​5 Essentials For Going Back To The Office | Guest Blog

With vaccines rolling out and the spread of Covid slowing down, you're probably bombarded with emails telling you it's time to get back to the office! Many employees have been working from home for over a year now and have become accustomed to styling a professional top with a pair of loungewear bottoms. Commuting to the office each day may seem like a foreign task nowadays. I, myself, have also become quite content with staying cosy at home while still being productive with my work. 

Whether you're excited to go back or would rather stay home with your dog and computer, the office doors are open! With these 5 essentials, you'll be fit out to smash each workday when you're back at the office!

1- Blue Light Glasses

This accessory has risen in popularity over the last few years. More and more people are spending time looking at their screens in and out of the office. With technology being integrated into our everyday lives, it is more important than ever to protect our eyes. 

The blue light waves that our screens emit are considered high energy waves, and extensive exposure can cause eye strain, leading to painful headaches. Exposure can even inhibit sleep, causing you to get insufficient sleep. 

To prevent eye strain, headaches, and unrestful sleep, try out a pair of blue light glasses. I'm writing this post with mine at this very moment! You can see the blocking of the blue light when you put the glasses on; your screen will become more orange-hued than blue. Check out Warby Parker's trendy selection or Amazon for a cheaper option. 

2- Badge Reel and Lanyard

We've all experienced the chaos of carrying our bag, coffee cup, keys, mask, and cellphone. You get to the office door and have to set everything down, spilling your coffee in the process, to find your office badge and unlock the door. Believe it or not, there is a simple way to solve this common problem...purchase Specialist ID badge holder! They're affordable, durable, and there's a variety of options to choose from. 

Your office may also be asking that employees get vaccinated. Whatever your choice on the matter, make sure that you're fit-out to protect your vaccination card or other employee badges. Carrying your essential cards on a lanyard, badge reel, or keychain badge holder makes it easy for you to access them when needed. 

3- Standing Workstation

On top of blue light negatively affecting your eyesight, sitting at an office desk day in and day out can have some pretty severe effects on your body. My co-workers and I have all experienced the pain that comes with typing away for hours on end. If you're in the same boat, it may be time to invest in a standing desk! 

Not only will it eliminate shoulder and neck pain, but you will also move your legs and stretch your body while working. Sometimes I will be at my desk for over four hours and realise that I have yet to stand up even once! Most standing workstations can be added on top of your existing office desk for easy integration. 

4- Touchless Door Opener

How many door handles do you touch each day at work? You probably go in and out of the building, go to the restroom a few times, hang out in the breakroom, and go to a few meetings. Moving around the office can help you stay on task and ready to go. However, it does contribute to the spread of germs, which no one wants when returning to the office after the pandemic.

Since everyone is touching the same handles and knobs repeatedly, it would be beneficial to purchase a door opener key. With this tool, you will be fit out to help prevent the spread of germs between employees. This tool gained popularity throughout the pandemic and is just a nice thing to have in general! You can purchase one here.

5- Plants or Your Favourite Coffee Mug

Let's face it; we've all created an at-home workspace that is uniquely ours. You might've added special touches to make the space cosy or bright. Whatever vibe you've curated at your home office, bring some of those aspects back into your office building. 

Did you purchase a new plant to place on your desk, and seeing its growth each day inspired you? What about that new coffee mug that instantly became your go-to way to get coffee from the pot to your soul? Maybe you created a pin board with all your favourite pictures and mementoes? Whatever you did to spark joy while working at home, bring those little things back to the office with you! 

Author Bio

Chloe is the Outreach Coordinator for Zen Media, a digital marketing and PR agency for tech brands. She is a senior at UGA. When she is not busy with school or work, she spends her time trying new restaurants in Athens or going on road trips to the beach.

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