There’s an art to making work not just bearable but genuinely enjoyable, and successful people seem to have mastered it by investing in tools that streamline their workflow. These essentials serve as silent allies, enhancing productivity and reducing stress. Whether it’s through advanced technology or simple comfort items, these purchases can transform your work life into something closer to effortless efficiency. Here are 12 things that successful people buy to make work easier, so you can consider incorporating them into your own arsenal.
1. Desk Plant
A small plant on your desk can do wonders for your mood and creativity. It brings a touch of nature into your work environment, offering a refreshing contrast to the digital screens that dominate most desks. Studies have shown that plants can reduce stress and enhance productivity, making them more than just decorative. They’re a living reminder of the world outside, encouraging a sense of calm and focus.
Caring for a plant also introduces small breaks in your day, prompting you to water and tend to it, which can serve as a mental reset. Whether you choose a hardy succulent or a leafy fern, having something green nearby can improve air quality and overall well-being. It’s a simple addition that brings life and balance to your workspace. With minimal effort, a desk plant can become a cherished part of your daily routine, enhancing both your environment and your mindset.
2. Ergonomic Desk Chair
An ergonomic desk chair can be the key to unlocking comfort and productivity during long work hours. These chairs are designed to support your back and promote good posture, reducing the risk of chronic pain that can distract from your tasks. A well-made ergonomic chair adjusts to the contours of your body, providing the kind of tailored support that office chairs often lack. With features like adjustable height, lumbar support, and armrests, these chairs ensure that your focus remains on your work and not on discomfort.
The American Journal of Epidemiology highlights how ergonomic chairs can significantly decrease musculoskeletal disorders among office workers. When you invest in a good chair, you’re investing in your long-term health and work efficiency. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about setting the stage for sustained productivity over the years. In this way, your work environment becomes a sanctuary for innovation rather than a site of strain.
3. Noise-Canceling Headphones
In a bustling world, noise-canceling headphones are practically a modern-day necessity for maintaining concentration. The ability to block out distractions can be transformative, allowing you to dive deep into your tasks without disruption. Whether you’re in a loud office or a chaotic home environment, these headphones create a personal bubble of tranquility. They let you curate your soundscape, whether that’s total silence or a playlist that motivates you.
While they may seem like a luxury, noise-canceling headphones pay for themselves in the form of increased focus and productivity. They’re especially useful during video calls, ensuring you hear and are heard clearly. For creative tasks, they can help you lose yourself in your work, entering a flow state that’s hard to achieve with constant interruptions. Ultimately, they’re about reclaiming control over your environment so you can work on your terms.
4. High-Quality Coffee Maker
For many, a high-quality coffee maker is not just about the caffeine hit but the ritual that accompanies it. It’s the quiet moment of brewing that signals the start of the workday, offering both comfort and stimulation. Investing in a good coffee maker ensures that your daily cup is not just passable but genuinely enjoyable. The quality of the brew can enhance your mood and prepare you mentally for the day’s challenges.
A good coffee maker doesn’t just produce coffee; it produces moments of clarity and focus. It can be a source of inspiration, offering a brief pause in your routine to gather your thoughts. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee alone can boost your senses, providing a sensory cue that it’s time to get serious. In this way, it becomes an integral part of your workday rhythm, a small pleasure with significant influence.
5. Smart Notebook
The smart notebook is where traditional note-taking meets modern technology, offering a perfect blend of analog and digital. These notebooks allow you to jot down ideas by hand, then effortlessly transfer them to your digital devices. This means you can have the tactile satisfaction of writing with the convenience of digital storage and organization. According to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, handwriting can enhance memory retention more effectively than typing.
Smart notebooks are especially useful for meetings and brainstorming sessions, where capturing ideas swiftly is crucial. They often come with special pens and erasable pages, making them a sustainable option for those who go through multiple notebooks a year. The ability to digitize your notes means you never have to worry about losing your ideas; they’re always backed up in the cloud. By merging the old and the new, smart notebooks offer a seamless way to integrate creative thinking into your daily routine.
6. Desktop Organizer
A clean desk is a clear mind, and a desktop organizer can keep your workspace clutter-free. By having a designated spot for everything, you minimize time spent searching for things, allowing you to focus more on your tasks. Organizers come in various configurations and can hold everything from pens to documents, ensuring that everything you need is within reach. This way, your workspace becomes a well-oiled machine, ready to support your productivity.
The benefits of a tidy workspace extend beyond efficiency; they can also reduce stress. Visual clutter is a known disruptor of focus, and by keeping your desk organized, you minimize these distractions. The act of organizing itself can also be a calming routine, setting the tone for a more productive day. It’s a simple addition with a big payoff in terms of mental clarity and effective workflow.
7. State-of-the-Art Monitor
A high-quality monitor can revolutionize your work experience by offering better visual clarity, reduced eye strain, and enhanced productivity. When your screen is crystal clear, you’re less likely to experience the fatigue that can come from staring at a monitor all day. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlighted the benefits of screens with high resolution and blue light filters in decreasing eye strain. Investing in a good monitor is about taking care of your eyes and maximizing your efficiency.
With more screen real estate, you can multitask more effectively, keeping multiple windows open for a seamless workflow. This increased efficiency means less time wasted toggling between tabs and more time focused on the task at hand. A quality monitor also supports better posture, as it can be adjusted to the optimal height, reducing neck and back strain. Ultimately, it’s an investment in your comfort and productivity, making your work hours both effective and enjoyable.
8. Portable Charger
In an age where devices are essential tools for work, a portable charger can be your lifeline. These handy gadgets ensure that you’re never caught with a dead battery, whether you’re in meetings, traveling, or working remotely. The freedom of knowing you have power ready to go can reduce stress and keep you connected no matter where you are. It’s about ensuring that your productivity isn’t tethered to an outlet but as mobile as you are.
Portable chargers come in various capacities, so you can choose one that fits your needs, from charging a single phone to multiple devices simultaneously. This flexibility means you’re prepared for any situation, whether it’s an unexpected power outage or a long day away from your desk. They’re compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your bag without adding bulk. By keeping your devices charged, you’re ensuring that your workday is as uninterrupted and efficient as possible.
9. Digital Assistant
Having a digital assistant can streamline your workday by handling tasks that would otherwise take up valuable time. Whether it’s setting reminders, managing your calendar, or finding information quickly, digital assistants can help you stay organized and focused. They can integrate with other smart devices to create a seamless working experience that feels almost futuristic. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s always ready to help, without the need for coffee breaks.
Beyond managing your schedule, digital assistants can also provide daily news briefings, weather updates, and even control smart home devices, all with simple voice commands. They’re constantly evolving, learning your habits, and adapting to serve you better. This adaptability makes them an increasingly valuable part of modern work life, turning mundane tasks into streamlined processes. By offloading routine or time-consuming tasks, you free up mental space for the work that truly matters.
10. Whiteboard or Corkboard
A whiteboard or corkboard in your workspace can be a powerful tool for visual thinkers. These boards allow you to see your ideas and plans laid out in front of you, fostering creativity and organization. Whether you’re mapping out a project timeline or pinning up inspiring visuals, these boards can serve as a dynamic focal point in your office. They encourage a hands-on approach to planning and problem-solving, making abstract ideas tangible.
Having a dedicated space for brainstorming or tracking progress can enhance your ability to strategize and prioritize. They’re not just for work; you can also use them to balance personal goals and reminders, keeping your life organized on all fronts. The act of updating your board can be a daily ritual, providing a sense of accomplishment as tasks move from ‘to-do’ to ‘done.’ In essence, they transform your workspace into a hub of creativity and efficiency.
11. Blue Light Glasses
If screen time is an unavoidable part of your workday, blue light glasses can be a game-changer. These glasses filter out the blue light emitted by screens, which can contribute to digital eye strain and disrupt your sleep cycle. By wearing them, you can reduce discomfort and protect your eyes from the long-term effects of prolonged exposure. They’re a simple yet effective way to make your digital life more comfortable.
Beyond comfort, blue light glasses can improve your focus by reducing glare and making screen content easier to read. They’re especially useful during late-night work sessions when exposure to blue light can trick your brain into thinking it’s still daylight. By filtering this light, they can help your body maintain a natural sleep cycle, improving overall health and productivity. In a world where screens are everywhere, they’re a smart investment for anyone who works extensively with digital devices.
12. Standing Desk
A standing desk is more than a trendy office addition; it’s a game-changer for your health and productivity. These desks encourage you to stand, which can help reduce the health risks associated with prolonged sitting. The flexibility to switch between sitting and standing positions can also invigorate your day, keeping your energy levels high and your mind sharp. Research from the Journal of Environmental and Public Health suggests standing desks can reduce fatigue and increase overall well-being.
When you use a standing desk, you’re more likely to move around, which can lead to a more dynamic and productive workday. It’s not about standing all day, but about having the option to shift positions when you need to. This choice can alleviate back pain and improve circulation, making it a worthy investment for anyone serious about their work environment. Plus, a standing desk can serve as a subtle reminder to take regular breaks, which boosts productivity further.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment or other financial decisions. The author and publisher make no warranties of any kind.
