If you work at a desk, you know how easy it is to become distracted, discouraged and uninspired. We all respond to different stimuli that provides inspiration and motivation. The place where we work should have these elements! Our desks should be organized, comfortable and above all: a place where we are able to stay inspired and motivated. There are many different ways to make your desk a place of extreme productivity and a lot of it has to do with what is on our desk, in our desk and around our desk.
Here are some desk must-haves that will help increase your productivity, organization and motivation:
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A Comfortable Chair
I cannot stress how important it is to have a comfortable chair at your desk. I have a habit of leaning over when I type and after hours of sitting, this can become ridiculously uncomfortable! I knew I needed a chair that would allow me to move around, and allow me stretch backward to ensure my back doesn’t become too stiff. Ample cushioning is also important, especially when you spend a lot of time at your desk throughout the day.
I finally found the perfect chair for me. It’s the Amazon Basics Executive Office Chair and I couldn’t be more happy with it. The link for MY chair that I LOVE is below but I understand if you’re looking for a cheaper option.
Here are some cheaper options:
ALL of the above chairs are super comfortable! Depending on what style your desk is, I love the look of the last chair! It was a close call between the chair I have now and the last chair above.
The Perfect Planner
If you’re a planner person, like me, you know how important having a great planner can be. I do use Trello for planning writing projects, promotions and other stuff related to freelance writing. However, I also use an old fashioned, physical planner and honestly, without it, I would get very little done throughout the day. If it’s written in the planner, I HAVE to do it. (You can’t very well have to-do’s on your list at the end of the day that haven’t been crossed off!)
I know some people who love having large calendars on their desks and others who use only online resources like Trello and Google Calendars. Depending on what works for YOU, there has to be a planner of some sort in play. It will increase your productivity 🙂
Below are some great planners to have at your desk:Â
A USB Port
I use a lot of different devices when I’m at my desk. I’d be disorganized without a USB port close by. Pretty much every single thing I use can be charged via a USB port, so it’s essential to be close by while I’m working. Luckily, these days, they are super cheap!
My USB port is on my desk lamp.
Paper Organizer
My desk used to be comprised of stacks of paper that, I guess to me, appeared somewhat organized in the past. Or so, I thought. I wasted a lot of time trying to find certain pages before I finally broke down and got what I needed the whole time: a paper organizer, file folders and more binders. Now, I can actually find what I’m looking for without a ton of wasted time.
A method of organizing papers at your desk is so important for productivity. Organization = better productivity.
Smartphone Stand
I use my iPhone a ton for research, pictures and, of course, communication. I found that having my phone on a stand alongside my laptop really helps set the tone for a productive day. There are lots of options out there! It’s truly a must-have for your desk!
A Great Printer
I print a TON and most people who work at a desk do the same. The scanner/printer combo is a must for me. I’ve used a lot of printers in the past and found that nothing beats an HP. (I also always buy the XL printer cartridges, as they last forever and save money in the long run).
I love my HP Deskjet! There are tons of models available and all of them are great. Specifically, mine is the HP Deskjet 3632:Â Here’s the link for mine.
Basic Office Supplies you Can’t be without
There are just certain office products you need to have access to. You know that perfect pen that gives you that tingly feeling when you use it? (Come on, we all have one).
Here is a quick list of some basic office supplies that should always be at your desk:
- Pens, Highlighters and Pencils
- POST-IT NOTES
- Notebooks
- File Folders
- Reference Books (depending on what you do at your desk).
- Printer Paper
- Note Cards
- Tape, Stapler, Hole Punch
- Binders
Motivation & Inspiration is all about “The Mood”
Like other rooms, you need to “set the mood” at your desk and in your office. First, you need to identify what motivates you and what brings you inspiration. For me, it’s music, art, affirmations and uplifting scents. (Lemon, orange and peppermint are my 3 favorite scents to have around while I’m working).
I like to have a candle on my desk pretty much all the time. Something about it is inspiring to me. The same goes for essential oils. I also keep about 4 framed pictures on my desk that are a constant reminder of my “why.”
I also like to alternate a motivational quote on a post-it note or note card every week and put it on my desktop monitor.
Since I work from home, I have the luxury of listening to music without disturbing anyone else. Not everyone has this, but if it’s permitted, music does increase productivity while working. Headphones, especially wireless headphones are an awesome accessory to have at your desk.
Tech for Productivity
I can’t believe I used to be opposed to new tech. I guess I was living in the past and had that weird worry about being monitored. One day, I realized I didn’t care if anyone was monitoring me via tech. I do nothing illegal and tech is a great tool to increase productivity!
I use my Google Home every single day. It’s a huge help for quickly looking up any questions I have and monitoring my time.
Other Awesome Desk Accessories You May not Know About
There are loads of awesome desk accessories that I had never heard of before! Depending on your style and the amount of space you have at your desk, many of these items do help with productivity as well as motivation & inspiration 🙂
Here are some of my favorite random desk accessories:
Under Desk Foot Rest! This is GREAT because it provides a more comfortable position for your feet while you’re working.
I LOVE Bonsai Trees. They’re said to bring in good energy, so they’re perfect for any workplace. 🙂
Inspiration Cards (Just Ordered this).
LED Lights for the back of your Desktop Monitor. These really add some color to your work space 🙂
A Coffee Mug Warmer that’s ideal for your desk! No more microwaving!
Set Your Desk up For Productivity:
Motivation, inspiration and organization at your desk are all key to productivity. You need to set up your work space in a way that you personally respond to. Changing the position of certain items will help you figure out your perfect desk environment.
3 Crucial Elements of Productivity: Time Management, Limiting Distractions and Motivation. If all of these elements are somehow present at your desk, your productivity will increase 🙂 .
What are your favorite things on your desk? Let me know in the comments! I hope all of you are able to perfectly set your desk up for productivity and motivation.
Much Love <3
I like all your desk must have ideas. I never thought of a foot massager or a bonsai plant but I really like these ideas. The coffee warmer is a good idea too. I don’t know how many times my coffee needed to warmed up.
Thanks Deborah! I love having plants pretty much everywhere! And before having a coffee warming – I was going to the microwave wayyy too often!
Thanks for sharing such great products
I think I have most of that already. Nerds rule🤓
My desk is a mess. I’ll have to redo my work station with the equipment you have mentioned above. Especially the last chair. Thanks for sharing.
I love my planner and would be lost without my planner daily. Having a well stocked office or work area makes life easier.
Great ideas!
These are all great products! I am glad to say I have most of the things you listed here for the necessities list but I definitely need one of those USB ports as I plug so much in! So many wires!! A coffee mug warmer would be really nice as well. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Geraldine | https://geraldinetalks.com
You’re welcome 🙂 My USB port is a must-have for sure! I can’t take it when anything goes below 50% battery, lol.
This was right on time. I am focused on becoming more productive, so I need to make my desk more functional and this will help to get me started.
Don’t laugh too hard, but I now need to buy a lamp with a USB port! What a fabulous idea!!! It had never crossed my mind before, neither had the cup warmer!!!
Every smaller lamp I buy now has a USB port and it’s so convenient! The cup warmer is great because it stops me from microwaving my coffee 5+ times a day, lol.
Oh my goodness, these are all fantastic! I have a $5 candle warmer from Walmart as my coffee mug warmer at work, and the best chair I’ve ever sat in for work was a Bodybilt ergonomic chair which, unfortunately, costs about $1K. I’ve also thought about getting a small succulent for work just to spruce up my cubicle 🙂
Nice article! My newest toy is a stand-up desk, which I love for getting me on my feet, but unfortunately, is a bit small and has no drawers, so it’s a bit crammed at the moment.
Hi Mary! I’ve always wanted to try a stand-up desk. It’s been said lately that “sitting is the new smoking” so a stand-up desk is a great idea! I’ll have to give one a try soon.
These are all good things. So much time is wasted when you don’t have everything you need right there at your desk.
Yes! I loved all of these! I can’t stress the chair one enough. Especially if you’re working 8 hours a day!
This is a really great list. My favorite office supply products are my desk and my credenza. They were handmade by my Dad and even though over time, the wood on my desk has cracked, its still useful and my office furniture is sentimental.
You have suggested a lot of great items here. I need to add the coffee mug warmer to my work space. I don’t drink coffee but it would be great for my occasional hot chocolate.
Thanks for the list! Really missing a few things here, I’ll have to go check a few of those ideas out!
These are Great ideas!! Love having an organized desk!
I think my desk chair and my favorite pen are the two things that help me the most when I need to get stuff done. It really does help my productivity to have all the tools ready and accessible!
love the planners, those are sooo cute! !!
These are brilliant tips for an effective work life.
Thanks a million for sharing xx