Whether you’re working from home or in an office building, office gadgets can improve your life in an office a lot, as well as make you healthier. Here are some gadgets that you should absolutely have in your office in 2021:
1. Smart pen
There are different variations of this one; some smart pens allow you to record audio in a meeting, for example, and also have additional features like a built-in translator.
Most of them make it possible for the user to convert handwritten notes into a digital copy one way or another. Some smart pens require special paper to write on, others work with regular paper.
A smart pen is perfect for you if you are both techy and a bit old-school. Taking handwritten notes might help you to be more creative, but in the end, you also need a digital version of your drafts. This will no longer be a problem with this gadget.
2. Stylish Desk Lamp
The best decor is both stylish and functional, and this is especially true in an office. There are lots of different models out there that can light up your office. And in times of video conferences and Zoom meetings, any additional feature might come in handy: Some lamps provide the perfect light for video conferences. You would be surprised how much of a difference adequate lighting can make! While ceiling lights often emit light from behind you, making your face look dark, the regular desk lamp shines way to brightly right into your face. So, when you want to buy a desk lamp with lamp shade that also makes you appear in your best light on camera, there are a few things to keep in mind. You want your lamp to be dimmable, flexible and, if possible, you want to be able to control the color temperature.
3. Thermo Cup
Sure, this one is not really new. But it is super useful nonetheless: If you love having your coffee while you work, but it keeps getting cold because things keep coming up that make you forget about your drink, this will help with that.
There is also a techy version, a gadget that can charge your phone and keep the cup warm that comes with it. Whichever option you choose, this is goodbye to cold coffees!
4. Adjustable Standing Desk
Health experts agree that sitting for hours every day increases the risk of chronic health problems. So, one solution could be to work while standing, at least part of the day. This gadget will make that possible. The device sits on top of your desk and can be adjusted to a height that is comfortable for you. So, you won’t need a separate desk to work standing, or even a new adjustable desk! Most models can fit at least a laptop and a screen, but they come in all shapes and sizes.
5. Headset with Microphone
This is another one that will definitely come in handy for video calls. Headsets are especially useful for anyone working from home or working in a shared office. First of all, a headset will of course improve the sound and make it easier to hear and be heard. And you will also find lots of options with additional cool features, like background noise cancelling (especially useful if you’re working from home while your kids are in homeschool, for example) and/or cancel out the sounds around you, so you can focus on your work.
6. Fitness Tracker
This is another gadget that can help you limit the health impacts of your office job. It will remind you to get up every once in a while (you can personalize the settings). Health experts recommend getting up every 30 minutes to limit damage to your health. This might be a better option if working while standing is not really for you.
Another variation on this office gadget might be useful for anyone who doesn’t drink anything apart from coffee while they are at work. A hydration monitor basically works like a fitness tracker and reminds you to drink water throughout the day.
7. Posture Coach Gadget
There are different variations of this one as well, but they all have one goal: Improve your posture while at work and prevent you from slouching at your desk. Usually, you calibrate this gadget to your straight posture, and when you start to slouch over time, it will buzz to remind you to sit up straight. Your back will thank you!
These devices are attached to your back, usually somewhere between your shoulder blades; they either are stuck to your skin or on some kind of shoulder strap.
Some even monitor additional data, like the distance you walk in a day or the calories you burn.
8. Plants
This really is an all-time classic: If you haven’t already, you should totally get a potted plant for your office. They not only work great as natural air filters, but have also shown to have psychological benefits as they can lower stress and anxiety levels. Of course, a simple potted plant will do, but we also have some more exciting options for you: There are levitating potted plants that are real eyecatchers.
Or you could opt for a smart garden, which is a small garden that fits on your desk and can grow herbs, greens or even small vegetables. Perfect for an organic tea or a small homegrown snack! And the best part is, these smart gardens don’t require any maintenance: They come with the seeds and soil, you just add water as instructed and they will do the rest themselves! They even come with a plant lamp to provide adequate lightening for optimal growth.
Gadgets can really make your life a lot easier and can make for the difference between an alright day and an absolutely great day at work. We hope that this list gave you some ideas on how to improve your everyday life in the office.
If you want to find out what trends matter in the office design industry, check out WEMA Raumkonzepte, a company that knows everything about office designs in Germany.
