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SALT LAKE CITY — According to a nationwide study, 39% of employees in the United States are working from home exclusively, and another 42% embrace a hybrid approach. If you fall within this 81% of workers, you've probably either upgraded an existing home office or had to create one from scratch.
Here's a closer look at five products that you might want to consider for your home office needs.
GRADE: A
PRICE: $29
Now that many of us are participating in Zoom and Microsoft Teams meetings, it's important to keep our workspace as tidy as possible. And that's where the CovoBox can help.
These decorative panels are made from real books to hide routers, outlets, cords and other unsightly (but important) things. Each book is cut near the binding and attached to a wooden frame that keeps them all aligned and sturdy. There are various sizes and color themes to choose from, and custom orders are also an option.
Fun fact: While the books used for CovoBoxes are sourced from all over the country, they're assembled in Utah.
GRADE: A
PRICE: $16
This cleaner is used in many Apple stores and is perfect for keeping your computer screen clean. Each kit comes with a 3.4-ounce bottle, plus a smaller bottle to keep in your computer bag or backpack. It also includes three cleaning cloths.
Because WHOOSH! cleaner is safe for any type of screen, you can use it on printer touchpads, phones, tablets and other devices you might have around the house.
MOSISO Silicone Keyboard Cover
GRADE: B+
PRICE: $6
These silicone keyboard covers protect your keyboard from spills, crumbs, and the like. This is great news, because working from home definitely makes people more likely to snack while on the job. You'll also notice that your typing becomes quieter, which is a nice perk when sharing space with roommates or family members.
While this keyboard cover has a pleasantly low price, I'm docking it a few points because some users have reported that it doesn't always work with devices that the manufacturer has listed as compatible.
Haworth Fern Mesh Office Chair
GRADE: A
PRICE: Varies by retailer, but pricey
Given the amount of time we spend sitting on office chairs, it's worth investing in one that offers exceptional comfort and support. The Fern chair is a popular option, with a flexible design that responds to your movement and distributes weight in order to relieve pressure and prevent soreness.
The Fern is upholstered in breathable mesh and uses a so-called "Wave Suspension" system to keep you feeling comfortable even after sitting in front of your desk for back-to-back-to-back meetings. It should be noted that the high back and adjustable seat depth make this chair ideal for tall people like me who just don't fit on standard-sized chairs. You can also adjust the arm height, seat height (from 16.5" to 21.5"), tilt tension, range of recline and more.
Another solid option from Haworth is the Very chair, which offers many of the same features as the Fern at a lower price.
GRADE: A
PRICE: $699
There are lots of potential benefits that come from using a standing desk, including less back pain and more energy. One of the best products on the market is the Branch standing desk, thanks to its sturdy construction and smooth-running dual motors. You can program four different height settings, making it easy to move the desk to your desired height (and even share it with others).
Other benefits of the Branch standing desk include cable organizing components and a stain- and impact-resistant tabletop made from laminated melamine.
Take my advice and don't try to assemble this desk by yourself. Yes, it can be done solo. But the powder-coated 3mm steel frame is quite heavy, so you'll find it's more effective and enjoyable to tackle the project with a buddy.
