Home office shopping list: 10 essentials for a 2022 home office
A complete checklist of the items you need to work from home successfully in 2022.
In 2022, we work from home. The pandemic has been awful in so many ways, but a silver lining is our collective effort to restore a work-life balance. While we were forced to WFH against our will, we realised that it actually isn’t so difficult.
But, having the right setup definitely helps. So, here is your home office shopping list: the 10 essential items for any modern home-working station.
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High-speed internet
This isn’t 2019, guys. If you’re working from home, chances are the people you talk to are too. Everyone working off their home internet systems is a recipe for glitchy zoom calls and “I’m losing you”s.
The most important thing in your home office is your connection to the business world. So use a comparison website to find the best deal. We always recommend testing the speed with an internet speed test, to make sure you don’t get ripped off.
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Ergonomic computer chair
After software comes hardware, and most important is your chair. Sitting not just comfortably but ergonomically too has been proven in longitudinal studies to increase productivity as well as overall health.
Ergonomics is the practice of adapting the working environment to suit human capabilities and limitations. For more information, check out this infographic on creating an ergonomic seating position.
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Durable chair mat
You’ve got your ergonomic chair, but if you’re not careful it will have destroyed your floor before you reap the benefits. A chair mat is the best protection for hardwood floors and carpets alike – just make sure you pick the right one.
A chair mat for carpet will need grippers to hold it in place. Otherwise, your mat will end up sliding all over the floor. Hard floor chair mats don’t need grippers as they stay in place all by themselves.
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Footrest
This one depends on your height and the height of your setup. Going back to our ergonomics, you want a 90-degree bend in your knees and a small gap between your knee and the edge of the chair.
If you are short, or your workspace is particularly tall, an adjustable footrest is the perfect piece of equipment to achieve the most comfortable setup.
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Mouse or trackpad
You might not think this is necessary, but your shoulder will thank you later. While your standard mouse does the same thing, investing in a trackpad is a great way to prevent repetitive strain. Plus, if it’s already built-in then it’s a cheaper option.
Many people prefer to use a mouse – which is fine. But, if you are prone to hand or shoulder pain, a trackpad might be better. If you are set on using a mouse, try and get an ergonomic one rather than the bog-standard cheaper versions.
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A little slice of home
This one’s optional, but highly recommended. A photo of your kids, poster or potted plant seems inane, but decorating your space has been proven to boost your business. One of our favourite items is an essential oil diffuser, so you can choose the oil to suit your mood.
A study conducted in 2013 found that personalising your workspace can prevent emotional exhaustion at work, boost productivity and reduce the negative effects of a lack of privacy. The privacy issue may not affect you at work, but the exhaustion still might!
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Your perfect sound system
One of the great things about WFH is that you can play your music out loud. If you have a newborn baby or share an office space, you might have to stick with the headphones, but everyone else should take advantage while they can.
The best speaker system for you will depend on your style – a subwoofer might not be right for most of us, but who are we to judge? We love the speakers with in-built mood lighting, but the world is your oyster when it comes to your home office’s sound.
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Extension cord
With all these fancy electronics, you’re going to need a lot of plugs. Simple is always best, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Any extension cord with safety approval will work for this – no explanation needed.
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The perfect lighting
This is another one you might think is pointless, but the perfect lighting is not to be scoffed at. While lighting might make influencers taking selfies spring to mind, never underestimate the effect that light has on us.
Mood, productivity, self-esteem and physiological state have all been found to change according to the light. A 2015 study on how light affects elderly people found that a cosy ambience was significantly more calming than a neutral one.
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Sit-stand desk converter…
…if that’s your thing. Studies have shown that taking regular standing intervals throughout the day can help to counteract the negative effects of sitting down all day. Despite its proven benefits, some office workers feel awkward standing while their colleagues sit – but in your home office, you can do whatever you like!
If you do go for a standing (or sit-stand desk), make sure you place an anti fatigue mat underneath. These have been proven to be crucial for making sure you don’t swing the other way and end up in pain or discomfort from standing all day!
Get started with your home office set up today
Despite everything we’ve been through in the past 2 years, some businesses and individuals still don’t think they can work from home. This may be true in some industries, but most of us can achieve a productive and balanced working life from the comfort of our homes.
If you want some ideas on getting started with your home office, check out this guide to creating a home office in a small space. We do find that starting from the ground up helps, so for any mat-related questions reach out to the matxperts using the chat function below. Or, as always, you can call us on 1300 628 746.