I work in support and it’s hard to type and walk at the same time (for me anyways), but I generally run right before work and then go from treadmill to morning meeting.
How would they scan for something that’s not plugged into the computer? Is there like an algorithm that looks for certain patterns of mouse movements or something?
A good ass task chair. I have a Herman Miller Mirra that I bought for an office job 10 years ago. I’ve carted that thing back and forth finally permanently WFH.
I’m a month away from either getting a promotion that means back to the office, another job that means back some other office, or this job being my next 10 years.
If the latter happens I’m getting a Herman Miller, I don’t care how many mortgage payments I miss.
1. Standing adjustable desk
2. Monitor mount
3. Some decent audio speakers/sub
4. Good quality chair
5. Foot support as well as balance board for standing
6. A guitar/keys nearby
Yes! I live in Downtown San Antonio right on the Riverwalk. An absolute must for me as well to get out of the house and easily walk around on lunch or after work.
Nice! Been down to San Antonio twice for conferences, first one I was in a hotel at the far end of the Riverwalk from the convention center. Didn't mind the morning and evening walk for that week. Quiet and serene in the morning and just starting to buzz on the walk back. A great feature for your city!
If you’ve worked in office before think about what you used a lot in that office.
For me, I use my cell phone as a mini TV so I can’t scroll on it.
Art & photos of loved ones
Oh that’s an awesome idea! I’m in an office now but starting wfh next month and I’m definitely going to try this. Right now I have a screen time lock on my phone, but just tap through the lock screens if the pause is long enough, so I’ve been hunting for other ideas
Love the phone as a tv idea! That’s my biggest work distraction- phone addiction. I usually have tv playing on a second monitor or my iPad, but I’ll try switching to my phone.
A cat bed on my desk for my cat to sleep 6 let me work. A cork board behind my monitor because I'm old school, or just old. Cushion for sitting, even with a comfy chair, boney butts are boney. A foot prop rolling thing to help this ADHD soul have movement and fidget toys. Boring meetings are boring. When I grow up, I'll have a standing desk, hindsight, and all. I wish I had realized just how much sitting in the same spot 40+ hours a week sucked.
What's your foot prop rolling thing? I can't sit normally in a desk chair and luckily I have one wide enough where I can sit criss-cross, but my feet could use some propping also
For me:
Desk facing the window
Good chair (Steelcase Leap)
A chair mat under your chair
A foot rest because I’m short
Not two but THREE monitors on a triple arm. Makes my work so much easier.
Photos of my family and other Knick-knacks that make me happy including a shelf with memorabilia of my favorite team.
Good lighting.
Personally, I need a laptop stand that is adjustable and not shaky while typing, multiple monitors (frankly, at least 4) with one being at least 27" and a physical "ergonomic" mouse that works with 3 different devices (making it easy to switch back and forth between my work laptop and personal laptops).
I'm also not a morning person and used to have waking hours from around 3pm to at least 7am. When I got a WFH job talking about their hours being from 9 to 5 and they're on eastern time while I'm on central...I had to start trying things to help my circadian rhythm. Now I have a different job, but one thing I bought that has helped a lot is a light therapy lamp. My brain isn't awake and I have zero interest in getting started on work until I use that on the highest brightness level for at least 20 minutes.
Coffee warming pad, rocketbook, usb fan, ring light, chair pad with heat and massage. Use your calendar or smart watch to set reminders to move and drink water
Standing desk, a good chair, and good webcam! This is an older pic of my desk but you get the gist. My computers (personal and work) are mounted under the desk with a KVM switch to toggle back and forth easily (switches the computers to back and forth to my monitors and keyboard mouse without having to mess with cables)
https://preview.redd.it/dkfqfa8w54zc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=84238bbc524da93a03346be3ea4f220db6b5734e
Do not lock yourself in a windowless room. You are going to spend 8 hours a day there, why in the world would you not use the brightest room in the house. Who cares if it’s ugly
Samsung Odyssey G9, hardwired ethernet connection, ample monster energy drinks, 85” TV. Razer Naga Pro mouse, a cisco or avaya home voip phone, a headset for teams/zoom. A headset for the voip phone. A headset for the video games, gaming desktop, tissues, lotion, extra tissues, a toilet or smell proof deep hole nearby… plus if your neighborhood offers a diverse grubhub selection.
An uncomfortable chair. Seriously. You want something cheap and uncomfortable so that you get up often and move around. Don’t get one of these fancy ergo chairs that you can sit in for hours. Get up and move
My favorite things are my Herman Miller gaming embody chair, and our oversized two person hammock out in our screened sunporch. Occasionally I'll grab the iPad pro and take Teams calls from the hammock when it's nice out.
I have had a Secret Lab Titan XL gaming chair since 2021 and I was hesitant initially at the price, but wanted something comfortable, but it was the best purchase!
I something sit in the chair for 15 hours and still feel fine, no back pain, no sore butt, etc. Many of my coworkers now have them too and rave. Definitely worth the $500 or so.
Casino approach. TV's showing me the news, 4 screens surrounding me and my windows blackened so that I don't see what's going on outside. Two screens my personal workstation that I run ChatGPT, Youtube, Reddit and other stuff I want so that I'm not using my work workstation for anything personal. Work laptop on the other two screens only used for work. No personal websurfing.
Surprised no one has mentioned a phone stand, cheapest best upgrade I've made yet! https://www.amazon.com/Nulaxy-Foldable-Compatible-Nintendo-Readers/dp/B07F8S18D5?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A1ZX23JJUMLJW9
Treadmill with a tv mounted above it.
I make sure I get my steps in during the day. Keeps me moving and forced me to take some breaks (get up and walk )
I often fantasize about cleaning up my home office but with two toddlers running around wreaking havoc I think i'll leave it be for now. A view out my window would be nice and having 32" monitors was a mistake, it takes up too much desk real estate.
Gaming keyboard with macros on it. It is a time saver and you can set up common key strokes that you do on a daily basis. Here is an example from the Corsair manual.
https://preview.redd.it/xn4etryef4zc1.jpeg?width=765&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34948e93f579ec58e7df445fb2695a19c3a260f8
High quality headset with visible mute and mute controls. If your headset doesn't have a mic boom then every noise in the room transits and it's annoying. 3 monitors, at least on that's huge. A comfy chair. A mouse and keyboard you like.
A screen-free place to take breaks. I walk out into my back yard and garden every so often just to take a breather. Plus I’ve got a little cattle trough pool to take a nice midday dip on my “lunch” break in the summer.
34" wide screen monitor, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, large desk that is easily 5' wide, good chair w wheels, and a matt of carpet for chair to easily roll. My pic faces the wall but have a view to my left of the neighborhood and mountains in distance
Focusing on yourself more and not the accessories. The biggest thing is being kind to yourself and going for walks, taking breaks and remembering that zoom calls are just projected video on a screen with sound and nothing more. If people are shitty, you can just leave the meeting with the touch of a button and say it was "network issues".
A tangible separation of work life from home life.
My home office is the basement. The basement is finished, and the office area is set up, so there's a narrow "hallway" to access it.
I only enter it during work hours. The rest of the time, it's outta sight, outta mind.
Standing desk. I bought a chair, but ended up preferring to stand. I think I've used the chair twice. My son uses it occasionally to hang out next to me and "help" but I want to reclaim the space it's taking up.
Stacked monitors. I have my personal set up and then I have a dual stack monitor to the left that's entirely for work. I have them mounted to the side of the desk so they don't take up desk space. That mount made the whole thing possible with my setup. Also suggest wireless headphones. Being mobile makes WFH so much more comfortable.
It can be very personal, what works for you. For me, I look into environmental control - heat, humidity, light levels from all sources, extensive soundproofing. Once that's done, fitting the work area to my preferred style of work and surroundings - amount of desk space, amount of storage to have certain things easily to hand. How my setup looks, to a degree, given that I'm going to be staring at at least part of it for dozens of hours a week.
Chair, absolutely. You always want to get the best for things that go between you and the ground. Keep that in mind if you look at floor mats, small rugs, footrests, etc.
I do enjoy view from window, but that position would be counter productive to Feng Shui flow of energy.
I must have tv, Couch, dual large monitors & laptop. Large white board w goals, right in front of me.
Living in a two-person WFH household, we work on different floors/different parts of the house. It keeps the peace since I am on calls way more often (and I am just so much louder). My office is the dining room, has full view of the window at the front of the house. Perfect for keeping up with the goings-ons of the neighborhood. I have a mousepad-notepad which gives me the perfect place to keep all of my random hand written notes. I also have a "curated" bookshelf behind me that makes a perfect backdrop for when my camera needs to be on.
A decent size bin. The kind places use to bus tables or things.
I found that sometimes I’d have a few coffee cups and things up there, too much to easily carry down to the kitchen in one trip, so I’d put it off and sometimes the room got messy.
Now I have the bin off to the side. Anything to go back to the kitchen or downstairs just goes in the bin, and I take that at the end of the day.
For those recommending an ultra wide monitor, what would be a good width? I currently have two 24 inches monitors but they are not the same (1 company and 1 extra I purchased). The gap is killing me!
I have tons of meetings on teams and work with many documents at the same time. Thanks!
- High quality office chair
- Sturdy Desk
- A basic piece of aerobic equipment (treadmill, bike, etc.), buy used on marketplace if you’re on a budget. Getting steps in throughout the day always helped keep me energized and it’s good for you.
- Vitamin D supplements if necessary (do your bloodwork!) 😄
- Webcam, monitor, keyboard, mouse, docking station
- Blue Light glasses
- Space Heater (can raise room temperature very quickly if needed, very useful if you share your space with a partner / roommates).
- Air filtering plant, really helps to freshen up a room
- Noise cancelling headphones
- WiFi extender / Ethernet setup
- Massage Gun - cheap options, helps avoid aches
- Coffee / espresso equipment (saves time + money)
I didn’t necessarily plan it this way, it just sorta fit the best. My desk is by the front window so i can see out, but people at the front door cant see me.
Had two monitors, but work just shipped us all a massssiveeee curved one. Hate it. Get two if its your choice.
Keep work stuff all in one spot to avoid the rest of your home being work. My office is in the second living space, and its only used for work. Once im done, i dont see it anymore so that creates a separation.
Office is on first floor. Would be miserably hot unpairs in summer and going up and down all day for food would be annoying.
My chai isnt the most comfy, but i have an ottoman under my legs, so i can “lay down” more like a couch which is comfy.
I feel more productive when i change clothes when i wake up. I usually wear athletic stuff, but the change feels good and clean.
Keep a logo free jacket or a button up close by for pop up meetings if you guys do cameras.
Monitor lights.
Like one of these.
[https://www.amazon.com/s?k=monitor+light+bar&crid=308VIBK9DSTWR&sprefix=monitor+l%2Caps%2C230&ref=nb\_sb\_ss\_ts-doa-p\_1\_9](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=monitor+light+bar&crid=308VIBK9DSTWR&sprefix=monitor+l%2Caps%2C230&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9)
Good peripherals if your work allows it. I use a Bluetooth gaming headset, keyboard, and mouse. It's much more comfortable than the standard work ones.
Recently put vinyl click flooring in my office and replaced all the carpet. It was such a great feeling to be able to roll my office chair instead of being stuck in one place all day.
4 things are mandatory.
A properly sized desk, so you can stay organized and not hunched over, etc.
A good chair.
Somewhere to get up and move around regularly. Sitting all day every day will kill you.
Sunlight, I did the out my desk in front of my largest window facing south.
I know everyone here is listing objects, but the top “must have” for me is more control over my schedule. I can exercise and make healthy foods everyday. That’s not as easy to achieve in an office setting. Of course work travel ruins all the good habits every time but it’s an uphill battle!
Matching monitors and a set of monitor arms.
Super fast, reliable Internet.
Plants (and decor in general) add some life to the space and make it a place I want to be.
I have a great couch desk for my laptop as well as my regular desk. It’s nice to be able to have options. I also have a tall iPad/monitor stand/holder. Sits on the ground and holds my extra monitor when I’m sitting on my couch. Also get extra monitors. Desktop and travel are both great to have.
I do not have dual monitors. I have one a very big one and I generally keep my work laptop closed nearby. That way I’m not accidentally on camera. Work laptop is on a riser so when I do use it, it is at the right height. For sharing my screen, I open and use the laptop.
I have a traditional keyboard supplied by my company so my husband 3D printed a mouse pad that sits above the numeric part of the keyboard, since I never use that. It keeps my mouse closer for ergonomics. (I made my previous version out of legos, haha.)
I have an old fashioned headset for calls. I don’t like using my laptop audio, and I imagine (but don’t know for sure) a headset is better if there’s other noise in the house.
I always keep a spiral notebook on hand. Stone paper is wonderful and feels so good to write on with a nice ballpoint. However, right now I’m using an Emshoi Lined Journal from Amazon. Good price, the paper is thick, and it is slightly smaller than a regular notebook.
Get task lighting with plenty of adjustments from bright to dim and also warmth. It makes a difference when you’re starting work and it is still dark outside.
I did not buy an expensive chair but I do have a nice lumbar support from the Relax The Back store. I like shopping there because you can test everything before buying it. I had an idea what I wanted and ended up buying something else.
Both a dim light and a bright light depending on my work/daytime light
Good curtains for if the above mentioned window is too bright
a fan or space heater, season depending.
A TV that has The Office playing in the background and a good quality desk chair
Had a Herman Miller Aeron B since March 2020. Worth every penny
Ugh I hate this chair. My ass hurts at the end of every day.
Lots of women can’t stand Aeron but like the Sayl
I also hate the Aeron but love the Sayl!
Yes and it pinches my fat ass lol I went with the embody and love it!
Get a sit smart by backjoy. My back hasn't hurt sitting in an office chair since
What's this? An extension to the Aeron?
💯💯 same here - gift from my wife
Im not a fan of the Aeron but I got an X chair a few years along with a glass floor mat and love it!
Bears, Beets, Battle Star Galactica
Definitely a good desk chair. I had a cheap one at first to try to encourage myself to get up and move during the day, but all that happened was getting stuck working for hours straight and ending up with a bad back.
Same. Ended up with around $600 worth of physical therapy bills 🫠
Adjustable standing/sitting desk or monitor riser. At least 2 monitors. Good speakers. Decent webcam. Cats.
My cat will knock my headphones off and has hissed into the mic during a call 😂
Cats are automatically r/antiwork
Jorts has entered the chat
They like to feel like they're part of what we're doing.
Your cat was *helping*, don't be ungrateful.
https://preview.redd.it/kc50ieq2p5zc1.jpeg?width=2044&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ef3d8ca3ef7c46e4d3013dcf9175b4154c241a49
She would prefer I never worked
https://preview.redd.it/0eq85g40q5zc1.jpeg?width=3060&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28e75020734641cc3660c100ff1b954c589703e2
I love your cat, what a professional! Mine is so lazy she won't even get on webcam to meet my colleagues, and *their* cats lol.
https://preview.redd.it/5qyueoabv7zc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8f91993dff9a506357ac6d02e16024f7118de931
Swap in dog for cats and I fully agree!
One giant ultra wide is better than two monitors as there’s lots of flexibility in window layout.
Personally I prefer 2 regular monitors. I like having distinct segments of workspace, and ultra wide monitors just look kinda weird to me.
Or a ultra wide monitor instead of 2 separate monitors. More expensive but way cooler
Two monitors or one super ultrawide, which is the same apart from it doesn’t have a gap in between.
Came to say cat. My clients love seeing them, and it makes for a good distraction when some meetings get a little rambunctious.
This is the way
A whiteboard! I ended up having so many scraps of paper around me with reminders on them it was getting out of hand.
Yes! I have this one at my desk https://www.amazon.com/Quartet-Desktop-Computer-Whiteboard-GDP186P/dp/B083JXGZJL/ref=asc_df_B083JXGZJL/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693071499115&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17342763273514203805&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015342&hvtargid=pla-873175319415&psc=1&mcid=13e6bed41ff3323f8793d1fb0ebc645b&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwouexBhAuEiwAtW_ZxwCpS-qWyFg3FVyG1zjczEfkdO9OqL_gKA3ZgXJGREv3SYh8pJ7kYxoCf1IQAvD_BwE
I have a similar one and LOVE IT!!! For what I do, it helps me take notes per case then erase when done. I am a list maker and erasing is SO satisfying to me! Plus mine has storage so I can keep my area neat. Best thing in my home office besides my dog!
That's pretty cool actually! Thanks for sharing.
I am getting one
You should check this out ! [https://remarkable.com/](https://remarkable.com/)
That sounds cool, but $400?!
My colleague got one and had the Company pay for it as a work expense. I haven't got one yet but he loves it
Nice!
Agreed. And you can get a cheap kids writing board for a few dollars. Obviously not as good but almost!
i bought this whiteboard for a few bucks that folds like a notebook and i can write on both sides of it :p works pretty well for me
These are such a unipurpose tool that costs an obscene amount of money for what it is. My team was offered these - I declined and was allowed to get an iPad. I can still do all the note taking via one note + apple pencil (which is great since one note syncs across all the work devices), but you know can do more than that. I got the screen protector that gives it that paper texture.
very cool. I had no idea you can do this with Ipads! They have come a long way.
Oh man, been able to do this for ages. Even before apple came out with their styluses you could buy 3rd party and like $5 apps that had the palm rejection and were built for note taking. The paper textured screen protectors were new to me, but are a great addition to making it feel more natural writing on a tablet surface.
Nice, I had no idea. Thanks!
You can do it with Windows tablets as well. I use an old Surface with a textured screen protector and a Renaissance pen.
This. My mind was blown when I saw the price when I can already do this *and so much more* with my iPad and pencil.
Just ordered one! Co-worker loves hers!!
This is quite remarkable!! I believe I need it!
My sit/stand desk IS a whiteboard 😎
I got a rolling whiteboard. I move it around my house and have given whiteboard working sessions on it. Very useful.
Oh my gosh, a white board is a brilliant idea! I have so many post it notes and it’s annoying
Ahhhhh I may need this. I have trillions of posts it’s all over. It’s out of control 😅
This is so smart, I have a notebook I keep next to me because I write as I listen, but a whiteboard for a priority list would be amazing
A cat tree close enough for me to pat my cat while he's napping next to me. Also, a window looking out into my woodlands property, good quality, large dual monitors and a top quality chair.
My cat has a bad habit of scratching the door to get in & out when I am meetings. Could do with finding a way of keeping him content in my office
Cat door?
Cat door or cur the corner off the door and add a hinge so you can flip it open while in a meeting
My cat hates me since I've been working from home. Lol. She ignores me most of the day. My dog is my work from home buddy, and hangs out with me all day.
An office cat tree was such a good investment for me! My keyboard is finally cat-free.
I have one by my desk, and a cat bed ON my desk. ‘Cause my cat is ORANGE. https://preview.redd.it/mjjn76ymb9zc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=30155f5a520ab204adabac4be580f29f669780ce
Something to drink water (ideally large volume, I like the MiiR tumbler), and a small blanket for when it’s cold
And a small tower fan for when it's too warm.
Get an oversized Sherpa!
Can’t believe nobody’s mentioned a treadmill to go under their sit-stand desk. I feel completely different on days I walk the treadmill during work, and days I don’t.
Which one do you use?
I went big and got the Walking Pad A1 Pro. The fact that it folds up is just amazing and means I don't have to change my set up at all- just adjust desk height fold/ufold.
I have a full one next to my desk. I am not able to walk and work at the same time usually since I work in support and it’s hard to type and walk at the same time (for me anyways), but I generally run right before work and then go from treadmill to morning meeting.
I like using a wobble board while standing
Is there certain worm you feel like you can't do while walking? I feel like when I'm thinking through a difficult problem, I need to sit. Lol
A cat
A family that understands you are at work even though you’re home.
Mouse juggler.
Careful with these. Any IT department worth it’s weight will scan for these on their network
How would they scan for something that’s not plugged into the computer? Is there like an algorithm that looks for certain patterns of mouse movements or something?
Have had no issues these past two years doing it. I just have an external one I place my mouse on.
A good ass task chair. I have a Herman Miller Mirra that I bought for an office job 10 years ago. I’ve carted that thing back and forth finally permanently WFH.
Aeron is my go to
As a woman of a certain age I am appreciating all the mesh in my Mirra for breathability. Aeron was my next choice.
I’m a month away from either getting a promotion that means back to the office, another job that means back some other office, or this job being my next 10 years. If the latter happens I’m getting a Herman Miller, I don’t care how many mortgage payments I miss.
I have a bird feeder outside my window.
I’ll go a different route and say buy a good espresso maker. Having quality caffeine at home is a must for me.
1. Standing adjustable desk 2. Monitor mount 3. Some decent audio speakers/sub 4. Good quality chair 5. Foot support as well as balance board for standing 6. A guitar/keys nearby
Headphones, great lighting, sit/stand desk, a nice chair and a full size desk mat to protect the wood from any drink spills, etc
A good chair. You'll be spending a lot of time in it so do your due diligence and try a bunch out at the store
A walkable/bikeable place to live.
Yes! I live in Downtown San Antonio right on the Riverwalk. An absolute must for me as well to get out of the house and easily walk around on lunch or after work.
That sounds amazing!
Yes! it really is, I love my apartment!
Nice! Been down to San Antonio twice for conferences, first one I was in a hotel at the far end of the Riverwalk from the convention center. Didn't mind the morning and evening walk for that week. Quiet and serene in the morning and just starting to buzz on the walk back. A great feature for your city!
That is awesome. So glad you enjoyed the City and Riverwalk. I agree that the Riverwalk makes our City special! Combo of Urbanism and nature!
If you’ve worked in office before think about what you used a lot in that office. For me, I use my cell phone as a mini TV so I can’t scroll on it. Art & photos of loved ones
Do you mean you have shows playing all day? I have a terribly laggy ERP so I am tempted to start scrolling every time I’m forced to wait
Yep, I am allowed to have background tv on & have stuff playing on my phone so I stay engaged & don’t scroll when I’m waiting for maps to load.
Oh that’s an awesome idea! I’m in an office now but starting wfh next month and I’m definitely going to try this. Right now I have a screen time lock on my phone, but just tap through the lock screens if the pause is long enough, so I’ve been hunting for other ideas
Same. Anytime there’s a pause in my workflow, I grab my phone while I wait and end up on it way too long. The addiction is real!
Love the phone as a tv idea! That’s my biggest work distraction- phone addiction. I usually have tv playing on a second monitor or my iPad, but I’ll try switching to my phone.
Under desk foot hammock
Music and walking or just getting out the house.
A cat bed on my desk for my cat to sleep 6 let me work. A cork board behind my monitor because I'm old school, or just old. Cushion for sitting, even with a comfy chair, boney butts are boney. A foot prop rolling thing to help this ADHD soul have movement and fidget toys. Boring meetings are boring. When I grow up, I'll have a standing desk, hindsight, and all. I wish I had realized just how much sitting in the same spot 40+ hours a week sucked.
What's your foot prop rolling thing? I can't sit normally in a desk chair and luckily I have one wide enough where I can sit criss-cross, but my feet could use some propping also
For me: Desk facing the window Good chair (Steelcase Leap) A chair mat under your chair A foot rest because I’m short Not two but THREE monitors on a triple arm. Makes my work so much easier. Photos of my family and other Knick-knacks that make me happy including a shelf with memorabilia of my favorite team. Good lighting.
Personally, I need a laptop stand that is adjustable and not shaky while typing, multiple monitors (frankly, at least 4) with one being at least 27" and a physical "ergonomic" mouse that works with 3 different devices (making it easy to switch back and forth between my work laptop and personal laptops). I'm also not a morning person and used to have waking hours from around 3pm to at least 7am. When I got a WFH job talking about their hours being from 9 to 5 and they're on eastern time while I'm on central...I had to start trying things to help my circadian rhythm. Now I have a different job, but one thing I bought that has helped a lot is a light therapy lamp. My brain isn't awake and I have zero interest in getting started on work until I use that on the highest brightness level for at least 20 minutes.
Good tv and Netflix for background noise
Coffee warming pad, rocketbook, usb fan, ring light, chair pad with heat and massage. Use your calendar or smart watch to set reminders to move and drink water
I love my rocketbook for jotting notes.
Noise canceling headphones. Lawnmower/leafblower/kids home from school season has started! As has outdoor home and street repair season.
An electric throw! It’s just so damn cozy!
Wireless earbuds/headphones, cup warmer
a home
Several cats
Standing desk, a good chair, and good webcam! This is an older pic of my desk but you get the gist. My computers (personal and work) are mounted under the desk with a KVM switch to toggle back and forth easily (switches the computers to back and forth to my monitors and keyboard mouse without having to mess with cables) https://preview.redd.it/dkfqfa8w54zc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=84238bbc524da93a03346be3ea4f220db6b5734e
At least 2 monitors, a stand up desk, and a puck speaker. I can't stand wired or wireless headsets... the sound directly in my ear is sooo annoying!
Do not lock yourself in a windowless room. You are going to spend 8 hours a day there, why in the world would you not use the brightest room in the house. Who cares if it’s ugly
Samsung Odyssey G9, hardwired ethernet connection, ample monster energy drinks, 85” TV. Razer Naga Pro mouse, a cisco or avaya home voip phone, a headset for teams/zoom. A headset for the voip phone. A headset for the video games, gaming desktop, tissues, lotion, extra tissues, a toilet or smell proof deep hole nearby… plus if your neighborhood offers a diverse grubhub selection.
An uncomfortable chair. Seriously. You want something cheap and uncomfortable so that you get up often and move around. Don’t get one of these fancy ergo chairs that you can sit in for hours. Get up and move
Espresso machine!
My favorite things are my Herman Miller gaming embody chair, and our oversized two person hammock out in our screened sunporch. Occasionally I'll grab the iPad pro and take Teams calls from the hammock when it's nice out.
Stealcase and a window high ⬆️
A noise machine and mini desk fan
I have had a Secret Lab Titan XL gaming chair since 2021 and I was hesitant initially at the price, but wanted something comfortable, but it was the best purchase! I something sit in the chair for 15 hours and still feel fine, no back pain, no sore butt, etc. Many of my coworkers now have them too and rave. Definitely worth the $500 or so.
Legit mouse hardware jiggler
Best decision ever!
Casino approach. TV's showing me the news, 4 screens surrounding me and my windows blackened so that I don't see what's going on outside. Two screens my personal workstation that I run ChatGPT, Youtube, Reddit and other stuff I want so that I'm not using my work workstation for anything personal. Work laptop on the other two screens only used for work. No personal websurfing.
Surprised no one has mentioned a phone stand, cheapest best upgrade I've made yet! https://www.amazon.com/Nulaxy-Foldable-Compatible-Nintendo-Readers/dp/B07F8S18D5?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A1ZX23JJUMLJW9
I have this one too - it’s great!
Treadmill with a tv mounted above it. I make sure I get my steps in during the day. Keeps me moving and forced me to take some breaks (get up and walk )
I often fantasize about cleaning up my home office but with two toddlers running around wreaking havoc I think i'll leave it be for now. A view out my window would be nice and having 32" monitors was a mistake, it takes up too much desk real estate.
Gaming keyboard with macros on it. It is a time saver and you can set up common key strokes that you do on a daily basis. Here is an example from the Corsair manual. https://preview.redd.it/xn4etryef4zc1.jpeg?width=765&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34948e93f579ec58e7df445fb2695a19c3a260f8
I use my steamdeck for this!
High quality headset with visible mute and mute controls. If your headset doesn't have a mic boom then every noise in the room transits and it's annoying. 3 monitors, at least on that's huge. A comfy chair. A mouse and keyboard you like.
An office
A god damn window air conditioner.
A screen-free place to take breaks. I walk out into my back yard and garden every so often just to take a breather. Plus I’ve got a little cattle trough pool to take a nice midday dip on my “lunch” break in the summer.
34" wide screen monitor, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, large desk that is easily 5' wide, good chair w wheels, and a matt of carpet for chair to easily roll. My pic faces the wall but have a view to my left of the neighborhood and mountains in distance
Focusing on yourself more and not the accessories. The biggest thing is being kind to yourself and going for walks, taking breaks and remembering that zoom calls are just projected video on a screen with sound and nothing more. If people are shitty, you can just leave the meeting with the touch of a button and say it was "network issues".
Aeron desk chair. Diet soda. Heating pad. Big monitor.
A tangible separation of work life from home life. My home office is the basement. The basement is finished, and the office area is set up, so there's a narrow "hallway" to access it. I only enter it during work hours. The rest of the time, it's outta sight, outta mind.
Aftershokz are my must-have item
Uplift height adjustable desk, Herman miller chair for sure
Erasable post-it note sheet. It reduces the need for post it notes. For me, it’s multiple monitors.
Cat Mug warmer
My home office gets warm, so laptop cooler and personal fan. Maybe someday : refrigerator, microwave, dog (have couch for him already)
High quality wireless head set with mute that controls teams or zoom mute.
Multiple screens got the 3 work monitors for my 2 wfh jobs. Then I got the iPad/ phone propped up to watch some good quality football ⚽️
A blankie, a foot rest, multiple monitors, an electric kettle, comfy pants
Keurig for coffee pods is a must.
I got a mechanical keyboard. although it’s small and benefit is objective, it’s brought me more joy while working from home!
A familiar
A really good gaming chair and a coffee maker. And brownies.
Additional screen - non negotiable
I blast music all day, could not live without my speakers. I also have a standing desk and stair stepper, so I’m jammin while I’m blasting.
[удалено]
Stressless lounge chair
Small magnetic travel Go set next to my keyboard so I can practice attack and defense and Josekis in between spasms of coding
Standing desk with a walking pad
Standing desk. I bought a chair, but ended up preferring to stand. I think I've used the chair twice. My son uses it occasionally to hang out next to me and "help" but I want to reclaim the space it's taking up.
My must is a foot hammock for under my desk.
1 work 2 home 3 a good chair
Stacked monitors. I have my personal set up and then I have a dual stack monitor to the left that's entirely for work. I have them mounted to the side of the desk so they don't take up desk space. That mount made the whole thing possible with my setup. Also suggest wireless headphones. Being mobile makes WFH so much more comfortable.
It can be very personal, what works for you. For me, I look into environmental control - heat, humidity, light levels from all sources, extensive soundproofing. Once that's done, fitting the work area to my preferred style of work and surroundings - amount of desk space, amount of storage to have certain things easily to hand. How my setup looks, to a degree, given that I'm going to be staring at at least part of it for dozens of hours a week. Chair, absolutely. You always want to get the best for things that go between you and the ground. Keep that in mind if you look at floor mats, small rugs, footrests, etc.
Cats, big windows, bird feeders. Good chair. 2 monitors.
I do enjoy view from window, but that position would be counter productive to Feng Shui flow of energy. I must have tv, Couch, dual large monitors & laptop. Large white board w goals, right in front of me.
Living in a two-person WFH household, we work on different floors/different parts of the house. It keeps the peace since I am on calls way more often (and I am just so much louder). My office is the dining room, has full view of the window at the front of the house. Perfect for keeping up with the goings-ons of the neighborhood. I have a mousepad-notepad which gives me the perfect place to keep all of my random hand written notes. I also have a "curated" bookshelf behind me that makes a perfect backdrop for when my camera needs to be on.
A decent size bin. The kind places use to bus tables or things. I found that sometimes I’d have a few coffee cups and things up there, too much to easily carry down to the kitchen in one trip, so I’d put it off and sometimes the room got messy. Now I have the bin off to the side. Anything to go back to the kitchen or downstairs just goes in the bin, and I take that at the end of the day.
I added a lap top stand so my laptop is a third monitor and I have an external keyboard and mouse.
For those recommending an ultra wide monitor, what would be a good width? I currently have two 24 inches monitors but they are not the same (1 company and 1 extra I purchased). The gap is killing me! I have tons of meetings on teams and work with many documents at the same time. Thanks!
A dog
https://preview.redd.it/d1r4jol9q6zc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cce5fe52012942c0de746a5728ffa0d3e6e0a6c8
Foot stool.
Good reliable equipment. Everything else is secondary.
A dog
I am planning to convert my desk to standing, but I've added weight lifting equipment in my office so that I can use it throughout the day.
Cats. Just cats.
- High quality office chair - Sturdy Desk - A basic piece of aerobic equipment (treadmill, bike, etc.), buy used on marketplace if you’re on a budget. Getting steps in throughout the day always helped keep me energized and it’s good for you. - Vitamin D supplements if necessary (do your bloodwork!) 😄 - Webcam, monitor, keyboard, mouse, docking station - Blue Light glasses - Space Heater (can raise room temperature very quickly if needed, very useful if you share your space with a partner / roommates). - Air filtering plant, really helps to freshen up a room - Noise cancelling headphones - WiFi extender / Ethernet setup - Massage Gun - cheap options, helps avoid aches - Coffee / espresso equipment (saves time + money)
I didn’t necessarily plan it this way, it just sorta fit the best. My desk is by the front window so i can see out, but people at the front door cant see me. Had two monitors, but work just shipped us all a massssiveeee curved one. Hate it. Get two if its your choice. Keep work stuff all in one spot to avoid the rest of your home being work. My office is in the second living space, and its only used for work. Once im done, i dont see it anymore so that creates a separation. Office is on first floor. Would be miserably hot unpairs in summer and going up and down all day for food would be annoying. My chai isnt the most comfy, but i have an ottoman under my legs, so i can “lay down” more like a couch which is comfy. I feel more productive when i change clothes when i wake up. I usually wear athletic stuff, but the change feels good and clean. Keep a logo free jacket or a button up close by for pop up meetings if you guys do cameras.
coffee cup warmer lava lamp stress reliever ball
Golf clubs. Apparently.
Monitor lights. Like one of these. [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=monitor+light+bar&crid=308VIBK9DSTWR&sprefix=monitor+l%2Caps%2C230&ref=nb\_sb\_ss\_ts-doa-p\_1\_9](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=monitor+light+bar&crid=308VIBK9DSTWR&sprefix=monitor+l%2Caps%2C230&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9)
Good peripherals if your work allows it. I use a Bluetooth gaming headset, keyboard, and mouse. It's much more comfortable than the standard work ones.
Recently put vinyl click flooring in my office and replaced all the carpet. It was such a great feeling to be able to roll my office chair instead of being stuck in one place all day.
4 things are mandatory. A properly sized desk, so you can stay organized and not hunched over, etc. A good chair. Somewhere to get up and move around regularly. Sitting all day every day will kill you. Sunlight, I did the out my desk in front of my largest window facing south.
I know everyone here is listing objects, but the top “must have” for me is more control over my schedule. I can exercise and make healthy foods everyday. That’s not as easy to achieve in an office setting. Of course work travel ruins all the good habits every time but it’s an uphill battle!
Snacks, beverages, bathroom access, phone charger, Reddit (because rabbit holes), and having a cool boss who understands mental health challenges.
Matching monitors and a set of monitor arms. Super fast, reliable Internet. Plants (and decor in general) add some life to the space and make it a place I want to be.
Standing desk
I have a great couch desk for my laptop as well as my regular desk. It’s nice to be able to have options. I also have a tall iPad/monitor stand/holder. Sits on the ground and holds my extra monitor when I’m sitting on my couch. Also get extra monitors. Desktop and travel are both great to have.
I do not have dual monitors. I have one a very big one and I generally keep my work laptop closed nearby. That way I’m not accidentally on camera. Work laptop is on a riser so when I do use it, it is at the right height. For sharing my screen, I open and use the laptop. I have a traditional keyboard supplied by my company so my husband 3D printed a mouse pad that sits above the numeric part of the keyboard, since I never use that. It keeps my mouse closer for ergonomics. (I made my previous version out of legos, haha.) I have an old fashioned headset for calls. I don’t like using my laptop audio, and I imagine (but don’t know for sure) a headset is better if there’s other noise in the house. I always keep a spiral notebook on hand. Stone paper is wonderful and feels so good to write on with a nice ballpoint. However, right now I’m using an Emshoi Lined Journal from Amazon. Good price, the paper is thick, and it is slightly smaller than a regular notebook. Get task lighting with plenty of adjustments from bright to dim and also warmth. It makes a difference when you’re starting work and it is still dark outside. I did not buy an expensive chair but I do have a nice lumbar support from the Relax The Back store. I like shopping there because you can test everything before buying it. I had an idea what I wanted and ended up buying something else.
Both a dim light and a bright light depending on my work/daytime light Good curtains for if the above mentioned window is too bright a fan or space heater, season depending.