I never thought I would be working from home or that there were many jobs in my field that would allow me to work remotely. This will be my fifth year working from home as a science SME. Over the years, I have learned the essentials for productivity while working from home.
The Essentials:
- Standing desk
- Hourly Planner
- Notebooks/pens
- Blue light blocking glasses
- Comfortable clothes
Standing Desk
I started off with a normal desk, but always found myself getting up and moving around or using a bookshelf to work at standing height. Finally last winter, I got a standing desk from Costco and even got reimbursed from my company. I got the Tresanti Adjustable Height Desk in white, but I recently saw the black version at my local Costco. The desk has a glass top with metal frame, one drawer with three sections, four programmable height settings, three USB charger outlets, and LED touch control on the glass desktop. The desk was on sale during the Thanksgiving/Christmas season–about $150 off.
Hourly Planner
In order to keep myself on track each day, I like to use an hourly planner with a weekly view to see when I have meetings and conferences. I also like to block my work throughout the day to make sure I stay productive. I have been using the STARTplanner this year and enjoy it so far. Check out my previous posts here and here for detailed pictures and reviews.
Notebooks and Pens
Although all of my work is digital, I still like to take notes in a notebook during meetings, or to jot down tasks or important information I may need later. I used to to use just a notepad or post-its but i ended up throwing them out or some of them would somehow go missing. By using a notebook, I am able to date everything and keep notes organized. Some of my favorite notebooks have been from TJ Maxx. Check out my post here on the notebooks I am currently using.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Since I am staring at screens all day–computer, phone, etc–my eyes get tired but the late afternoon. I’ve found that wearing blue light blocking glasses throughout the day has helped to reduce eye strain by the end of the day. I got mine from the Target Optical Center. I got my usual prescription and added the blue light blocking option to the lenses.
Comfortable Clothes
One of the first questions people ask me when they hear that I work from home is if I stay in your pajamas all day. Although this would be comfortable, I don’t think it really helps with productivity. Although I don’t get dressed in a business suit, I do change out of pajamas into my “work clothes,” which most days consists of leggings and a tee shirt tied at the side. I find that even though my colleagues may not see me that day, there are still instances when someone will see me, like running out for a juice or coffee and picking up deliveries. My favorite leggings are from Lululemon, either the Align Pant in the 7/8 length or 25 inseam, or the girls Strong Spirit Tights. I find these to be the most comfortable and breathable. My favorite tees are from LOFT, LOFT Outlet, and Kohl’s.
What are some of your work essentials?
Thank you for reading!!
Rese & Ry 