Flexibility is king in today’s highly dynamic and connected work culture. Many companies and clients are quite accommodating when it comes to where you want to work, as long as you respond promptly and get things done while you’re on the clock. This approach is quite popular in Singapore where, according to The Straits Times, 72.7 percent of firms offer flexible work arrangements. Aside from working from home, many professionals also search for a “coworking space near me” to set clear boundaries between their personal and work spaces.
Now, adopting a flexible work environment and being mobile means having everything you need in one bag. When you hot desk or work outside your home, you’re essentially building a mini office every time you sit down. To stay productive no matter where you are in Singapore, it pays to be prepared with an efficient, portable survival kit. Here’s a list of items that can help you ensure you’re being productive in your “office” for the day:
Bag Essentials
Your bag is your mobile base of operations, so it needs to be both sturdy and practical. Go for a lightweight backpack or tote that has enough compartments to keep everything organised. It should also be weather-resistant enough to handle Singapore’s tropical climate. Your bag should always have the following:
- Laptop and charger: These are non-negotiables. Your laptop is your main tool, and keeping it charged is crucial for uninterrupted work throughout the day.
- Wireless mouse and keyboard: This combination can make a huge difference in comfort, especially during long working hours. These items will also help you maintain better posture and work more efficiently.
- Laptop stand: A foldable stand will allow you to raise your screen to eye level, reducing neck strain and encouraging good posture. It also improves airflow by preventing your laptop from overheating.
- Multi-port USB adapter: Anticipate that not all desks will have the right ports. A USB-C hub or adapter allows you to connect external drives and charge your phone with ease.
- Portable power bank: This is great for charging your phone or wireless mouse when you’re nowhere near a socket. Choose one with a high capacity so it can serve you throughout the day.
- Universal charging cable: A single cable with multiple heads (USB-C, Lightning, micro USB) covers all devices. Having one reduces the need to carry multiple cables and helps keep your bag clutter-free.
Office Supplies
Even in a digital world, a few traditional office supplies still come in handy when hot desking. They add a personal touch and can be lifesavers during tech hiccups. Consider having these on hand in your mobile office of the day:
- Notepad and pens: These items are useful for quick notes, sketches, or brainstorming ideas on the fly. Sometimes, writing things down by hand helps you process ideas better.
- Sticky notes: These help with visual reminders or marking important pages or documents. You can also use them to label cables or note urgent tasks.
- Document folder: It keeps your papers, forms, and business cards neat and in good condition. If you deal with a lot of paperwork, choose a folder with dividers to stay organised.
- Name tag or desk label: This is particularly helpful in co-working spaces to signal your presence to colleagues or visitors. It adds a touch of professionalism and can help avoid awkward seat mix-ups.
Technology and Comfort
Comfort and productivity go hand in hand. You want to be able to create a zone of concentration, no matter how busy or noisy your surroundings may be. These items are all about helping you focus and work well in any environment.
- Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds: Perfect for staying focused in noisy cafes or shared offices, noise-cancelling earbuds also make video calls clearer by reducing background noise.
- Portable Wi-Fi device: This ensures you always have internet access, even if the space’s Wi-Fi is down or slow. It’s especially useful if you’re hopping between venues or working outdoors.
- Blue light blocking glasses: These glasses help prevent fatigue and headaches caused by prolonged exposure to blue light.
- USB fan or mini humidifier: Singapore’s weather can be unpredictable, and these compact devices will allow you to stay comfortable if it’s too hot outside or the air is too dry indoors.
- Cable organiser: Prevent your bag from becoming a tangled mess of wires by using a cable organiser. This tool can also help you set up or pack up quickly.
Personal Care and Hygiene
A little attention to personal care can boost your confidence, especially before face-to-face meetings. Feeling fresh and comfortable is essential when you’re working on the go. Keep a small pouch with these basics to stay sharp and prepared:
- Hand sanitiser: It’s always good to have this, especially after using shared equipment or facilities. Choose a compact bottle with a secure lid to prevent spills.
- Wet wipes or tissues: Wet wipes are ideal for quick clean-ups or freshening up before a meeting. They’re also useful in food courts or public transport.
- Face mask: This item is still useful in crowded places or if you’re feeling under the weather. Keep a few disposable ones on hand just in case.
- Reusable water bottle: Opt for an insulated bottle to keep your drink cool in the heat. Also, take note that Singapore water is perfectly safe to drink from the tap.
- Healthy snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit are great for keeping your energy up between meals. They’re compact, mess-free, and give you a quick boost without leaving your desk.
Working flexibly in Singapore promises you a lot of freedom as a professional from any industry, but it also means you’re responsible for creating your own work environment. With a well-packed office survival kit, you’ll be able to set up your workspace quickly, stay productive throughout the day, and move between locations with ease. Hot desking doesn’t have to feel like a downgrade—in fact, with the right gear, it can feel like an upgrade to a more empowered and mobile work style.
Guest writer
