What’s On My Desk?
As a remote team at Monday Talent, we want our employees to have a work from home setup that makes them feel comfortable and motivated. We’ll admit, we all have those days where we just need to sit on the couch with our computers in our laps, but for those marathon days filled with Zoom meetings, it’s critical that we set ourselves up for success. Using Monday Talent’s work-from-home stipend, our team shows how they organize their work-from-home setup.
Miller
On a normal day how many drinks do you have on your desk and what are your favorites?
On a normal day, I usually have my Yeti with hot turmeric tea, dandelion tea, or Immune System Stress Relief tea w ashwagandha. If I’m not drinking tea, my Monday water bottle (or wine glass) is usually filled with water, lemon, and vital proteins. Only one drink on my desk at a time though!
What's a must-have non-work related desk item that you always have on hand?
I would say my seashell with rings inside.
What keeps you comfortable and motivated at your desk?
My Sonos speaker - whenever I feel super anxious, I put my music on shuffle and let it rip. It’s hidden behind my monitor (on purpose). My neighbors definitely hate me by now. Sometimes you have to belt out a song before replying to that email.
What's your favorite part of your desk setup?
My tiny mirror. A friend gifted it to me, and I like to check my face before any zoom call.
What would others maybe consider odd about something on your desk?
Hmmm, I keep random baby pictures under my monitor or this anklet I got myself for the summer and still need to take out of the box!
What's something you can't see in this picture that is a need when working at your desk?
A handwritten note from my mom’s stationery. It makes me feel special and reminds me how much I wanted my own desk and to be a “businesswoman” as a little girl.
Gabby
On a normal day how many drinks do you have on your desk and what are your favorites?
I typically have three drinks, a morning coffee, a water bottle, and a mid-day coffee because I forgot I made myself a morning coffee.
What's a must-have non-work related desk item that you always have on hand?
I always have a lip mask by my desk to keep my lips nice and moisturized.
What keeps you comfortable and motivated at your desk?
Having minimal items on my desk keeps me from getting distracted. My daily planner also keeps me motivated to finish tasks I created for myself in the morning.
Off the record - I don't really have a comfy desk. I prefer working from the couch but I also have a cozy blanket on deck at all times in case I get cold throughout the day.
What's your favorite part of your desk setup?
I get to see my little fishies to keep me calm and less stressed throughout the workday.
What would others maybe consider odd about something on your desk?
I have a 'mute me' button that was gifted to me as a gag gift but it turned out to be pretty practical for meetings!
What's something you can't see in this picture that is a need when working at your desk?
I have a screen monitor which has been a complete lifesaver for me for candidate calls and meetings. I can't imagine going back to just my laptop!
Olivia
On a normal day how many drinks do you have on your desk and what are your favorites?
2-3. One: always water. Two: likely some kind of herbal tea or lemon water. I'm on a caffeine detox right now so typically, this would be a matcha latte. Three: coconut water OR an Olipop (my fave flavors are grape and cream soda).
What's a must-have non-work related desk item that you always have on hand?
My desk crystals for good luck.
What keeps you comfortable and motivated at your desk?
My comfy chair and my iPad to physically take notes on.
What's your favorite part of your desk setup?
My second screen! I CAN NOT work efficiently without it.
What would others maybe consider odd about something on your desk?
For some, it might be my crystals. For others, it might be the 4 pairs of eyeglasses I unnecessarily have on my desk.
What's something you can't see in this picture that is a need when working at your desk?
My dog Effy! She'll forever be my favorite coworker.
Zuri
On a normal day how many drinks do you have on your desk and what are your favorites?
On a normal day, I tend to have water and tea but if I’m super tired I’ll throw a Celsius in the mix.
What's a must-have non-work related desk item that you always have on hand?
A non-related work item I must have are my headphones and a forearm grip.
What keeps you comfortable and motivated at your desk?
My stool helps keep me comfortable since it helps with my bad back from basketball. In terms of motivation, I use the music in my headphones to help me accomplish tasks better.
What's your favorite part of your desk setup?
My favorite part of my desk is the light on the ceiling. It helps brighten the whole entire room.
What would others maybe consider odd about something on your desk?
Some people might consider my forearm grip odd since it is so random.
What's something you can't see in this picture that is a need when working at your desk?
Not pictured in the photo is my remote. I love background noise whenever I work.
Jamie
On a normal day how many drinks do you have on your desk and what are your favorites?
My doctor told me I am over-hydrated, so you can expect a lot of drinks on my desk. I start with water, then workout and have water with electrolytes. Then I have two iced teas, followed by more (and more) water.
What's a must-have non-work related desk item that you always have on hand?
Moisturizer! Essential this time of year (in LA) when the temperature dips below 70 degrees and it gets a tad dryer.
What keeps you comfortable and motivated at your desk?
My Steelcase chair felt like an indulgent investment at the time but is without a doubt the best thing I have ever bought. Pictures of my family and having ESPN on in the background also helps tremendously.
What's your favorite part of your desk setup?
My super-wide super-monitor makes me super-productive.
What would others maybe consider odd about something on your desk?
My podcast-style microphone is a little elaborate but has been very helpful when working from home.
What's something you can't see in this picture that is a need when working at your desk?
My 1-year-old, Rafferty, who very often storms into my office unannounced for some mischief. He keeps me grounded and motivated.
