Ever felt like your desk is a bottomless pit for productivity? A pretty organized and fully-equipped desk can be a game-changer. Think of all the little ways your workspace could go from meh to mesmerising, efficiently and comfortably inspiring you each day. From working at home to taking a daily commute to the office, having the right tools at your fingertips will make all the difference. The things you choose to have on your desk will help you stay organised and enhance your focus, reduce clutter, and contribute to a productive workday.
Markers
Let’s start it off with something very important to have: markers. Markers are something more than coloured pencils; they are desk helpers, enabling you to outline, annotate, brainstorm, or easily visualise ideas. This can increase your productivity, plus it will make your notes and outlines more visually appealing. You can also use different colours to colour-code your information and organise it from most to least important. When buying markers, consider getting versatile paint marker packs so that you can be well-equipped.
There are varieties of different markers. For example, permanent markers with quick-drying ink would work great to label folders or mark up surfaces where the marks they leave need to be legible for longer periods. Whiteboard markers provide solutions for temporary writing on erasable boards as one brainstorms sessions or create to-do lists. Acrylic markers are one of the most versatile on the market and they can be used on practically any surface. This includes canvas, paper, hard surfaces, glossy surfaces and even fabric, so they are pretty much the must-haves of markers. Then, you have the chalk markers. They can be used on vinyl boards and other non-porous surfaces and can be erased with a damp cloth or paper towel without leaving any residue behind. There are also technical markers. These markers are high-opacity ink ones that have different characteristics. They are specially designed for outlining, drawing and writing and they are available in a variety of formats and widths.
Having markers on your desktop is a must because of their capability to make some creative additions to your working area. They are quite useful when you need to work, but they can also be fun. During moments of free time, it is possible to outline or add artistic touches to the notebooks or planners, thus giving a personal colour to work materials.
Pencils and Pens
No desk is complete without a trusted set of pencils and pens. Such simple tools, yet incredibly important to jot down quick notes, brainstorm, or create permanent records. Equipping yourself with them is quite important because although we rely on technology lately and tend to write down notes on our phones and laptops, nothing can replace the hand notes. Keep a few pens and pencils on your desks, because sometimes we tend to lose them around. To keep them organised consider getting a pen holder that matches the aesthetic of your office.
Desk Lamp
For those cloudy days or times when you have to stay and work late, make sure you have a lamp. Lighting will keep you focused, and reduce eye strain. A desk lamp with adjustable brightness settings can allow you to locate the perfect light for any task. Some popularly used LED lamps provide consistent lighting and are energy-efficient. Most of these lamps have features like adjustable necks and dimmers to focus light just where you want it. A good desk lamp provides visibility, but at the same time, it can contribute a lot of style to your workstation area.
Laptop Stand
If you work on a laptop, one of the most important accessories is the stand. First, this keeps you in a great posture while minimising neck strain. For comfort, raising your laptop screen to eye level will make quite a huge difference, especially when you work for extended periods. The designs vary from foldable ones which could be taken anywhere, to ergonomic versions that allow the adjustment of height in many ways. Some of these even come with built-in cooling to ensure that your laptop doesn’t overheat and thus functions better.
Notepads
Even in the digital era, nothing can replace the notepads for writing down sudden ideas, drawing something, or simply making a to-do list. A good notepad is something more than a mere stack of papers; it is a fresh canvas for recording thoughts, reminders, and creation. Spiral-bound notepads are flipped through with ease, while smaller, pocket-sized versions are great for jotting quick notes on the go. Having a notepad handy may be useful, in particular, when you want to come away from the screen and allow yourself to simply organize your thoughts in a tangible, distraction-free manner.
It takes more than just a desk and chair to build an effective and welcoming workplace. Instead, you can create with the right equipment an environment that will stimulate your productivity, comfort, and even creativity. From paint marker packs allowing you to outline and visualise your ideas to the trusty desk lamp that keeps you focused, each item plays a role in turning your desk into a productive haven.