While most of your work may happen on a screen, having a few key stationery items on your desk can still come in handy. You might not notice it, but the accessories can quietly help you stay organised, focused, and on top of your tasks.
Whether you’re managing a team, or just trying to get through your own workload, having the right stationery nearby can make things feel a lot less chaotic and help you stay on top of your priorities.
Here’s a guide to some of the stationery items you might find helpful.
Notebooks and notepads
Even if you do most of your work digitally, a notebook or notepad can still be surprisingly useful. You might need it to jot down ideas during a meeting, sketch out a concept, or keep track of your daily to-do list. There’s something about physically writing things down that can help you remember them better, and it can also make your thoughts feel more organised.
When choosing a notebook, you might prefer thicker pages that don’t bleed through when you’re using your favourite pen, or a sturdy cover that can survive being tossed in a bag. Some people like lined pages, others prefer blank ones. It’s all about what helps you focus.
If you manage a team or have client-facing meetings, having a few professional-looking notebooks on hand can also be useful. They can help you appear organised and prepared, and even make taking notes during meetings feel a little more polished.
Pens and highlighters
You probably don’t think about it often, but having a good selection of pens can make a real difference when you need them. You might prefer a smooth ballpoint for everyday writing, or gel pens for neat notes. Each of these options can make writing easier and even a bit more enjoyable.
Highlighters are another small tool that can make your life easier. You don’t need a whole rainbow of colours, but having two or three can help you quickly mark important points in reports, documents, or your own notes. You might even find it helpful to assign each colour a purpose.
One little tip: if you tend to misplace pens, keeping a small cup or desk holder can prevent having to search high and low every time you need to write something down.
Sticky notes and page markers
Sticky notes have stood the test of time, and there’s a reason for it. You can use them for quick reminders, to flag important pages in documents, or even to leave short messages for colleagues without writing directly on official papers.
Colour-coded sticky notes can also help you organise your tasks visually. For example, you might use one colour for personal tasks, another for team tasks, and a third for follow-ups.
Page markers work in a similar way, making it easier to jump straight to the section you need. When you’re reviewing large documents, having just a few page markers on hand saves a lot of time
For managers, sticky notes and markers can also help guide team members’ attention to key points in shared files so you don’t have to explain everything verbally.
Organisational tools
Folders, binders, and desk trays might not be the most exciting part of stationery, but they can make a huge difference to how you work. A simple system for sorting files can save you from the stress of rummaging through piles of papers at the last minute.
Things like colour-coded folders, labelled binders, or even small desk trays can help you keep things in order. You might notice that once everything has its place, you spend less time searching for papers and more time focusing on the work that matters.
Though most offices are mostly digital, having a few physical folders or trays for urgent papers or documents can make your workspace feel more manageable.
Desk accessories
The things on your desk might seem minor, but they often make a big difference. Paper clips, staplers, scissors, and rulers can save you a lot of time and frustration if they’re easily accessible. Even something as simple as a pen holder or cable organiser can make your desk feel a lot tidier.
You don’t need every possible accessory, but having the essentials close at hand can help make your everyday tasks go smoother.
Technology-friendly stationery
Some stationery works well alongside your digital tools. You might find reusable notebooks handy for jotting down notes that can later be scanned and stored electronically.
Whiteboards and wall planners are also useful for team projects or brainstorming sessions. They allow you to map out and update plans in real time, and keep your ideas somewhere visible. They also give you a flexible way to move between analogue and digital work without losing track of anything.
Even if most of your tasks are online, having a few stationery items that complement your tech setup can make it easier to organise, track, and communicate ideas.
Personalised touches
Adding a few personal items to your desk can make your workspace feel more comfortable and motivating. A funkopop from your favourite TV show, a family photo or keepsake has the power to improve your mood and your day-to-day focus, however subtle.
It’s these little touches that can help create a welcoming office for employees and clients. They don’t change the work itself, but they can make your environment feel less sterile and more enjoyable.
Finding What Works for You
Every office is different, and what works for one person might not suit you. It’s worth experimenting to see what truly helps you stay organised and productive.
Over time, you might notice patterns in what you reach for most. Maybe a certain notebook works best for meetings, or a particular type of pen makes taking notes feel faster and smoother. Make sure to stock up on your preferred stationery so you’re always prepared.