Equipping remote employees with the right tools is critical to maintaining productivity, comfort, and consistency. While many businesses focus on providing laptops and internet stipends, it’s often the overlooked supplies—like ergonomic gear, printing tools, or everyday essentials—that make or break the remote work experience.
Whether you’re building remote onboarding kits or setting up a reimbursement policy, here are the most essential office supplies your team needs—plus where to find them for less.
- Ergonomic Gear for Healthy Work Habits
Remote workers often deal with non-ideal workspaces, especially if they’re working from couches, kitchen counters, or small apartments. Basic ergonomic tools can improve posture and comfort:
- Laptop stands or risers
- External keyboards and mice
- Wrist rests and lumbar cushions
Brands like Kensington and Ergotron specialize in affordable ergonomic equipment. Providing these items proactively can reduce fatigue and prevent long-term strain.
- Desk Supplies That Mirror the Office
Don’t assume employees have access to everyday tools. Remote kits should include:
- Pens, notepads, highlighters
- Sticky notes or whiteboards
- Desktop organizers and file folders
If you’re ordering these items in bulk or letting employees self-purchase, consider having them earn cashback with a Staples gift card or get rewards with an Office Depot gift card to help offset the costs. Both brands offer fast shipping to residential addresses.
- Compact Printing and Scanning Solutions
While most work is digital, some roles require printing or signing documents. Lightweight all-in-one printers from Brother or Canon are ideal for home use. Supply refills like ink and paper can also be purchased efficiently when you earn cashback with an Office Depot gift card.
If managing multiple reimbursements gets messy, businesses can issue digital gift cards via Fluz directly to employees.
- Reliable Tech Accessories
Video calls and online collaboration are central to remote work, so make sure team members are set up with:
- Noise-canceling headphones
- External microphones or webcams
- USB hubs or docking stations
Top brands include Jabra, Logitech, and Anker. These accessories improve professionalism in meetings and help reduce technical hiccups.
- Power Strips and Surge Protection
Prevent damage to expensive devices by supplying surge protectors or charging stations. This is especially helpful for employees with limited outlets or using shared spaces. You can get rewards with a Staples gift card when buying power accessories for your team.
- Internet and Wi-Fi Optimization Tools
Employees working in large homes or shared apartments may need Wi-Fi extenders, mesh routers, or ethernet cables. Brands like TP-Link and Netgear offer remote-friendly solutions that improve connection reliability—especially important for roles with heavy video conferencing.
- Organization and Planning Aids
A clean, structured workspace helps remote employees stay focused. Popular tools include:
- Planners and calendars
- Cable organizers and desk trays
- Monitor risers with built-in drawers
For maximum savings, employees can earn cashback with a Staples gift card when purchasing these organizational tools individually.
- Consider Stipends Paired with Cashback Tools
If managing supply logistics is too complex, consider offering a monthly or quarterly stipend. Encourage employees to stretch that allowance by using cashback platforms like Fluz, which lets them get rewards with an Office Depot gift card or earn cashback with a Staples gift card for every purchase.
This gives your team the flexibility to choose what they need—while helping your business reduce overall costs.
A fully equipped remote worker is a more productive and engaged employee. By investing in high-impact essentials—and using cashback platforms to cut costs—you can create a remote experience that rivals the best in-office setups.
