Top 8 Items Every Person Needs at the Office Desk

The average person will spend nearly 100,000 hours at work during the course of his or her lifetime. For many of us, much of this time will spent behind a desk.

It would stand to reason that you place a high value on your desk and want to make it as comfortable and conducive to productivity as possible. Here are some of the top items you’re most likely to need on, in, or near your desk to make those 100,000 hours most productive.

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1. Plant

You need some life in your office … and the roach in the corner doesn’t count. We’re talking about plant life. There’s something about a potted plant that adds a healthy ambiance to a room. This is especially true if your office doesn’t have windows or get natural light. Furthermore, studies show that plants can actually enhance employee productivity. Not bad, eh?

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2. Stain Remover Pen

How many times have you spilt something on your dress shirt right before an important meeting? Well, in addition to always having a change of clothes nearby, you should also keep a stain remover pen in your desk drawer. These pens can work wonders and save you the embarrassment of explaining why you have mac and cheese on your lapel.

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3. Business Card Holder

How many times has someone asked you for a business card and you’ve gone fumbling through your desk drawers to find one? Or, just as bad, you pull out your wallet and find the stack of cards you’ve been carrying around is bent out of shape and frayed. The best solution is to keep a business card holder on your desk. It encourages people to take one and keeps the cards in pristine condition.

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4. Box of Tissues

Have you ever been in a meeting with someone and had a huge sneeze come on? Not having a tissue nearby can make for an awkward moment as you try to clean up your splattered hands. It’s always smart to keep some tissues on hand — and hand sanitizer, for that matter.

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5. Gum, Mints and Mouthwash

Bad breath can totally kill your confidence. It makes you hesitant to speak, distracts you from the serious business around you, and makes you hyperaware of your actions. Keeping gum, mints, or mouthwash in your desk will ensure you never go into a meeting with bad breath. This subtle confidence booster can make a world of difference.

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6. Noise Canceling Headphones

Nothing is more frustrating than having a coworker in the cubicle or office next to yours who is loud and obnoxious. From smacking when they eat to constantly tapping their foot against the floor, disturbances from around the corner can be quite annoying. That’s why it’s a smart idea to have a pair of noise-canceling headphones within reach.

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7. First Aid Kit

Accidents happen and your health doesn’t always cooperate. Placing a basic first aid kit in your desk will ensure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. Whether you get a paper cut that refuses to stop bleeding, or a pounding headache at two in the afternoon, items like band-aids, over-the-counter pain relievers, and other health and incident aids can be extremely helpful.

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8. Stress Toy

Finally, everyone needs a stress toy in their desk drawer. These little devices can come in handy when you need to let out some tension and relax a bit. You can find some pretty funny ones that also make for great conversation starters.

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Maximize Your Desk

Are you making the most out of your desk? If you’re spending 40, 50 or 60-plus hours a week sitting behind it, then you need to ensure it has all of the right gadgets, tools, and toys to keep you going.

Consider adding a few of the above to your desk, and your daily grind might become a lot easier.