4 Things Every Accountant Needs at Their Desk

You spend a lot of time at work. Your desk is practically a second home, which means you should make it as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. To that end, we’ve put together a list of four things every accountant should keep at their desks to make the time you spend at work better.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

When it’s time to buckle down and focus on your work, you need to be able to control your environment as much as possible. That means you need to be able to block out the sounds of your busy office—printers whirring, phones ringing, co-workers chatting. And unless you prefer total silence, noise-canceling headphones are going to be your best option. Noise-canceling headphones come in all kinds of shapes and sizes (as a well as a variety of price points) so you can find a pair that suits your preferences. Best of all, they’re easy to use; just plug them in and only listen to what you want to, no matter how noisy your office is.

A Nice Keyboard and Mouse

Accountants spend a ridiculous number of hours at their computers. Your computer is your primary workspace, and you should make that workspace as comfortable as you reasonably can—including the way you interact with your computer. A keyboard and mouse can easily be overlooked as the least important part of your computer, but those are the pieces that you touch, tap, and hold all day long. Your interface with your computer shouldn't feel like it was made as cheaply as possible.

So treat yourself to something nicer than the flimsy stock keyboard that came with your computer. You could get a programmable keyboard that will allow you to open programs at the touch of a button instead of digging through menus. Or maybe you would prefer a nice mechanical keyboard with just the right tactile response that makes typing a pleasure. Whatever it is you like, find it and make sure it makes it onto your desk.

Computer Glasses

Computer glasses are a must-have for anyone who spends more than a few hours staring at their computer screen each day. This is especially true if you find that your eyes feel tired or strained after a long day of work. If you’re getting dry eyes and headaches every day, stop taking so much Motrin and grab yourself a pair of computer glasses. They don’t have to be complicated or fancy. Computer glasses are essentially reading glasses designed to focus at slightly further distances than traditional reading glasses. That means that it’s easy to find a nice pair for under $20, so there’s no excuse not to keep a pair or two at your desk.

Insulated Water Bottle

Coffee, water, tea, soda—whatever kind of beverage you like to keep at your desk, an insulated water bottle will keep it the right temperature for you. Thanks to a surge in popularity in the last few years, you can find insulated water bottles in every shape, size, and price point imaginable. Whether you prefer classic, trendy, or cheap, there’s an insulated water bottle out there for you. So ditch that flimsy paper cup and get yourself something stylish and reusable.