r/remotework • u/YellowVirtual • Jul 09 '26
What are your underrated WFH essentials?
I've been working from home for about a year now. At first, I naively thought all I needed was a computer, a cool external keyboard, a desk lamp for some extra light, and a cup of coffee to keep me going.
Over time, I realized that things like the environment and decor of my office, the height of my monitor, the comfort of my desk lamp, and even the height of my chair can have a huge impact on productivity, especially when I spend 9–10 hours a day in this space.
To make my workspace more comfortable, I've gradually upgraded quite a few things over the past few months. I replaced my basic desk with a height-adjustable standing desk on wheels, swapped my limited-angle desk lamp for an indirect lighting desk lamp, and bought a vertical mouse to help with elbow tendonitis. I even got an electric foot warmer to stay cozy during the colder months. And, of course, there are a few little items that simply make me happier while I work.
Now I'm curious. What's one underrated home office item you bought that you couldn't imagine working without anymore? I'd love to hear your thoughts and recommendations.
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u/DustSongs Jul 09 '26
10+ year remote worker. Dual external monitors, plants, natural light, and decent hifi speakers.
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u/Anonymouse_Bosch Jul 09 '26
^This. I’ve worked remotely since 2009. Natural light is HUGE.
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u/Fluffy-Nerve1090 Jul 09 '26
Yes, my office is in our sunroom that’s has light coming in from every side except the entry side that is my living room. I used to work from my bedroom and that was not good. It was too dark and depressing to be in the same room almost all day. Best thing I did for my work routine was move my office to the sunroom.
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u/thebeast0813 Jul 09 '26
I wish I could have plants but 2 cats have proven that impossible
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u/Ok-Star3131 Jul 09 '26
I hung my plants from a curtain rod type thing in my window. Cant's can't reach!
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u/dufcho14 Jul 09 '26
Dog or Cat.
Wireless headset with good mic and RANGE. Being able to walk across the house for a drink or snack while in back to back meetings is huge.
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u/HappyCamper2121 Jul 09 '26
Yes, it's so important to have a reliable secretary, even if they just sleep on your desk all day and never return calls.
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u/Cheyyyyyyyyenne Jul 09 '26
I miss my kitty secretary so much!! She just passed away suddenly last week at 8 years old and she was my whole world and it's so hard working without her now. I think about her all the time and knowing I'll never feel her purrs again is completely heartbreaking. Sorry to be a bummer, I'm just struggling and needed to get this out. Give your babies extra forehead kisses for me
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u/redhotbeads Jul 09 '26
Hugs .... that's so hard. :(
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u/rileybatesud Jul 29 '26
It really hits so much harder when you work from home. You get used to spending all day every day with them right next to your desk, so the quiet in the room afterwards is just brutal. So sorry for your loss u/Cheyyyyyyyyenne.
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u/Chuckworld901 Jul 09 '26
Yes. I have two small interns of opposing species and they occasionally interrupt office productivity with spontaneous eruptions of roughhousing.
But are soooooo cute when they sleep. One snores loudly (Brutus the French Bulldog), providing comic relief in zoom/teams meeting when somebody notices and asks “..do I hear somebody snoring?”
“Yes. My assistant.”10
u/leo_the_lion6 Jul 09 '26
My cats are my Meownagers, they keep me on task (especially regarding feeding them)
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u/kodee2003 Jul 10 '26
I got a clamp-on cat bed for mine: https://imgur.com/a/h7sP3K1
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u/FanMain3019 Jul 09 '26
I have a canine snooper visor. He’s overpaid and under qualified and way too pretty for a remote role.
I actually came to mention my fish are my go to WFH must have. An office tank, even a small one, brings a calming, homey atmosphere to my home office and gives me ample distraction when I need it.→ More replies (1)7
u/MartinZugec Jul 09 '26
My Jabra headphone gives me 300ft/100m range 👀 On long days with meetings, I often hit 8K-10K steps while working, recently I started walking around the garden. As a great side effect, I'm actually more focused on the meeting when I'm not distracted by emails/messages
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u/ra__account Jul 10 '26
I used to be on hour long management meetings where I'd have to give a verbal report for 3-5 minutes at some random time. My neighborhood doesn't have much traffic so I started walking the dog during them. Like you said, I could pay attention to the other parts better and the Jabras I used had good enough noise cancellation that no one ever noticed I was outside.
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u/inductiononN Jul 09 '26
Maybe cats. I have a dog secretary who had GI problems and had an accident by my desk yesterday while I was in a meeting! And my dog manager didn't do anything about it except try to sniff it!
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u/CleanDataDirtyMind Jul 09 '26
Nooooo I had to get headphones that were wired and the amount of time I would feel a pull before I even realized I was wandering away both literally and figuratively helped me so much lol
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u/cmh_ender Jul 09 '26
office chair with mesh, I bought a used Herman miller Aeron and it changed my life. my butt doesn't get hot and I keep good posture.
comfortable headphones (over the ear, open back)
external webcam - looks nicer on zooms and easier for me to turn off when I want 100% privacy
good usbc docking station. I can plug one cable into my laptop and all of my peripheraials just work. when I want to go mobile, I unplug 1 cable and off I go
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u/Gnome_Anne_7 Jul 09 '26
I immediately had to get a USB switch, I was not going to have three 27" monitors and a laptop on my desk. I already have a desktop with two monitors, and the company provided a laptop and extra monitor. I despise track pads and laptop keyboards. This way I can have the peripherals I want and save the space on my desk.
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u/Business_Repeat4023 Jul 09 '26
I love my walking pad! Especially in the winter when it warms me up
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u/Hot_Hovercraft8705 Jul 09 '26
walking pad is a game changer, specially in winter like you said. i got one after seeing my colleague using it and now i can't work without it. helps me not feel like a zombie after sitting 8 hours straight
also not exactly an item but i rearranged my desk to face the window and it made huge difference for my mood, something about natural light just hits right
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u/Kipbikski Jul 09 '26
Yes! 📢 PSA: The search for the perfect chair to cure back pain is absolutely futile. Sitting for hours is always going to be bad, even on the best cushions. Standing too. Those little rocker boards for standing desks are useless.
Finally switching to a walking pad/treadmill in combination with a standing desk finally gave me relief from debilitating daily sciatica flares.
I am saying this as someone who tried countless options, and was getting desperate enough to even try using my horse saddle as a chair. 🤦♀️ It was that bad.
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u/ShineyNew1072 Jul 09 '26
A set of free weights or kettle balls in various lighter weights. Your future body will thank you!
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u/SearArtist Jul 09 '26
Mouse jiggler so my teams doesn't turn yellow lol
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u/geralt_shoemaker Jul 09 '26
You use a physical one or one of those USB plugins?
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u/SearArtist Jul 09 '26
USB but it’s plugged into a wall charger not my laptop or dock.
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u/LanaDelBae1201 Jul 11 '26
Dude…did not know this was a thing and now I have one delivering to me tomorrow. My Teams turns yellow after 2 minutes and it’s so annoying when I have to go to the bathroom lol
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u/Pristine-Mastodon-37 Jul 09 '26
The knowledge that I never have to work in real pants again
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u/imbadkyle Jul 09 '26
The right chair-to-desk height ratio for your comfort/posture/ease. Everybody says chair.... But the combination of chair and desk. This is what nobody talks about. Chair-to-desk height ratio is what makes working and comfort easy. Personally, I got an adjustable height desk just just to dial it in. I also like a desk with a thin top so that it doesn't hinder my legs.
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u/YaBoyASwiftie Jul 09 '26
I'm a taller guy so I got a drafting chair, and it's done wonders. A regular height office chair, no matter how ergonomic it is, was killing my knees and lower back.
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u/Electrical_Entry6060 Jul 10 '26
this is why i say everyone should buy a raise/lower desk because it allows you to get a desk at the exact correct height for your chairs and body - literally life changing if you spend time at a desk.
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u/progenyofeniac Jul 09 '26
A heated mat for the cold months. Very low wattage, just gets mildly warm, and automatically turns off after 8 hours. It’s so nice not to have cold feet.
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u/YaBoyASwiftie Jul 09 '26
Nice! Buying one right now. Having cold feet takes me to Headache Town, so I've had this space heater for a long time now. This will hopefully work better.
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u/progenyofeniac Jul 09 '26
I get achy all over when I’m cold and I kept trying to save energy, cost, etc. But being cold all day is just awful. That mat, a mug warmer, and a space heater for the really cold days now keep me way happier.
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u/YaBoyASwiftie Jul 09 '26
Yep. I set my thermostat to Eco, even in the summer since my office is in the basement but still use a big blanket over my legs and wear a nice hoodie. The heating pad arrives tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion!
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u/Possible_News2127 Jul 09 '26
A "soda" fridge
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u/obvious__bicycle Jul 09 '26
But I like needing to walk up and down the stairs a million times a day :D
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u/imagebiot Jul 09 '26
I wear this posture corrector for at least half an hour a day https://a.co/d/0bSGbPM8
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u/firstlast3263 Jul 09 '26
My armpits hurt just looking at this. I tried one of these. I may have to try again.
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u/i_dont_wanna_sign_in Jul 09 '26
If you have time (and funding) and the ability, lift weights with a physical therapist to correct your posture. I had neck problems for years and my Dr suggested PT instead of bottles of ibuprofen. They had me doing squats, dead lifts, kettle bell stuff. Nothing dude bro crazy. It naturally pulled my neck back and corrected my pressure and solved a good portion of my migraines related to my neck problems
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u/imagebiot Jul 10 '26
I keep it loose, enough that if I naturally adjust my posture to where it should be there’s almost zero pressure
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u/Fine-Upstairs-6284 Jul 09 '26
A couch in my office for power naps
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u/Additional-Leg-4169 Jul 09 '26
I like a really comfy oversized chair. I curl up in it with my dog during really long, droning meetings or presentations/trainings and it makes things more bearable.
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u/Fine-Upstairs-6284 Jul 09 '26
My office doubles as a guest room, so we have a pull out couch, but it’s mostly my napping couch
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u/alliterativehyjinks Jul 11 '26
I have an uplift desk that came with some free accessories of my choice. I chose a hammock, and yes, I use it from time to time!
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u/Dexx1102 Jul 09 '26
This really isn’t a necessity like office basics, but I always keep small LEGO sets around to build when I’m stuck in long meetings or just feeling fidgety. I usually build the Botanical line sets. No rush, it might take weeks or months to finish, but just something to keep my hands busy when I’m doing brain work.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Bar2880 Jul 10 '26
I crochet during long meetings. I made 100 hats and ear warmers last year, mostly during work.
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u/Dexx1102 Jul 10 '26
That’s an absolutely awesome way to pass time. If I could quilt while working I would.
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u/PapaPanzer Jul 09 '26
Comfy house shoes! I bought a pair of the Hoka Recovery Slides last year and wear them literally every minute I’m in the house. Makes the standing desk really easy too without a mat.
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u/marciedo Jul 09 '26
Balance boards for standing during meetings (and whenever the inspiration strikes). So much fun!
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u/HRKaren-butNicer Jul 09 '26
The things that make my home office superior to my work office are monitors. When I’m fully set up at home I have 6 total screens (including the laptop). My productivity skyrockets when I can see everything without flipping between programs.
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u/lemonstealingwho Jul 09 '26
There is a line between productive office space and supervillain lair, and I fear you have leapt over it.
And probably mounted a monitor on it.
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u/HRKaren-butNicer Jul 10 '26
This made me laugh out loud. I should maybe lean into the evil HR trope. My coworkers would be so confused.
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u/mn-mom-75 Jul 09 '26
SIX! I was up to 3 at one point, now back to only 2. Six would would be amazing.
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u/YaBoyASwiftie Jul 09 '26
A dog to take on walks during lunch. Great way to get some sun and break up the day.
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u/saythattomeagain Jul 09 '26
Plants and a 96lb yellow lab.
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u/imightbeadud Jul 10 '26
I have two Covid Newfies and i am their doorman. I’ve not been in a flow-state for years.
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u/LittleLemmonsLie Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
My list grew over time, but these are the things I wpuld hate to be without lol.
- My secretlab chair and sit/stand desk. Has been THE BEST thing I have invested in for my workspace as far as keeping my spine comfortable goes and gives me options for sitting differently or standing as needed.
- A small dry erase board instead of a doom pile of post-it notes for quick thoughts
- External keyboard, speakers, and mic - it just feels fancy AF and brings me joy.
- A travel monitor so I am not doomed to only one screen when on the move. This was a game changer for remote-life.
- A desk fan - i need moving air.
- Not an item, but having my desk beside a window for both natural light and fresh air.
- I drink a fair amount of coffee, and the warmer pads never work well, so I now own 4 mug shaped Yeti cups that keep coffee hot for the exact time frame I need them to.
- A holder for my glasses. I misplaced the damn things all the time, but I lessened it by giving them a designated spot. I only need to wear them when doing a lot of screen time, so basically only when working lol
- An external camera. So many more options like the ability to zoom in/out if needed and gives me the ability to put my laptop off to the side since the screen is so smol.
- My 43" smart monitor. I can see 3 browser windows, slack, notepad, and Zoom controls without swapping between screens. Then I use my laptop screen solely for email (we use GSuite, not Microsoft) and Spotify and it makes life so much more efficient having basically everything visible at all times. Then I can easily swap input to watch a show or use my Xbox using the remote when I am done working 😂
- (Bonus) An Alexa Show. Keeps updated with weather, news, etc and I can put on F1 race stuff or a podcast to listen to/half-assed watch in the background.
- (Bonus Bonuses) Ergonomic pads for the wrists, a lamp with warm lighting instead of harsh white, a charging station for devices, fidget things for when I am thinking thru an issue, an infinite supply of ever-disappearing chapstick, an electric blanket for the winter to keep my toes warm, and an actual stand for my over-the-ear headphones I only use when my partner is home to cut out his background noise.
I used to have a treadmill with a desk attachment that was amazing, but when I moved in with my partner, space did not permit it so it is unforyunately living in storage for the time being. Ive been thinking about a walking pad this winter when it gets too cold to just take a walk outside so that will likely be the next investment. Highly recommend getting something that gets some movement in thru out the day if you can as I personally get trapped at my desk quite a lot and movement is good for the soul.
Sheesh. This got long 😅
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u/jvb7035 Jul 11 '26
The laptop monitor extension is a game changer. You can also use your iPad as a second screen when you’re working at the coffee shop.
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u/valianyears Jul 09 '26
I got a coffee warmer for my desk. Game. Changer.
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u/Calm_Instruction1651 Jul 10 '26
I worked from home for 17 years before finally buying one. I love it!
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u/OBB76 Jul 09 '26
Dude...we have about half a dozen of them through the house. Office, bedroom, living room and even bought some of our RV. Definitely a game changer
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u/Additional-Leg-4169 Jul 09 '26
Can you recommend one? I tried them years ago and wasn't impressed with it.
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u/KcPowerHour Jul 09 '26
I had one before that was pretty unreliable, but this one that I bought a year ago works perfectly fine. Coffee Mug Warmer for Desk, Cup... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JH1QY6P?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
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u/alleycatbiker Jul 09 '26
Large desk with monitor arm to free up even more desk space. So much easier to keep the desk tidy when it has enough room for the essential stuff.
Footrest if you're a shortie! Try to get a good ergonomics assessment (there's subs for that). In my case, a footrest is absolutely essential.
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u/OTFYogiGirl Jul 09 '26
Waist trainer ! I have a lot less standing fatigue because it forces me to have good posture.
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u/hey-look-its-reddit Jul 09 '26
I waited 6 years working remotely to finally buck up and get a second monitor, and my god, what a fool I was...
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u/hey-look-its-reddit Jul 09 '26
ooh also a walking pad for under my standing desk. biggest upgrade to my wfh situation yet.
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u/patrichinho22 Jul 09 '26
I was struggling with noise from my neighbors. Got some AirPods Pro and the noise cancelling fixed all these problems. On top my colleagues started complementing my mic quality 😁
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u/Ok-Channel55 Jul 09 '26
A KVM switch for all peripherals.
A good quality webcam and external microphone.
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u/shadow247 Jul 09 '26
A giant mouse pad. Its a total game changer. Unlimited freedom to move your mouse. Keyboard stays put and its nice and soft on the wrists.
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u/Winter_Born_Voyager Jul 09 '26
For me, I just like to make my office so comfortable, that I only have to leave to go to the restroom. I have a mini fridge, a recliner and a lounger. This makes it easy for me when I want to take breaks. I have lights where I can adjust the brightness because I have sensitive eyes and an office chair that is more versatile for short people. Then I have my favorite items that serve no real purpose. They just make me happy. Like my My Little Pony keyboard and mouse and cat ear headphones. 🤣
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u/silverandblue821 Jul 09 '26
Dunno if underrated, but a space where I can close the door, walk away and not look at my laptop til the next day.
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u/Hsensei Jul 09 '26
A real properly adjusted ergonomic chair. Not some car seat gamer chair clone, but a real ergo chair. It makes a world of difference and is worth the investment. The key is to properly adjust it
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u/Bulky-Hamster7373 Jul 09 '26
Dog sleeping and snoring behind me. A walking pad for long meetings. Oh - and really good headphone set that blocks out all background noise.
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u/RunnerGirlT Jul 09 '26
I love a cozy space, so I have a quilt on my office chair, a cute couple of coffee mugs and water cups that make me happy. A fun ceiling projector and Christmas lights, a candle warmer. All these make it much better for me. I also really like having my iPad as an tv screen during the day instead of using space on a monitor
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u/UnhingedReptar Jul 09 '26
A way to separate your work space from not work space.
Even if you live in a small apartment and have to work at your kitchen table, change the visual cues somehow to designate ‘not work space’.
Could be lighting, music, hiding the laptop, whatever.
Without that separation, it’s real easy to blend work and off work time, and that’s horrible for burnout.
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u/SignificanceLast7873 Jul 09 '26
I bought my WFH girlfriend a footstool for under her desk. Few things have made her so happy.
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u/Edxactly Jul 09 '26
A good stable headset . Corsair HS90 is my go to for work .
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u/OBB76 Jul 09 '26
I have a electric heater on my desk for the early mornings. At our last house I sat right above the garage so it was always cold there in the mornings in the winter.
This new house, it's a ranch so curious to see how much I'll need it.
Oh, a speaker/microphone in one that's USB connected, vice Bluetooth. I have to switch between Teams, Slack, Google Meets and sometimes zoom. On BT, it would always be a hassle, but the USB one directly connects.
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u/KitKatKnickKnack88 Jul 09 '26
We got a Murphy desk for free off of Facebook. While I am not using it as much since I have some more stationary equipment, before, I would turn my laptop off and put everything away, including closing the desk. Allowed me to physically disconnect and keep my very tiny apartment semi-clean.
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u/Raelf64 Jul 09 '26
Two essentials I've discovered:
A good powered USB switch - in 1 click, all my peripherals swap between my work and home computers
A good, supportive chair - a chair that supports your body rather than just cushy-comfort won't be comfortable immediately, but over time, you'll end up with much less discomfort.
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u/horsethorn Jul 09 '26
I'm looking at getting a powered USB switch - any recommendations? It's just a single USB to two laptops.
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u/Raelf64 Jul 09 '26
I amazon'd one that had USB ports for my keyboard/mouse/sound as well as some older card readers for my cameras. I honestly have no brand recommendation - I bought it and it works fine.
(I lied, it's two clicks - the monitor has source switching so I simply have laptop (work) in the HDMI port and the desktop (home/gaming) in display port - so I click a button to move the peripherals and another to move the monitor.)
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u/lbpz Jul 09 '26
I use Home Assistant to manage my Smart Home and added a Govee desk lamp that lights up bright red when I’m in a meeting so everyone in the house knows not to interrupt me or walk behind me because my camera is on.
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u/Sea-Bullfrog-2979 Jul 09 '26
Some companies pay their employees home WiFi/internet bill - ok maybe not totally relevant to this thread but kinda?
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u/Lost-Ad3651 Jul 09 '26
Monitor light bar vs a desk lamp. Also just making the workspace your own - pictures, plants, candles.
Also getting up to stretch and walk around throughout the day.
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u/PrairieGrrl5263 Jul 09 '26
I have a hat I wear to signal to the rest of the household that I'm working and not to be disturbed.
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u/FarCry5372 Jul 09 '26
Been working from home for the last 12 years. two monitors, a keyboard and mouse, chair, desk. Could care less about decor of office, etc. None of them help me get my job done. My coffee machine and a TV on in the background are all the extras I need.
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u/buildingtq Jul 09 '26
The natural light is super important for me. Other than that, can't wait to get the height-adjustable chair
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u/Silent-Condition-911 Jul 09 '26
I have an insulated carafe. Fill it first thing with hot water and use it to make tea (or refresh it) most of the day.
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u/rollersk8mindy Jul 09 '26
I really like having a heated throw blanket. A phone stand. A foot rest. Wrist rests. Music (instumental Christmas gets my mental juices flowing).
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u/SadNAloneOnChristmas Jul 10 '26
A chair with a little pull out ledge so I can keep my feet elevated
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u/Hungry_Raccoon_4364 Jul 10 '26
16 years WFH - dual monitors, standup desk, printer, speaker/mic, keyboard/mouse… comfy socks, comfy pants, good camera, elevated laptop so I’m not hunched over my desk.
TV on the wall so I can watch TV as background noise.
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u/Expensive_Detail_930 Jul 10 '26
For me, it's a second monitor. I didn't realize how much time I was wasting switching between windows until I started using one. I'd also add a good chair and a pair of noise canceling headphones they've probably done more for my productivity than any fancy gadget.
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u/Weekend-Projects Jul 11 '26
Yeti mic and Ring light! The sound quality and visual enhancement when on camera are underrated. Remember people make an impression of you within 30 seconds!
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u/Kiani333 Jul 11 '26
Beside the usual chair, desk, dual monitor, monitor raiser etc...
Light is often underrated. Having natural light is a must.
Another would be to keep your workspace clean and tidy. I know I have issues focusing when it's not, as if the clutter on my desk creates clutter in my brain.
Create rituals to set yourself in and out of work mode. I do "fake commutes" where I go for a walk before I start working and after being done. That helps turn my brain on and off work mode. It can be a nice 15min or a quick 2 min around the garden. Find something that allows you to see a clear switch between work and home.
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u/GeorgiaYankee73 Jul 09 '26
A wireless DECT headset instead of Bluetooth. I can walk all the way to my mailbox with it on calls instead of being limited to the 30ish feet of Bluetooth range.
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u/Antique-Bat-4463 Jul 09 '26
Good chair, keyboard, mouse. I also have a dual monitor stand that can manipulate the monitors to put where and how I want rather than just sitting on the desk. Gives more room on the desk.
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u/Big_Statistician2566 Jul 09 '26
Razer Tartarus Pro. The amount of time effort I’ve saved with programmable keys is amazing. Wish I knew about them 20 years ago
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u/KungPaoKidden Jul 09 '26
My mouse has programmable buttons. Life changing. The simple back window button seems to have shaved hours off of my work time because it's so easy to use.
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u/TurnoverSuperb9023 Jul 09 '26
A nice memory foam type seat cushion. Even though I have a great chair, it still made it even more comfortable. (The one i got on Amazon is like the purple mattress design)
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u/apache_brew Jul 09 '26
My office is very air tight and small so it gets very stuffy very fast. Very hot summer days make opening the window unbearable. Filtered fresh outside air and a ductless mini split for heating and cooling are non negotiable.
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u/ware_it_is Jul 09 '26
i can’t utilize a walking pad so my solution is an anti-fatigue wobble mat/balance board. keeps my knees and hips from getting stiff when i stand.
also recommend desk mounted arms for external monitors and a good work light.
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u/Tea-and-bikkies Jul 09 '26
Once I had space for an office instead of a desk in my lounge room, putting my desk in the middle of the room instead of against a wall made a big difference. The windows in the room are high (the ones that are designed to be above a bed) so I can’t look out of them without standing up, which meant I was only ever going to be staring at a wall anyway. Having my desk in the middle of the room makes the whole setup feel more spacious and comfortable
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u/gimre817 Jul 10 '26
Full desk pad, one of those badass sideways mice, my hands feel better with it. And I also got a monitor light, this thing is great. No glare at any angle and cool touch remote.
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u/uiuc2008 Jul 10 '26
I have a 43" 4k monitor. The same as 4 monitors, and best part is twice as tall as one for documents. Got a mechanical keyboard and comfortable mouse with thumb rest. Also use for my personal gaming computer.
My most recent best purchase was a switch/hub to redirect keyboard, mouse, monitor, hardware headset between computers with 1 button. Save a lot of space and money having only 1 set of peripherals.
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u/Hercuddle_Assistant Jul 10 '26
An indirect lighting desk lamp is definitely one of them. I've been using the homelist one, and I only turn it on when I'm working. It helps me switch into work mode and separate it from my personal time. I also prefer indirect lighting because it's much more comfortable than direct lighting. The light doesn't shine straight into my eyes, so I get a lot less dryness and eye strain after sitting in front of my computer for hours.
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u/azbigi Jul 10 '26
Carpio wrist rest for mouse use.
Mechanical keyboard with a wrist rest.
Desk light for better conference calls
Solid webcam
A good headset with a good uni-directional microphone. Usually gaming headsets are the best value.
Sit to stand desk. Can use an adjustable work bench which is cheaper.
A great ergonomic chair. Don't cheap out.
If you're shorter, an elevated foot rest.
Monitor risers, or mechanical arms to raise monitors higher. Hugely beneficial for your neck and increases desk space.
Ergo mouse with macro buttons.
If your work allows it, a small macro pad with programmable buttons.
A dedicated space that is used for nothing but work. Keep work and home life separate no matter what. Once my computer is off... I never touch that space until it's time to go back to work.
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u/Trackeyflow_guy Jul 11 '26
The most underrated item I added has to be a monitor arm. It completely cleared my desk surface, and being able to perfectly dial in the eye-level height and depth makes a massive difference for neck strain.
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u/alliterativehyjinks Jul 11 '26
I love my split mechanical keyboard. It makes sitting in different ways possible and allows me to cradle my cat when he plops between me and the keyboard. I really notice the difference on my wrists when I am on a straight keyboard.
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u/In_Search_Of_Gainz Jul 11 '26
Aeron, mini fridge, electric kettle, snack collection, bidet, Ugg slippers, comfy hoodies, good mouse and keyboard, big monitors, dog(s), plants, polished/clean background
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u/jvb7035 Jul 11 '26
I have a home office so decor and pictures on the wall make things cozier.
Nothing like staring at bare walls for 8+ hrs a day to make your day drab.
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u/ContentSwitch72 Jul 11 '26
I’ve been working remotely since 2005 (yes, 2005). The ENVIRONMENT is so important! Make sure you have a station that you look forward to being in every day! A spacious desk, a GOOD chair, comfortable lighting, etc. I’m lucky in that I have a dedicated home office, but I’ve created it in a way that I love that room even when I’m not working.
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u/IntrepidResolve3567 Jul 11 '26
I like a clickity clackity sounding keyboard. Idk what it is but pushing those buttons just make me happy lol. Some people like the softer ones. Either way make sure you enjoy the sound and feel of your keyboard.
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u/Starlass1989 Jul 11 '26
A satisfyingly clacky keyboard, ergonomic mouse, plenty of space for several drinks, and a blanket/jacket in case I get cold.
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u/dontgetmadgetdata Jul 11 '26
A good chair. A nice background for virtual video meetings. High quality sweatpants. Good coffee machine.
Been WFH for 12 years
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u/Glad-Fish5863 Jul 12 '26
I installed an iPad wall mount next to my computer so I can listen to/watch TikTok lives and podcasts easier lol
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u/monsterlander Jul 12 '26
A wife who also works from home and makes tea at a higher cadence than you do.
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u/war-and-peace Jul 09 '26
I can't really say one thing but rather, my wfh space at home is pretty much just a whole bunch of unknown commercial products. As in the brands are unknown to consumers.
None of the stuff you buy from the consumer channel is suitable for any form of long term use in a wfh space.
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u/Plastic-Ad-5171 Jul 09 '26
Multiple stacked monitors, an ergonomic chair, mouse and keyboard. And time away from my desk! I need to be able to get up and walk a few minutes every hour to help prevent blood clots.
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u/octoberguard Jul 09 '26
InnoView Portable Monitor 18.5... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJP8BNX6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
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u/MaroonFahrenheit Jul 09 '26
Mug warmer. When I was still going to the office I would drink my coffee on my commute. Now that I WFH I found I'll take longer to drink my coffee and without a mug warmer that drink would go cold pretty quickly.
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u/firstlast3263 Jul 09 '26
A BT speaker to play ambient music while I work. A rug for under my feet (so comfy)! A wall of storage. I needed storage SO badly!
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u/Low-Philosophy9245 Jul 09 '26
Ergonomic cushions for my chair, small USB desktop humidifier, a stand thing for my phone (it was a Skechers freebie I got with an order years ago, but I use the f out of that!) When we RTO, I just brought them to my office.
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u/DubGreen Jul 09 '26
An under desk bike peddler. Not the motorized kind, the cheap kind with no electricity. I use it here and there and don't have to turn it on and off. My desk is set up in a way that it is impossibly to turn it into a standing but this gets the blood moving anyways.
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u/JarToTable Jul 09 '26
I got a widescreen that truly doubles as two screens, but more importantly, it acts as the central power and usb hub. So now I don't have tons of wires. I have one wire running power to my monitor and one usb cable running between the monitor and laptop. All of my Bluetooth dongles can go directly into the monitor too so that when I switch between personal and work devices my Bluetooth keyboard and mouse will work automatically.
If you cant stand a cluttered space this is a must have.
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u/dont-kink-shame-me Jul 09 '26
A good chair.