7 Affordable Things Your Office Needs To Succeed

Even if the bigger part of success is defined by hard work, we think we can safely say that people will never top inventing ways to help them achieve their goals. The modern age is rejuvenated everyday with new products designed to help us stay smart, collected, connected, and organized. But if, like most, you can't always afford the high tech stuff, there are plenty of affordable low-tech gadgets that have stood the test of time and remain ever-useful to this day. Here are a few of our favorites!

Binder Clips

It sounds simple, but never underestimate the power of these bad boys! Even in the contemporary era, where the world is all but digital, binder clips have still found a niche for themselves at the office. These dollar-store trinkets have made the transition from paper to paperless with much more grace than the rest of the world, and today, they often find more use as cheap wire organizers than anything else. Rather than spending ten bucks on a piece of molded plastic, smart employees simply clip a few binder clips to their desk, then wrap or thread wires around the metal parts to create convenient office organization. It works for headphone cords, computer cables, and multi-media devices like smartphones often for less than the cost of a soda. Talk about convenient!

An Efficient Layout

For those looking to save a buck, a total office makeover doesn't have to cost anything at all. Work efficiency has a lot to do with layout, and often, greater productivity is as simple as rearranging the furniture. Fortunately, most contemporary modular workstations have smart "modular" designs so that the desk, cabinets, and drawers are all within arm's reach of the user. However, if your office setup is a little outdated, mobile office utility and file carts are great ways to acquire this ergonomic efficiency for an affordable price.
* (Don't forget that your desk space by itself is also reliant on clever organization and also holds great sway over one's productiveness in the office. Make your layout work for you.)

Plants

For this one, we definitely advise users to go with the older model rather than the new. While lastic plants typically add an air of liveliness to an otherwise boring office space, they don't add any of the health benefits of living greenery. Studies done by universities and agencies like NASA have discovered that certain plants (like spider plants, gardenias, lemon balms, and peace lilies) are highly adept at removing indoor air toxins and VOCs. They're basically like affordable air filters for office environments. Many low maintenance indoor plants have been proven to increase focus and improve brain function by removing toxins that affect these things from the air. We'd say they're a definitely must have (especially for those working in the city).

Proper Lighting

Eye strain is a common problem for computer users. But did you know that it's usually due to too much ambient light rather than the light of the screen? Human eyes are only made to comfortably take in so much light at once, so a bright computer screen in combination with bright work lights overloads them. In contrast, too little light can also put a huge degree of stress on the eyes. To combat this, experts have developed all sorts of expensive solutions, but we'd say the cheapest way (if you have no control over your work lighting) is to go into your computer's settings and dim the brightness. Contrarily, for those that rely on too little office lighting, we recommend quality overhead task lights for office and desk use. Identify your needs and adjust the lights accordingly.

A Comfy Chair

In the modern age, workplace productivity is virtually defined by ergonomic products. Ergonomic desk lamps, monitor arms, cool retractable keyboard trays, foot rests, height variable desks - all of them go towards showcasing how far ergonomic studies have come. However, it all began with chairs. While most ergonomic products remain relatively new (and expensive), adjustable ergonomic desk chairs have been around a while and come down in price so that the average joe can easily afford one. Mesh ergonomic chairs are typically the cheapest models, but users can also get amazing discount chairs from Flash Furniture and other manufacturers in leather and fabric if they like. Most are clinically proven to reduce back pain, making them a definite must-have for the workplace.

Writing Room

Even if the ideal contemporary office is relatively paperless, there's no denying that you can find some paper in just about every office. Handwritten notes are still the preferred way of remembering things, and most office workers have a stack of post-its somewhere. That's why every modern office needs plenty of writing room. Be sure to outfit your office with sticky notes and dry erase boards for organization and convenience. A few companies are even developing dry-erase desks and paint so office workers can make handwritten notes just about anywhere without having to worry about the trees. Go green!

Cubicle Sightseeing

If your office doesn't have a view, give yourself one. Stimulating the mind with art and scenic photography helps to boost focus and creativity in the workplace, so don't be afraid to outfit your cubicle with pics of loved ones, pets, and places you want to go. Pick a scenic vista for your computer background. Open your window, or get permission from the boss to see if you can print out a large size copy of a photo or some art you like, then paste it to your cubicle wall for inspiration. A view into the outside world helps make an office space much more personal. Don't be afraid to break the tedium and broaden your horizons!