Work-life balance is important, as is having a capable and personable boss. But you also need to take care of your basic creature comforts. If you’re always sitting on a rock-hard chair from a bargain furniture store or your wrists are aching at the keyboard, it will be impossible to perform to the best of your ability.
Here are some items that will help keep you comfortable—and productive—while you’re working.
A foot rest
Let’s start with a simple foot rest, like the HUANUO under-desk version ($29.99). If your feet are dangling or hitting the floor at an awkward angle, you’re heading for serious aches at some point. But if they’re propped up on an ergonomic foot rest that moves and features massaging microbeads, you’ll be a lot better off.
A comfy cushion for your desk chair
Depending on your office culture and personal budget, you might be able to swap out your standard office chair for a fancy ergonomic one. If that’s not an option, grab the Coccyx seat cushion ($38.99) for some affordable relief. It’s made of memory foam and designed especially to combat tailbone pain and support lumbar health.
A small fan
If your workspace is hot, you’ll be too uncomfortable to get anything done. Try a mini fan for your desk, like this one from SmartDevil (18.99). It’s powered by a simple USB cable, so you can even plug it into your laptop and have cool air wherever you go. (For more options, check out our list of best-rated portable and mini fans.)
A laptop stand
Setting your laptop up at a slight angle makes the keyboard easier to reach and the screen easier to see. An adjustable is clutch—look for one you can set to different heights and which has adequate venting to keep your computer from overheating, like the BoYata stand ($27.99).
A wrist pad
A wrist pad does more than cushion your wrists as you type away all day—it also has a reciprocal effect on your general posture, helping you to keep your shoulders aligned. Your best options will be made of memory foam, like the Zibly keyboard and mouse set ($9.97).
A travel blanket
Offices can be uncomfortably cold, especially when they crank up the AC in summer. Solve for that with a travel blanket that folds up into a pillow, so you can warm up when you need to, and enjoy a little extra cushioning when don’t. Try the BlueHills premium soft travel throw ($28.99), which zips into pillow form when not in use.
Desk comfort, in review
Here are the products we recommend to stay comfortable at your desk:
