Whether you work in a traditional office or at home, your desk is a major part of your professional life. This makes deciding on one a critically important choice that ultimately affects your comfort, productivity, and organization at work. The following guide touches on the features you might want to look for and how to eventually make the best decision for your needs.
Familiarize Yourself With The Various Styles
There are many basic desk styles available as well as countless variations on them. Learning about them should be your first step when looking for a desk that will fit your needs. For example, there are corner desks, wall-mounted desks, adjustable desks that allow for standing, credenza desks with upper storage space and many more. Some of your decision will be based on personal and aesthetic preference, while other aspects should revolve around your available space for the desk. For instance, you might only have room in a corner for your desk. Be sure to pay attention to a desk’s size as well and measure your available space before you make the decision to purchase. The materials from which the desk is made is another important factor to consider. Materials can affect how long the desk holds up for you and your comfort levels while working. Popular materials include wood, laminate, glass and, metal.
Consider The Type Of Work You Do
It is important to consider what makes up your typical day from a workflow standpoint when looking at possible desks. Try and imagine yourself using each desk and where your needed items might go. Think about how a particular desk could help with your organization and how your work might move across its surface. Once you have considered what features you need and which ones will likely impede your efforts, you can narrow down your options. For example, if you do much of your work on a desktop computer, you will likely want a dedicated computer desk with an easy slot where the computer itself can go. If you do any kind of podcasting or streaming videos to YouTube, you might want to consider getting a broadcast desk. The bottom line, depending on what type of work you do will largely help determine what kind of desk you need.
Accessorize
Don’t just consider the base desk—also imagine what you can do with it. Basic desks can have all manner of things placed upon them in order to make them more well-suited to your workflow needs. There are countless designs and varieties of office organizational supplies, such as baskets for papers, bookends for books, holders for pens and supplies, and more. Lighting additions might be important, particularly if you do design work or want to make sure your workspace is well-lit. Don’t forget about a quality office chair as well. If you will be spending significant amounts of time working at your desk you want a chair that is comfortable and supportive to sit in. There are chairs available to alleviate specific health problems if you might be in need of that. Be sure to choose a chair that is the right height and shape for your desk.
Don’t Forget Personal Preference
Aside from practicality, you should also strongly consider your personal preference when choosing a desk. Most desks come in a few different color options, so that is one way you can personalize your choice. It is true that a workplace pleasing to your eye can actually make you more productive. If nothing commercially available is impressing you, you also have the option of building your own desk, but you will need to be handy enough to do it properly. Sometimes you will simply like the look of one option more than another. You will be the one spending the majority of your time at this desk, so you need to choose one that you like personally and feels most comfortable for you.
Choosing the right desk for your workflow needs is one of the most important productivity decisions you can make. The right desk can help optimize your workflow and organization and be an invaluable addition to your office. Hopefully, the advice listed above can match you with the perfect option.
Samantha Higgins is a professional writer with a passion for research, observation, and innovation. She is nurturing a growing family of twin boys in Portland, Oregon with her husband. She loves kayaking and reading creative non-fiction.
