Whether you’ve recently left academia or you’ve been working remotely for years, one thing quickly becomes clear: your workspace matters.
Many PhD-level professionals spend the majority of their day reading papers, analyzing data, writing reports, reviewing code, attending virtual meetings, or managing projects. Unlike a traditional office, your home workspace is entirely your responsibility. Investing in a few high-quality pieces of equipment can improve comfort, reduce fatigue, and make your workday significantly more enjoyable.
Below are some of the best home office essentials worth considering for remote professionals.
A Comfortable Ergonomic Chair
If you’re going to invest in one item, make it your chair.
It’s common for remote workers to spend eight or more hours sitting each day. A supportive ergonomic chair can reduce back pain, improve posture, and make long writing or meeting sessions much more comfortable. If you’re transitioning into an industry role after graduate school, this is one purchase you’ll likely appreciate every single day.
Recommended Amazon Products
- SIHOO M18 Ergonomic Office Chair – One of the best value ergonomic chairs, offering adjustable lumbar support, headrest, and armrests for around $180–250.
- Ticova Ergonomic Office Chair – A sleek option with adjustable lumbar support and a breathable mesh back, usually between $170–300.
- Hbada Ergonomic Office Chair – A sleek option with adjustable lumbar support and a breathable mesh back, usually between $170–300.
A Large External Monitor
Many academics transition into careers that involve juggling multiple applications at once. Whether you’re comparing datasets, reviewing manuscripts, coding, building presentations, or writing documentation, additional screen space makes a noticeable difference.
For most professionals, a 27-inch 4K monitor offers an excellent balance between productivity, image quality, and price. If your work involves spreadsheets, programming, data visualization, or extensive reading, you’ll wonder how you ever managed with a single laptop display.
Recommended Amazon Products
- Dell UltraSharp U2725QE 27″ 4K
- LG 27UP650K-W 27-inch UltraFine 4K UHD
- ASUS ProArt PA278QV 27″
- Samsung 27″ ViewFinity S7 (S70H) High-Resolution Monitor
A Height-Adjustable Standing Desk
Even if you don’t stand all day, having the option to alternate between sitting and standing can reduce fatigue and help you stay energized throughout long work sessions.
Standing desks have become increasingly common among remote professionals because they encourage movement without disrupting productivity.
Recommended Amazon Products
- FLEXISPOT Electric Standing Desk
- VIVO Standing Desk
- SHW Electric Standing Desk
- Vari Electric Standing Desk
A Quality Keyboard
If most of your day involves writing, coding, or responding to emails, you’ll appreciate a keyboard that’s comfortable to use. Mechanical keyboards are especially popular among programmers and technical professionals, while low-profile keyboards offer a quieter typing experience that many people prefer.
Recommended Amazon Products
You Don’t Need Everything at Once
One of the biggest misconceptions about remote work is that you need to build the perfect office immediately.
The reality is that most professionals improve their workspace gradually over time. If you’re just getting started, I’d prioritize an ergonomic chair, a quality monitor, and a comfortable keyboard and mouse. Those upgrades will likely have the biggest impact on your day-to-day comfort and productivity.
As your career grows, you can continue adding equipment that fits your work style and budget.
Affiliate Disclosure
After Your PhD participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I believe provide value for professionals building a productive home office.
Ryan Collins PhD is an SEO Strategist at Go Fish Digital. Ryan completed his PhD in Media Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington in 2021. During his time at Indiana University, Ryan eventually pivoted into a career in SEO and Digital Marketing after having informational interviews with working professionals in SEO, working on side projects, and gaining industry experience.