50+ Work-From-Home Essentials From Real People (2024)

What’s one item in your workspace that you cannot imagine yourself without?

A decent monitor? A pair of noise-cancelling headphones? Or maybe an ergonomic keyboard?

We challenged people around the globe to think about that one thing that matters to them the most when working from home and share the answer with us.

No matter how small or big, expensive or not.

Let’s see what they came up with.

Mechanical Keyboard

“If there is one thing that I cannot live without in my workspace, that would be my Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard.

The mere fact that I could customise it by changing the keycaps and making it sound and feel great (such as modifying the switches and altering the sound profile), would enhance my everyday workflow since I use this mainly for school and for doing light work.

I’ve been getting lots of comments regarding the keycaps, too, lol! They’re called GMK Dots 2 (but I got them as fakes, lol), but there are original versions of these keycaps. It’s just that I could not have them delivered here to the Philippines.

As for the switches, I’m using Akko CS Matcha Green ones, which are linear (my preferred kind of switches). Since I opted for really heavy ones, it’s got that weight to them for each keypress.

I bought the keycaps from an online store based in the Philippines called Shopee, and as for the switches, I got them as a gift.”

— By Nathan Jonah Delgado

Paper Tray

“That one single item would probably be my paper tray.

I’m not really using it as a paper tray at all.

It’s where all my devices, tools and peripherals go in order to keep the desk clutter-free.

It’s my organised chaos in an otherwise perfect environment. Just like my brain :)”

— By harbour_frog

Broadcast Mixer

“If I were to choose one item, it would be my TCHelicon GoXLR.

I’ve got a complex desk setup with two different PCs and a Nintendo Switch. The GoXLR helps me to control all the audio sources using just one single device.

It also provides me with voice effects and a sampler that I use to make jokes or change the mood while streaming or in a meeting with my closest colleagues.”

— By germanrcuriel

Custom Keyboard

“My favourite item on my desk would have to be the custom keyboard chosen and built by my husband.

The mouse and keyboard are peripherals we use and touch most frequently in our workspace, so it makes sense to invest in something that best suits our tastes.

The keyboard in particular is an area with room for expression, with different switch and keycap choices to suit different preferences in typing experience and aesthetics.

As I’m not deep into the hobby, I tasked my husband with building something on a budget, based on his understanding of my preferences.

And I absolutely love the end result!

Not only is it a joy to look at, but it’s also a joy to type on. And ever so slightly, it makes me look forward to sitting down at my desk and getting to work.

The fact that it only runs wirelessly on AAA batteries can be a deal-breaker for some.

But, it works perfectly for me as we always have spare, rechargeable batteries ready to go, and I never have to have cables on my desk to charge the keyboard.”

— By thoughtworthyco, Instagram, YouTube

Wrist Rest and a Monitor Riser

“Personally, I can’t use my mechanical keyboard without a wrist rest!

Most mechanical keyboards have a high front edge that requires you to hold your fingers really high up. A nice natural feeling wrist rest is a necessity for me :)

Another thing I recommend is finding the right size monitor riser for your desk setup. A few cm can make a big difference, so choose one that’s perfect for you.

There are a lot of different sizes available online, but OKKOwood provides you with a custom build service, so each riser can be made exactly to clients’ wishes.”

— By Kristofo02

Mechanical Keyboard

“I can’t live without my Keychron K6 Wireless Keyboard. It’s incredible, has Gateron Brown switches and is perfect for gaming and school work.

I read a lot of reviews and did quite a bit of research.

I chose this one as it has hot-swappable switches, customisable RGB lighting, wireless via Bluetooth, and it’s a 65% layout.

It met all of my criteria flawlessly and had exceptional reviews.”

— By AJ1K, Instagram

Screen Bar

“The one single item that I cannot imagine living without would be my monitor screen bar.

As a student, it’s crucial for me because of the amount of light it produces on the desk whether I’m doing homework or studying for an exam.

I think it’s something everyone would enjoy and use no matter what you do in life.

I’m currently using the BenQ monitor screen bar.”

— By ezenzios