Working

When looking at a room most people’s first impression are the large elements, windows, views, furniture etc... but a crucial player in the way that we perceive a space is lighting. Sometimes it can be elusive such as a space with beautiful natural daylight or subtle lighting that creates a more intimate ambiance. More than just environmental, good lighting is functional in the way it can improve your productivity, helping you work and focus better in your space. Good lighting is art and science–and a complicated topic. But let’s break it down into three areas and give some action steps so that you can apply basic lighting principles to your home office environment.

The two most important pieces of furniture for your home office are a desk that supports the type of work you do and how you like to work and an ergonomic chair that is comfortable for you. Beyond that, what would be another piece of furniture that would give the most impact? In my experience, there are three with infinite variations that are contenders. Each is a great choice depending on your personal needs and style. Also, keep in mind that you can also be creating a Zoom background that is ready whenever a video call pops onto your calendar. The three choices for upgrading your home office are: the bookcase, the credenza, and the table.

Does the word minimalist evoke stark cold spaces or tiny house living? While both could be considered minimalism, at its core, minimalism is simply the conscious choice of taking control or choosing the important things. As with anything, minimalism can be taken to an extreme. But you can visualize it on a sliding scale.

When I first joined the #WFHStyleSquad I told ya’ll to stay tuned for some big things. And they’re finally here! Over the past few months, the squad and I have been working together to design spaces that work for the nearly 77% of people who are working remotely and hybrid. I’m so excited to share what the team has come up with – all created using products from Staples!

By now, our home offices seem less like a temporary fix and more like the future of work itself. We all have our setups: the desk, the chair, the lamp — but a great WFH space needs more than just the essentials. It needs a little innovation, some top tech and (most importantly) a bit of personality! May 17, we’re celebrating National Work from Home Day by asking 10 Staples US Retail associates from all across the company (and country) to tell us about the product or solution that makes working from home a pleasant, productive experience for them. Check out these associate-selected products to help our customers upgrade their home office spaces using the must-have products listed below.

Have a small space that you want to do big things with? Us too! We love our garden apartment. It’s a mother-in-law suite tucked away in the quietest part of our house and overlooks our backyard. We use it to host friends when they need a space to work, and we even work in there too. Here’s how we did it into a space that works for us:

I run a small business. I’m on a television show. And I’m a mother of four. Needless to say, life can be pretty busy. But I make it work, and I’m not the only one! Every day, people across the world are caught balancing so many things on their to-do lists. It can be overwhelming — but it can be much easier when you make a plan. And my home office is where I manage the chaos and make my best plans to tackle what’s on my plate. Here’s how I do it:

Spring is here, and there’s no better time for an office refresh — especially if you work from home! Many of us have been staring at the same four walls for quite some time, and I speak from experience when I say that a well-designed space can really make all the difference for your productivity and creativity! When your office looks and feels good, you feel good. So here are a few ways I’m changing up my home office this spring:

Spring is ready to be “sprung” in many areas and along with that comes the tradition of spring cleaning. In addition to your closet and your garage, we bet your desk could use a little tidying up as well. Studies show clutter on your desk can lead to higher levels of stress at work. With a small amount of effort, you can make it more functional, create space, and promote productivity. Follow these simple tips, and you'll have a clean desk in no time:

As an entrepreneur running several home-based businesses, even pre-pandemic, my professional and personal lives often blur. Once the pandemic hit, many of you ended up in the same spot and are probably still having some challenges trying to blend the work environment into your personal lives and trying to shift from “work” to home mode can make self/family care increasingly difficult. During the pandemic, I worked hard to sharpen my skills and manage how we work with efficient, effective productivity while also honoring the commitment to and desire for a healthy, happy household. Here are some tips for you to more effectively manage the “blur”:

You might be part of the 74% of U.S. workers who are now working in a hybrid model – some days in the office, some days from home. In the past, working in one space gave you a sense of certainty, you knew how you planned your day, and you were also visible to those that could be helpful to your career advancement. If you are now working hybrid, how do you stay productive when working between two spaces and how do you stay relevant and visible to stay top of mind for advancement opportunities? Here are seven ways you can stay productive and relevant in a hybrid work environment: 

The Pandemic has drastically changed how we connect and engage in business.  WFH and remote meetings have made “Zoom” a verb and forced us to consider how we look and act on camera.  And while “Zoom Fatigue” may be real, it’s clear that virtual meetings are here to stay. So here are 5 easy ways to look more professional in your video meetings - whether you’re a presenter, a panelist, or a participant.

With work from anywhere now part of our culture, more people than ever are enjoying the flexibility of “remote days” somewhere other than home. A fan favorite? The local coffee shop! Whether you just want a change of scenery or are meeting up with a coworker for a cappuccino, make sure you’re packed for productivity.   Print out this checklist before your next café workday. Then sip back and get to work. 

Even if you’re a frequent flyer or a regular road warrior, it never hurts to be reminded of the items you can’t leave home without. The worst feeling is to plan to work on that 6 hour coast to coast flight only to realize that your battery on your computer is dead and you forgot your charging cord! Print out this checklist to help you pack for productivity, wherever you’re traveling. 

BC (before COVID) I traveled at least twice a month, sometimes more, I was constantly running back and forth to the airport and in hotels as I delivered keynote speeches and visited clients.  I had a travel “go bag” packed with all the essentials I would need.

Hey everyone – it’s Jasmine Roth here! I’m excited to announce something big I’ve been working on: I’m leading Staples’ new WFH Style Squad! Together, the squad (who I’ll tell you more about below) and I will help people find their own unique remote workspace style. With so many of us now working from home in some capacity, it’s more important than ever to create a workspace that inspires you. Staples has the products and services to help you with the total solution, from the desks and chairs to the smallest accessories. I can’t wait!

Hey everyone – it’s Jasmine Roth here! I’m excited to announce something big I’ve been working on: I’m leading Staples’ new WFH Style Squad! Together, the squad (who I’ll tell you more about below) and I will help people find their own unique remote workspace style. With so many of us now working from home in some capacity, it’s more important than ever to create a workspace that inspires you. Staples has the products and services to help you with the total solution, from the desks and chairs to the smallest accessories. I can’t wait!

The pandemic has changed a lot of things about how we do our work — none so notable as the shift to remote work. While it took a lot of testing and learning at first, 65% of remote workers now say they would like to stay that way indefinitely.