6 Home Office Set Up Essentials For Serious Productivity

Up your home office set up game with these must-have work-from-home essentials.

Because of COVID-19, working from home has become a reality for most professionals today - four in ten worked from home during the pandemic. While most of us have returned to life as usual, we’re not quite ready to turn our back on the home office for good. 

In fact, more Kiwis than ever before are splitting the work week between home and office. With businesses across Aotearoa embracing "hybrid-working”, a lot of us Kiwis have had to put some extra mahi into setting up a home office that actually goes the distance as we introduce new ways of working.

Whether you’re a freelancer, contractor, employee or employer, the right equipment plays a crucial role in your success - especially when you're at home. A well-equipped work from home set up doesn’t only make you more productive, it also makes for a more comfortable and ergonomic working environment. 

At Warehouse Stationery, we have everything you need to create an environment that sets you up for success – and gives your on-site office a run for its money.

When it comes to staying on task, never underestimate the importance of a fast and responsive laptop. Whether you prioritise the super-quick startup time of an SSD or the impressive storage of a 1TB hard drive, there are plenty of laptops to meet your needs. Not sure where to start? Visit your nearest Warehouse Stationery store, and a team member will help narrow down your choices. 

While laptops are ideal for working on the go, keep in mind that they’re not designed to replace a dedicated computer. Using a laptop for prolonged periods can lead to eye strain, poor posture and injury. Pair your laptop with a monitor to place your screen at eye level and create a more ergonomic work from home set up. 

The Samsung LED 24 Inch Monitor has HDMI and D-sub ports which offer flexible connectivity with a range of devices. Its vivid, borderless design makes it an excellent choice for any industry and one of our best-selling monitors for a home office set up.

The perfect home office set up uses the laptop as the control centre and calls on standalone additions to create a convenient workspace. Basically, in the same way that a monitor offers a better viewing experience, a keyboard and mouse are more functional than those built into your laptop. Ergonomically, a full-size keyboard and separate mouse allow your wrists, arms and shoulders to fall in the correct position and prevent poor posture – which your back will thank you for in the long run.

The Logitech MK295 Silent Wireless Combo offers unbeatable functionality at this price point and is equipped with SilentTouch technology. Eliminating up to 90% of the clicking and typing noises made by similar alternatives, it’s a great choice for those who share their working space with others or want to eliminate distractions while they work. With wireless connectivity and a 10-metre range, this duo is a must for any home office. 

For long-term success when working from home, create a space designed with both ergonomics and longevity in mind. Using a laptop stand can keep your laptop functioning at its best, increasing airflow and preventing your laptop from overheating. 

The Bonelk Stance laptop stand raises your laptop to allow airflow to circulate and keep your laptop cool. The durable aluminium stand is built to last, with seamless assembly and generous proportions to accommodate laptops from 11-17”. The clever design also allows for easier cable management - no more battling tangled chargers and connectors. 

Whether you want to catch every word during Zoom meetings with clients or block out distractions with your Spotify playlist, headphones are a must. Earbud headphones aren’t designed for long periods and can cause pain and discomfort, so opt for over-ear versions for your home office. 

These JVC Wireless Headphones are perfect for work or pleasure, with Bluetooth connectivity and up to 12 hours of playtime between charges. The sleek design and leather-look band add a professional feel to these headphones, while the folding design means you can enjoy them at home or away.

Choosing the best printer for a home office set up can be a daunting task. With so many models, it’s challenging to find a printer that offers the same functionality as the office at a size and price point suitable for the home. Inkjet printers are a great starting point, with a lower start-up cost than laser printers and high-quality rendering of both images and text. 

The Brother MFC-J1010DW Inkjet Printer does all that and more, with the ability to Print, Copy, Scan and Fax. Connect via USB or go wireless and print from anywhere in your home. A true workhorse of a printer, this is particularly ideal for busy households and multiple users.

Staying on task can be one of the most difficult elements of working from home. By keeping a notebook close at hand, you can capture those great ideas and urgent thoughts as they come up and deal with them at a more convenient time. 

We love the Desk Tribe A5 Notebook Hardcover Journal, which is ideal for keeping your working life running smoothly. In Linen Sage, it makes a stylish addition to any office, with a pop of colour that makes it hard to misplace. This sustainably-made journal features 160 lined pages. Fill both sides with notes, ideas and doodles, thanks to the thick 80GSM paper. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Explore our full range of notebooks and stationery.