9 Items you should have on your desk to work better & smarter

9 Items you should have on your desk to work faster & smarter

Angela Goh

20 Jul 2017

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Productivity planner
Productivity Planner by Intelligent Change, SGD50 (via An Uplifted Day)

If there’s one thing you absolutely need, it’s a journal or notebook where you can jot down your thoughts. Why not take it a step further with this impressive Productivity Planner by Intelligent Change? If you often find yourself pressed for time because you’ve been procrastinating or concentrating on the trivial things rather than more urgent matters, this is the planner you sorely need. Combined with the Pomodoro technique, this handy little book will help you get the important things done in less time. Take it from us: it’s incredibly effective!

Photo: An Uplifted Day
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Air purifying plant
There are plenty of desk-friendly plants you could get to brighten up your work space, including the likes of the spider plant and the aesthetically pleasing peace lily plant. These green powerhouses are great for removing toxins and producing clean air, providing you with a more conducive work environment. Check out these 4 reasons why you should really be keeping plants in your office.

Photo: Getty Images
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Mini air purifier
Cado MP-C20U Air Purifier - Silver, SGD259 (via Harvey Norman)

If you can’t keep a plant on your desk for air purifying purposes, invest in an actual gadget that can do this for you. These days, you can get mini-sized air purifiers that won’t clutter up your work space. Some actually look very chic and elegant, such as the Cado MP-C20U Air Purifier, which comes in gleaming gold and silver, and is as small as a 500ml beverage can! Find one that suits your aesthetic, and of course, make sure it is effective at capturing harmful particles and substances in the air.

Photo: Harvey Norman
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An easy-to-read clock
kikki.K Karlsson Desk Clock, SGD49.90

Keep your eye on the time. Sure, your laptop and your phone might help with that, but it’s always a good idea to have a large clock sitting on your desk so you don’t have to constantly check the tiny little icon on your screen. An analog clock is good for avoiding digital distractions if you’re not working on something on your computer and need to get paperwork done.

Photo: kikki.K
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Scented candle or reed diffuser
Sage & Citrus Mini Reed Diffuser, SGD24.90 (via Yankee Candle)

It is no secret that certain fragrances can evoke different reactions in our mind and body. There are scents that can keep you feeling more awake and perky, scents that can boost your productivity and mood. Citrusy smells, in particular, are good at energising you, so invest in a lemon- or orange-scented candle or diffuser.

Photo: Yankee Candle
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Multi-gadget charging station
3 in1 Bamboo Charging Dock Station Charger, SGD68 (via Lazada)

Have a smartphone, tablet and smart watch, along with multiple gadgets that require the use of USB ports to be charged? Not the type to like mess or clutter? Then this is what you really need. A charging dock that allows you to charge more than one of your gadgets will help you save plenty of space on your desk. Pick one that is compact and portable.

Photo: Lazada
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A good desk lamp
White Tensor Task Light, SGD200 (via The Damn Good Shop)

If you’re going to be working late into the night and your ceiling lights aren’t the most powerful, you’ll need a good lamp to keep you going. Find one that doesn’t take up too much space, and also packs a powerful punch. As they say, light keeps you awake. So ensure your work space is sufficiently bright enough to keep the yawns at bay.

Photo: The Damn Good Shop
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An app to reduce online distractions
Not so much a gadget or desk item, but more of a helpful tool you should download and install on your computer, apps that block you from using certain time-wasting websites for a duration can be a great help in preventing procrastination and getting you to focus on what you really need to be doing. If you haven’t heard of it before, it’s time to try the super handy Freedom app, which helps with blocking distracting websites and apps and works on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Windows computers. You’ll thank us for this tip!

Photo: Freedom
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Weekly diary
kikki.K 2018 A5 Weekly Diary: Sweet, SGD44.90

This one’s a no-brainer. Keep your eye on important dates with a mini diary. It would be best to have one that you can customise yourself and add in your own little notes and stickers. We love kikki.K’s vibrant mini planners and diaries, which can really brighten up your desk and work space.

Photo: kikki.K

Having trouble focusing on your tasks at hand? Get your concentration back with these desk items that will make life easier.

Need a bit of a makeover when it comes to your desk organisation? Now’s as good a time as any. We’re here to make your life that much easier with a fantastic roundup of great gadgets and stationery ideas to keep your productivity levels high, your drooping eyelids from closing completely, and tired yawns at bay.

From the must-have Freedom app, which saves you from procrastinating by preventing you from accessing time-wasting websites and social media accounts for a period of time, to an incredibly handy multi-gadget charging station to keep your tablets and smartphones 100% ready for action, you’ll definitely be thanking us later when you revamp your work space with our picks of productivity boosting items for your desk. Head up to the gallery to check them out – and get ready to do a bit of shopping.

Angela Goh

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