In 2020 our lives changed completely, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed what was considered the ‘norm’, and created new norms that molded the way we lived. One of these new norms is the work-from-home culture, and it has continued well into 2022. We’ve been working from our homes for almost a year now, and although we have adapted to it, it can be quite a bore at times. I, for one, am always looking out for options and ways to spice up my work-from-home routine. And I’ve found that adding new products to my desk setup can amp my productivity immensely. The desk accessories you place on your desk are an integral part of your home office. From a USB docking station to keep your desk cable-free to a desk mat that charges your phone – here’s a collection of interesting, super functional, and productivity-enhancing desk accessories that promise to be the best work-from-home investments of 2022!

1. COMM

COMM offers a touchscreen display that shows the different functions. The main functions are as follows: sharing information, reporting, expression of emotions, mutual understanding, and idea suggestions. Your home work environment can “feel” more like a real office with this simple device designed by South Korean designed Eunjeong with Fountain Studio.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can update your computer or maybe by a more comfortable and ergonomic workspace. The goal should always be speed and efficiency when it comes to working so in the area of communication, you must find a better way how to send messages across to a different party. The COMM is a concept device that can help people communicate from home. It’s a simpler way to send and receive messages, give feedback, and deliver what needs to be done. The result is increased work efficiency, especially with the angled screen for more comfortable viewing when sitting down.

What we like

• Helps improve creativity and productivity by showing the information you need sans any distraction
• Better than a smartphone or tablet, as it eliminates the temptation to check other apps

What we dislike

• Limited compared to face-to-face communication, but still not too bad!

What do you think?

2. M/Connect 2

Humanscale’s M/Connect 2 works on the principle that not all of these cables and USB devices aren’t created equal. Some are rarely removed once they’re plugged in, like power cords, monitor cables, and even wired keyboards.

Why is it noteworthy?

M/Connect 2 is designed like a clamp that attaches to an edge of a desk, preferably on the back, with ports above and below the table. The ports that are on the half underneath the desk are for cables and wires that can be conveniently hidden from view. The top half is practically a USB and Thunderbolt hub that provides the necessary ports for more transient devices and peripherals. This part is also modular so that the hub can be removed for repairs without having to disassemble the entire contraption.

What we like

• This USB docking station’s solution is to actually split the ports between these two kinds of cables and hide those that don’t change often

What we dislike

• No complaints!

3. Journey’s Desk Mat

Journey’s new desk mat includes a wireless charging component that supports Apple MagSafe tech, meaning that you can place a compatible iPhone or any Android phone that supports the Qi standard to charge it while keeping it within arm’s reach.

Why is it noteworthy?

The charging panel magnetically attaches to the sides of the mat, so you can actually move it to the left for those who prefer to pick up their phones with their left hand. Alternatively, you can even detach it completely and use it as a standalone charging mat. There’s also a groove for compatible AirPods cases, though that might not work with any other earbuds cases.

What we like

• The two different layers of materials can actually separate, creating a space to stash loose pieces of paper like single-page documents and sticky notes

What we dislike

• No complaints!

4. The Slope

The Slope is a “personal desktop whiteboard with pen” that you can slot right in between your monitor and your keyboard. So yes, it is simply a magnetic dry-erase whiteboard but instead of being on your wall or on the side, it is right in front of you and angled in such a way that it is perfect for your list-making or reminder-listing writing needs.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is made from bent steel sheets and is powder-coated so it’s pretty smooth and easy to use as well as giving you a premium dry-erase surface. It is also magnetic so you can attach your whiteboard markers if they’re magnetic. If not, there’s a space at the top to place them as well as space at the back to store your separate eraser. There’s a silicone phone holder if you need to have your mobile device in front of you and there’s also an opening in it so you can place your charger.

What we like

• If you’re not using your keyboard, you can slip it under the sloped whiteboard
• Smooth and easy to use

What we dislike

• You can’t save what you were writing into the cloud nor can you digitize it if you need to save what you wrote

5. Otis

This modular rack for your desk setup can be used in a standing position or hung from the desk underside too. The choice purely depends on the kind of available space and the use-case scenarios. The transition between different work modes can be easily adapted by the removable tray system which makes this desk organizer a must-have.

Why is it noteworthy?

Otis provides flexible customized spacing that helps you organize and categorize things. Making it much easier to access things. Sure, drawer organizers are an option, but they don’t always fit right, waste space, and add to the clutter in the long run. Otis solves this with movable dividers to maximize usable space.

What we like

• It can even be used as a desktop tray to keep things handy to switch between different tasks
• This desk tower rack is crafted out of powder-coated steel and has perforated detailing

What we dislike

• No complaints!

6. Modular Design Accessories

Obviously, Legos are the inspiration for this set of Modular Design accessories for your work area. Not only will they brighten up your space because of the colors but it also aims to give you a sense of play even as you’re working or studying.

Why is it noteworthy?

The various devices can be used on their own but can also be assembled together in various combinations in case you feel the need to mix it up and add some fun to a space that’s normally just associated with tasks and work.

What we like

• Some of the other accessories or modules are shown in the product renders include storage boxes where you can put small plants and also those cute minifigs of various characters

What we dislike

• No complaints!

7. Blazo

Many people try to be smart by buying multi-functional products or modular furniture that can be arranged and used as needed. Sometimes, the combinations make sense, but other times you can also be left scratching your head. This desk fan, for example, looks almost ordinary, that is until you flip the switch on to shed some light on matters, literally.

Why is it noteworthy?

At first glance, Blazo looks like an electric fan attached to a camera gimbal. The design for this unconventional arm and the stand was apparently an educational globe. The Blazo’s fan can swivel up and down 360 degrees, and it can also rotate 360 degrees so that no direction is left unreached. That does mean that the lamp can also point in the same direction, though you’ll probably want to keep the fan steady in that case unless you were aiming for a makeshift light show.

What we like

• Blazo runs on a rechargeable battery, and using the lamp alone can make it last for 8 hours

What we dislike

• No complaints!

8. Wobbler

Wobbler is a product concept for a penholder that looks the way it sounds. It’s a thingamajig to hold your pens and other small pieces of stationery and supplies. But instead of being stable and actually stationary, it wobbles around in order to amuse or distract you

Why is it noteworthy?

The cylindrical part that looks a bit like an hourglass is where the pens are placed. It’s transparent so you’ll still be able to see the various colors and designs of your pens, scissors, or whatever long office item you want to put there. There’s also space underneath that to put paper clips, staple wires, rubber bands, or other small items you want to keep nearby.

What we like

• There’s a section underneath that opens up as a small storage compartment to put erasers, small staplers, and other small items

What we dislike

• No complaints!

9. The Hanging Desk Organizer Set

Many productivity gurus advocate having a proper place on your desk, even for more “transient” objects that come and go. Some have a tray, a literal inbox, or even a basket, but those often take up precious space that could be used for more permanent things. They’re also a “one size fits all” kind of thing, so you can’t really use them for anything else or even arrange their parts unless you opted for a modular bin. The Hanging Desk Organizer Set solves all those problems by hanging over the edge of your desk and giving you the freedom to rearrange it to suit your needs.

Why is it noteworthy?

As with many seemingly magical modular systems, the secret to the rack’s trick is magnets, very strong magnets. The rack itself is made from sturdy steel and doesn’t actually have any distinct markings on its own. It looks like a square root or radical symbol, where its short flap sticks to the edge of your desk without screws or magnets. The V-shaped space is where you can place things like magazines, letters, files and folders, and more. You can even hang your book over the highest edge as a makeshift bookmark in case you need to quickly pause what you were reading.

What we like

• Intuitive organizing
• Magnetic cable holder

What we dislike

• No complaints!

10. The Madang Set

Madang is a collection of desk accessories that take inspiration from Korea’s forgotten traditional games, bringing an element of fun to some serious productivity tools.

Why is it noteworthy?

Some of the associations are almost direct, like Juldaligi, a wrist-stretching tool that is like a miniature form of a traditional Korean tug of war. A multipurpose tray’s dividers and containers make it look like a Sabang chigi playground that children would use in yards. A magnetic clip holder that looks both like a UFO and a hat is a nod to the Jeonlip hats used in a whimsical game of Sangmodoligi. And what better way to embody a see-saw-like game than with a clip that mimics that movement?

What we like

• The Madang set brings a tie to Korean culture
• These desk accessories bring to mind some popular Korean dishes, especially those that use eggs as a core ingredient

What we dislike

• No complaints!