Life Behind the Desk: Great Products for Improving Your Work Day

Life behind the desk is a rough one if you don't have what you need. Staying organized in the workplace is a big challenge for all of us, which is partly some smarties out there created these awesome tools to help us out. If you're on the lookout for cool ergonomic products, gadgets, or cute, creative trinkets to help you get some work done, today's list is all for you. Here are some major must-have items that every office worker ought to consider getting. Enjoy!

Supportive Ergonomic Chair

A healthy office life begins with a supportive work chair. Without this critical ingredient, if you're sitting down at work, you're probably doing horrible damage to your back, arms, and even your legs. Rather than settling for that same rock-hard chair the cubicle came with, see if you can upgrade to something much more comfortable. Most ergonomic chairs relieve pain and are equipped with specific features to tend to most common office ailments. Prices range in as much diversity as ergonomic products do themselves. Anything with the "ergo" label is designed to cater to the individual. We recommend that every consider their unique situation and health needs before buying. Don't be afraid to call up the dealer and ask for need-specific recommendations!

Dual Screen Monitor

Most folks think of dual screen monitor arms as being only for gamers, computer gurus, and animators, but in reality, they're really for everyone! Two screens are much more user friendly than a single one for folks that spend most of their workday copying, pasting, cutting, editing, or dealing with huge swaths of data. Rather than opening tab after tab, the two screens allow much more room for users to see and do what they need to all in one place. Be sure to browse adjustable ergonomic computer arms to save desk space and prevent health risks from straining to see the screens. In addition, don't forget to dress up your desktop with a snazzy, scenic screensaver for a desk that's like a home away from home!

USB Hubs

We've all been there - stuck at work with a purse full of gizmos and no place to charge them. But this is the 21st century, and thankfully, smarty-pants rule the world. For anyone that relies on modern technology to get the job done, no desk is complete without a personal USB hub. These handy office devices are crazy affordable, and they're available in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors to appeal to everyone. They're right up there with affordable CPU holders and keyboard platforms as some of the best tech accessories for desk use in an office dependent on tech.

Desktop Organizer

Unfortunately, it doesn't always matter how neat the rest of your life is - office life can get messy. With papers, sticky notes, cords, clips, and gadgets all part of the mix, it's no wonder desktop organizers have made our must-have supply list. But just because you need one, don't settle for a boring boxy organizer straight out of the 90s. This is the age of high tech tech! If you know you rely on pencils and pens as well as your tablet and smartphone, a powered organizer to maximize workplace efficiency is always a better choice. Look for one that incorporates elements of both the old and the new. Something that's equipped with pencil trays for office convenience, as well as a docking station for your gadgetry, will help you get the job done in a cleaner fashion.

Dry Erase Boards

With all the popularity surrounding open plan office configurations it's no surprise that dry-erase boards have seen a huge spike in popularity. The fact that they're erasable, neat, paperless, creative, and convenient makes these the perfect products to promote workplace efficiency. For those that spend most of the day at a small desk space or cubicle, a tiny portable whiteboard will make an excellent companion. However, for those in bigger offices, dry-erase boards attached to other presentation accessories for office use are great too!

*Bonus tip: If you're really into the power of whiteboards don't be afraid to check out the 2014 NeoCon winner, go! by Clarus Glassboards. They're like portable whiteboards on wheels that are available in all sorts of sizes and colors for a well designed workspace.

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7 Cool Life Hacks for the Office

Tired of the old office routine? Maybe it's time to change things up! Life hacks are fun, inexpensive ways to turn your day into one filled with productivity, efficiency, and self fulfillment. If you work in the office, here are some great office life hacks to get go ergo without really going anywhere!

Wake Up

Most people can relate to a certain cartoon cat when they hear the phrase, "I hate mondays." However, getting ready for the day can be much easier than you thought. Most phones have alarms built in, even the ones that aren't very "smart." If you're prone to missing wake up calls, try amplifying the sound of your phone's alarm by plopping it in an empty container (preferably one made of plastic or metal). Then later, if you notice your shoes are beat up or scuffed, give them new life by drawing over the marks with a sharpie of the same color. And ladies, since you've probably already got the flat iron out, why not spruce up that shirt with a few swipes to iron out the wrinkles? Now, you're ready for the day!

Let There Be Light

Dull office? A lack of light can be damaging to the eyes over time. Brighten things up in the workspace by opting for modern office desks with metal and glass accents, or if you can't afford a new one, pin up some mirrors. Not only will these things look beautiful and futuristic in the workplace, but they'll also catch and reflect existing light so you have more to work by. If the opposite is your problem, and your workplace is too sunny for you, an equally bright computer screen can also cause eye strain. Fix the brightness intensity in your computer's settings to dull things down.

Desk Hacks

The internet is filled with amazing desk hacks to improve work experience and efficiency. Hang a basket from the underside of your desk to keep cords, power strips, and other miscellaneous objects of the floor. If you still have room, CPU holders prevent accidents by mounting under desks too. They're simple, affordable devices to keep computer hard drives off the floor and out of the splash zone if you're prone to spilling coffee. (Bonus: Monitor arms and keyboard trays are also inexpensive ergonomic products for sale to improve health and reduce office-related pain by preventing overexertion.)

Lunch Time

Ah finally, the best time of the day. One great thing about office hacks is that there are plenty of tips for the paper baggers! Anyone that wants to fancy up their lunch needs only to dig through their drawers for an old CD spindle. They make the perfect holders for bagels, donuts, and round sandwiches. Keep it cool until you get to the desk by wetting a sponge, freezing it, and tossing it in a plastic baggie for a lunch-cooler that won't leak everywhere. On the other hand, for those of you in the office who don't like to make lunch a hassle, never fear. Modern college kids have revolutionized laziness by concocting all sorts of excellent recipes to cook right in your coffee mug! From egg, oatmeal, and yogurt breakfasts to yummy deserts - they're just as good for work as they are for the dorm room. Take a moment to search out a few mug recipes and find your new favorite office snack!

Keep It Clean

A clean office is important anywhere, and with the huge explosion of open plan offices and multi user desks to increase space, viruses are becoming more common. Instead of digging through clutter and passing germy notes between coworkers, why not eliminate the mess and the sickness with whiteboards? Whiteboard paint is a huge trend that lets employees work together brainstorming ideas right on the wall. Even desks are getting in on the action with models that offer dry-erase tabletops! Ramp up the clean even further by putting boxes in those desk pedestals for organization to divvy up the space inside.

Back Pain

Almost every office worker suffers from back pain at some point. The reason why is because the human spine is not made to support the entire weight of the torso with out the legs as aid. However, sitting at a desk all day promotes this practice, causing characteristic back pain. While discount executive chairs with lumbar support can help, the best hack for back pain is simply to stand up. There are plenty of discount height adjustable workstations that let users alternate between sitting and standing, providing them the best opportunity for office pain relief. Standing office workers swear by the method, saying it helps promote focus, health, and weight loss!

Tie Up Loose Ends

And lastly, if you don't have binder clips, head to the dollar store because these babies accomplish all sorts of office life hacks! Clip them to the edge of your desk, and thread electronic cords through the metal parts for DIY organization. They also work great as headphone holders when clipped to desk or pinned to walls. Save your bread ties and use them to amp things up even further by writing the name of each cord, then clipping the bread tie to it so you always know which is which. Tie up all the loose ends by preparing for Monday on Friday to live the office life easy. Who knew work was so awesome?

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