10 Essential Work-From-Home Desk Setup Tips for Maximum Productivity
Working from home sounded like a dream, didn’t it? Roll out of bed, shuffle over to the desk in your slippers, no commute... bliss! But here’s the thing: if your desk setup is a mess, your productivity (and probably your sanity) will take a nosedive faster than you can say “Zoom fatigue.” We’ve been doing this WFH thing for over a decade, and trust us, a decent desk setup is the secret sauce to actually getting things done.
Here are 10 essential tips for a desk setup that doesn’t just look good on Instagram, but will actually help you smash through your to-do list. You’re welcome.
1. Keep Your Desk Clean and Tidy (Seriously, It Matters)
If your desk looks like a tornado hit it, we’re not surprised you're struggling to focus. We at Work Well HQ reckon a clutter-free desk equals a clutter-free mind. Sure, it sounds a bit cliché, but it’s true. Get rid of the mess, keep things organised, and suddenly you’ll find yourself ticking off tasks like a productivity ninja.
Pro tip: Invest in some desk organisers or trays to keep the chaos at bay. And no, piling everything into a drawer doesn’t count.
2. Pick the Right Desk (Hint: We Know a Good One)
Not all desks are created equal, my friend. If you’re in the market for something that actually works with you, not against you, might we suggest our own Height Adjustable Black Electric Desk? At Work Well HQ, we’re big fans (obviously), and it’s great for when you need to switch things up between sitting and standing. Plus, the price? Let’s just say you won’t need to sell a kidney to afford it.
3. Declutter Your Workspace Regularly (Because, Let’s Face It, You Won’t Do It Later)
WFH'ers are notorious for letting stuff pile up—keyboards, notes, the odd takeaway coffee cup you swear you’ll throw out later. Spoiler alert: later never comes. If you want to stay productive, don’t let it get out of hand. Sort out those tangled wires and keep your stuff tidy. You’ll feel like you’ve got your life together, even if it’s just for a fleeting moment.
Pro tip: Tidy up at the end of each day. It takes about a minute, and future-you will be very grateful.
4. Master the Art of Small Space WFH’ing (Yes, It’s Possible)
Working from the corner of your living room, or—worse—your kitchen table, doesn’t mean you can’t be productive. It just means you have to get clever with your setup. Keep it tidy, respect the space you’re sharing, and if things get noisy, do yourself a favour and invest in some noise-cancelling headphones. Your brain (and your housemates) will thank you.
5. Sort Out Your Cable Situation (Because No One Needs That Level of Stress)
Honestly, nothing kills productivity like a desk full of tangled wires. If you’re constantly fighting with your laptop charger and phone cable just to get a clean space to work, it’s time to take action. At Work Well HQ, we’re pretty obsessed with cable management because a tidy desk equals a tidy mind, and a tidy mind equals actual work getting done. Simple, right?
Pro tip: Grab some wireless gadgets (keyboard, mouse, whatever floats your boat) to help declutter.
6. Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much)
Lighting is important, but let’s not get carried away. Natural light is the best, but we know not every desk can be near a window (hello, tiny flats). If you’re stuck in a dim corner, get a desk lamp that’s not going to blind you but still gives you enough light to avoid squinting at your screen like an old detective. Your eyes will thank you.
7. Standing Desks: Not Just for Health Nuts
At Work Well HQ, we love a good standing desk, and not just because it makes us look like we’ve got our act together. Switching between standing and sitting actually helps with posture, and standing for part of the day can give you a little energy boost. Plus, it feels slightly rebellious, like you’re getting away with something. Try it—it might just revolutionise your WFH routine.
8. Tidy Up Every Day (Trust Us, It’s Worth It)
We know we’ve said this before, but tidying up your desk at the end of the day really is the game-changer. It takes 30 seconds, and tomorrow you’ll walk into your neat little setup like the organised adult you pretend to be on Zoom. And if nothing else, it’ll stop the clutter monster from growing and eating your productivity alive.
9. Functionality > Aesthetics (Sorry, Instagram)
Look, we all love a bit of Instagram-worthy décor, but when it comes to your workspace, less is definitely more. We at Work Well HQ are big fans of minimalism. Keep things simple, have the tools you need within arm’s reach, and don’t get distracted by pretty but useless stuff. You’re here to work, not host a home office tour.
10. Accessorise for Comfort (And Maybe Add a Personal Touch)
You don’t need a tonne of accessories, but a few key pieces can make a world of difference. If you’re using a laptop, grab a separate keyboard and a monitor stand to save your back from hunching over like a goblin. And don’t forget to add a little personal flair—maybe a photo of your dog, your kid, or that tropical beach you wish you were working from. Sometimes, it’s the small things that keep you going through another Zoom marathon.
Conclusion
There you have it—our top 10 tips for setting up a work-from-home desk that actually helps you get stuff done (instead of driving you mad). Keep it tidy, functional, and maybe invest in a decent desk (like the one we conveniently mentioned). With the right setup, you’ll be breezing through your to-do list like a pro.
For more handy WFH tips—or to check out our range of ergonomic desks and accessories—head over to Work Well HQ on Facebook or Instagram and follow us. We’ve got your back (literally, if you pick the right chair). 😉