Most of us spend a good chunk of our waking lives at work. So it’s no wonder that, as companies strive to attract and retain today’s workers, offices are getting more comfortable and flexible. Indeed, while companies like Facebook and Google have raised the bar on convenience, offering everything from free meals to vending machines that dispense computer equipment, the truth is that anyone can make their life a bit easier at work just by setting themselves up to have a few things handy.
Here’s a guide to the essential items you should keep at your desk at all times.
1. A charging cable.
It’s amazing how many of us still find ourselves leaving the work day with our phones on low battery because we’ve left our charging cable at home or forgotten to take it out of our bag. Break the cycle: make sure you always have a spare charging cable or phone charger at your desk. You’ll be amazed at how often people will ask to borrow it, so if you have two, even better.
2. A physical list of important phone numbers
This feels like a relic from a previous era – after all, most of us don’t know anyone’s number anymore, having only to choose by contact name on our phones. While it’s smart to store important work numbers in your phone, make sure you have a physical list handy as well; in situations where your Outlook isn’t working or you’re nowhere near your cell phone, you’ll be glad you can still call the company security desk.
3. Headphones, even if you don’t listen to music.
Having a pair of headphones at the ready could help you be more productive, even if you don’t listen to music. Why? Having headphones in sends a signal to your coworkers that you are focused and not to be interrupted. If you need a way to ward off a chatty coworker, you’ll find this is potentially the easiest solution.
4. A real notebook.
How you decide to organize yourself is entirely up to you. But even if every part of your life is digital, you’ll always want to have a real notebook at your desk. Why? You never know when you’re going to be called into an impromptu meeting or when one of your coworkers is going to drop by with a barrage of comments or requests. And while research has shown that writing by hand helps you retain more information and be more productive, you can take photos of your notes at the end of each day so that you always have a digital copy with you.
5. A snack that you *like* but don’t *love*.
That’s right – we want you to keep little nibbles at your desk to keep you satiated, but if you stock your drawers with snacks you can’t get enough of (i.e. honey roasted peanuts), you run the risk of eating them quickly and compulsively. Choose snacks that are healthy and that you like well enough, but that you won’t overdose on.
Related: What Not to Say During a Job Interview
6. Deodorant, dental floss and eye drops.
Hygiene is important. Keep a mini grooming bag with deodorant, dental floss and eye drops at your desk. You want to spend your work day feeling productive and confident. These three items will get you there with minimal effort. But please – be a good work friend and don’t floss at your desk.
7. A sweater or cardigan.
Air conditioning has become quite controversial over the last few years as it’s been revealed that offices generally set their temperatures based on the needs of men, not women. However you feel about it, the reality is that you’re better safe than sorry – keep a long-sleeved sweater, cardigan or wrap at your desk for those days when all you want is a cozy blanket.
