The Best Computer Accessories to Enhance Your Workspace in Australia

With more Australians working remotely, establishing an ergonomic home workspace is no longer optional. A poorly designed workspace can result in stress and long-term health problems. However, with the right accessories, you can say goodbye to back and neck pain, confidently tackle Zoom calls, and even end your workday early, all while smashing your performance goals!

This article discusses a wide range of computer accessories that every Aussie worker should consider investing in for improved physical and mental well-being when working from home.

Ergonomic Essentials for Comfort and Health

Comfort begins with your desk and chair. Ensure your office chair has lumbar support to maintain the natural curve of your spine. Ideally, you want to adjust every chair aspect so it feels custom-made for you. Popular chair brands in Australia include Herman Miller Aeron, Steelcase Leap, and Secretlab Omega. These chairs have been built using scientific research and let you adjust seat height and depth, armrest height and angle, and chair back angle for ultimate support.

Standing desks have gained popularity due to their numerous health and productivity benefits. Alternating between sitting and standing improves focus and lowers the risk of obesity and back pain. 

It’s better to skip Ikea for your next desk purchase. Omnidesk, Desky, and Vari offer better quality and options at a decent price. Consider the size of the desk and how it fits into your workspace. You also want it to be strong enough to take the weight of your monitor but not too heavy to crush holes in your carpet. Look for cable management solutions and built-in power outlets for added value.

Consider pairing your standing desk with the HP E24 Conferencing Monitor for crisp Full HD visuals and an adjustable stand for ergonomic viewing angles. HP EliteDesk Mini PC is another option to save desk space without compromising performance. The HP Thunderbolt Dock offers multiple ports for improved desk organisation.

Productivity-Boosting Accessories

Multi-monitor setups are a must-have, letting you switch contexts without continuously flipping between tabs. You can keep essential apps like email, chat, and call software open on one screen while doing your actual work on the other. External monitors reduce eye strain by offering better resolution and larger screen sizes than just a laptop.

Read our best monitors guide to find the best monitor for your workspace. For ultimate viewing comfort, consider splurging on the 34” wide-quad HD HP P34. 

Ergonomic keyboards and mice are essential for greater flexibility in device placement. They also support hand and wrist position, reducing strain during prolonged use. Opt for devices with long battery life and standard connectivity options like Bluetooth, which work with any monitor or laptop. For example, The HP Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo provide a built-in palm rest and contoured mouse design for complete comfort at a very affordable price!

Organisation and Efficiency Tools

Docking stations are essential for anyone looking to reduce the clutter of chargers and adapters on their desk. They allow you to connect various peripherals and external drives through a single hub, simplifying your setup and making it easier to switch between different devices. 

When purchasing, look for compact docking stations with extensive connectivity options and more ports. They should also have high charging power and support multiple monitors for flexibility. Pluggable and Kensington are competitive options, but the HP Thunderbolt Dock with 120W capacity, four-monitor support, and over a dozen ports is hands-down the best on the market!

To fully Mary Kondo your workspace, complement your docking station with a cable management solution. It improves the aesthetics, prevents potential hazards, and prolongs cable life. Look for:

• Cable ties and clips to prevent cables from tangling.

• Cable management boxes to protect cables from dust and damage.

• Under-desk cable trays to keep cables off the floor.

4cabling has a range of solutions to fit every kind of setup.

Audio and Communication Enhancements

Noise-cancelling headphones are indispensable if you work in a noisy or shared environment with kids and pets. Popular options include the Bose QuietComfort series and the Sony WH-1000XM4, known for their superior noise-cancelling capabilities, excellent sound quality, and ergonomic comfort. 

If you attend multiple daily meetings, headsets with built-in microphones are a better option. They improve conversation quality while allowing you to move and present more comfortably. The HyperX Cloud III includes a detachable mic, 120-hour battery life, and many ergonomic and sound enhancements. Read more about HyperX headsets to make the best choice for your work.

A high-quality webcam is another crucial component for your virtual meetings. When choosing a webcam, keep the following features in mind:

• Resolution: Look for webcams that offer at least 1080p resolution for clear and sharp video quality.

• Frame rate: A higher frame rate (30 fps or above) ensures smooth video playback, reducing lag and stutter.

• Autofocus: Autofocus capabilities keep you in sharp focus, even if you move around during your calls.

• Low light performance: Webcams with good low light performance ensure you are visible even in dimly lit environments.

• Connectivity: Ensure the webcam is compatible with your computer's ports and operating system.

For example, the HP 320 FHD Webcam delivers crisp images and a 66º wide-angle view for a natural conversational feel and room for others to join in. It works instantly with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other video chat software.

Personalisation and Comfort Additions

A personal touch to your work desk can make Monday mornings more welcoming. Start with some warm lighting. Look for lamps with elegant designs, flexible arms, and multiple brightness settings.  Add Dyson lights with custom-engineered optics or BenQ desk lamps near your monitor. Drape a few fairy lights from your local Reject shop on your bookshelf for extra charm.

If your work requires you to switch between paper and screen, consider investing in a desk mat. Orbit Key and Journey Official desk mats make it convenient to keep all those scattered sheets organised and can charge your phone, too! HP Smart Tank All-in-One Printer is another must-have—you can scan or print as needed.

Consider adding an IKEA Skadis Pegboard and Muji Acrylic Drawer Units to your desk for more decor. You can customise both, so you have different storage areas for your eyewear, watches, pens, jewellery, and other knickknacks—accessories uniquely you! 

Tech Gadgets for Efficiency

Data backup and storage are critical to avoid losing important work. Cloud storage solutions are effective, but sometimes, extra personal storage becomes necessary. A reliable external storage drive lets you store large files without overloading your computer's internal storage. Look for drives with 1TB+ storage capacity, speed, durability, and encryption. You can pick up Western Digital My Passport, Seagate, Samsung, or any other SSD drive from your local Officeworks.

Depending on your work profile, you may also want a digital notebook and pen for note-taking or digital art. These devices can simultaneously capture written notes and audio, making them invaluable for meetings and brainstorming sessions. The HP Elite x360 is the gold standard in performance, collaboration, and connectivity for office workers on the go.

Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest can help you manage your schedule, set reminders, quickly access information, and more—making your workday more enjoyable.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Options

Some green decor can refresh your workspace while supporting the environment. Add some indoor succulents or potted plants on your desk. Bunnings sells a range of decor with live plants—check out this cute owl as an example.

Another way to be eco-friendly is to look for accessories made of sustainable materials, such as biodegradable phone and tablet cases and mice and keyboards made from recycled plastic. All HP accessories are made of 75% or more recycled plastic! Biome brings a range of sustainable pens, paper, and other office products on one platform.

Conclusion

Whether you work part-time or full-time remotely, investing in the right tools and accessories can help you stay comfortable and motivated. Create your workspace thoughtfully from the start. Opt for ergonomic designs that support your well-being and align with sustainable practices. Incorporate elements that combine charm with organisation. With some planning, you can craft a workspace that reflects your style and meets your professional needs!