This whole remote learning thing has taken some getting used to! It looks different for SLPs across the country, but we all have one thing in common, and that is we are trying to do our jobs from home.
I am lucky, because I already had an office space at home, but I’ve found I was missing a few things to make it a more comfortable environment for working in all day! And I think these would make any space (whether it is a corner of your kitchen table, sofa, desk, etc.) make work a little easier.
Here are a few of my favorite additions to my office (all are affiliate links from Amazon*):
- White noise machine: I had one of these in my therapy room at school to help block out the noise of the classrooms near me, and help my students focus better… but at home, it’s been vital for helping ME focus better! (Especially since my husband likes to work with videos or music playing in the background, and his desk is in the room next to mine.) It also helps protect privacy while conducting virtual meetings or therapy. If I could recommend any one item to you, it would definitely be this one!
- Laptop stand: I like using my laptop, but the height never feels right for viewing on my desk or table. The one I got is out of stock right now, but this is a similar option.
- Lighting: I have found that when I stare at screens all day, my eyes really take the strain. I have found the Ott light lamps to be the best on my eyes! This floor lamp has also helped to add more light to my whole living room when I take my laptop in there to work.
- Desk pad: There are several options of these available, but it helps brighten up and define my workspace, as well as cover up some scratches on the top of my desk! It also functions as a coaster and a mousepad, which is also helpful. This is the one I have, and here is another option.
- Seat cushion: I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely feeling more aches and pains from sitting more of my day! This egg crate seat cushion has helped quite a bit.
- Headphones with built-in microphone: These are so helpful when having meetings or therapy sessions online! It helps to block out noise from your house, but also allows you to mute when necessary. My favorites have unfortunately increased in price, but these are another comfortable set I have used as well.
- Paper and file organizer: I’m pretty sure my paper and folder piles have been expanding on their own lately! This organizer helps keep them a little more contained, thankfully.
- Rolling cart: I also had one of these in my office at school, but I am finding that it helps keep my “work” items separate and within easy reach. I think this would be particularly handy if you were doing teletherapy!
What would you add to the list??
*Disclaimer: These are affiliate links from Amazon.com; the small fees generated help offset the cost of running this website.
I agree that headphones/headset with mic is a big gamechanger. Mine is just an earphone on one side which I really like! I also bit the bullet and bought an adjustable desktop so that I can sit or stand. This also helps me get a good height for my telesessions (which differrs quite a bit from a comfortable position for typing and doing other work on the computer.). It was around $90 (😬) BUT I justified it as something I can continue to use at school or at home.