It's been around 323 days since the first movement control order (MCO) was announced and yesterday; the Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob, The movement control order (MCO), which is set to expire on Feb 4, will be extended for another two weeks with the implementation of stricter measures until Feb 18.

As for now, the details of the stricken measure yet to be disclosed but the current phase of the MCO will be different from the one imposed last year because small businesses will be allowed to continue operating.

Despite that, most of the company are abiding the rules and allowed their employees to be able to work from home and since it's not the first time; most of us are prepared this time and some even upgrading their workspace at home.

At start (and maybe now), there are some employers didn't 'trust' the process of working from home and saying their workers are not productive enough. To be fair, everyone working style are different, and there are some can perform really well and there are some that need that extra eye to watch them over.

Nevertheless, we recommended you to 'invest' with these top home office essentials that will help you to stay productive each and every day.

#1. Noise Cancelling Headphones

First thing that you need to remember; working from home meaning that you will need to report or keep the team updated. So, there will be a lot of conference call here and there and this when the headphones come in handy.

It's nice to have a noise-cancelling headphone within reach so that you are able to block out any unwanted noise and concentrate entirely on your work.

But remember, there's a limit to it too!

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), you need to keep your time with headphones on limited to one hour per day and never raise the volume on your listening device over 60% of the maximum.

#2. External hard drive

Whether you do most of your work on a computer or very little, this essential will still apply.

Most of the time, we are able to bring back our laptop home, but there are some are using desktop or maybe the company not allowing you to do so. Hence, having an external hard drive will be the best investment ever during this work from home period.

First of all, it is portable and easy to carry around. You can easily fit it in your daily bag or even handbag. Second, you have a back-up in case your laptop or PC decide to crash or something went missing. How about cloud sharing? Google drive, dropbox etc?

Yes, you can use it too but do remember that you will need an internet for that and some platform will allow you to store up until a certain amount - and they will charge you if you want additional space.

#3. A 'proper' work desk

One thing that you need to keep in mind when finding the 'proper' working desk is your working style and preferences. If you are okay spending 8 hours sitting on a beanbag and a small desk, it should be good. As long as you are comfortable with it.

For those who really need a desk (like me), investing in one would be a great idea for a long term. Normally, I would have my notes; reference book or maybe a few other things on the table to set the 'mood' for work.

#4. A good chair

Of course, when you have a table, you will need a chair.

A comfortable chair is one of the most important components of any office, so take time and care to select and invest in a good one.

Again, ergonomics and comfort count, so make sure you test the chair before making a purchase.

#5. A Water Bottle

Proper hydration is essential for optimal productivity and brain function. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day also will prevent dehydration, keeps your mind sharper, your skin clear, and keeps your energy levels up.

If you are well hydrated, there is a significant increase in the performance levels.

Take these statistics for example:

• Just a 1% drop in hydration could lead to a 12% drop in productivity.

• A 3% to 4% drop in hydration could lead to a drop in productivity of between 25% and 50%.”

So, to make sure that you are the most efficient and productive version of yourself, you need to be well hydrated.

Keeping water nearby ensures that we drink plenty throughout the work day, and a simple water bottle can help you do the same.

Working from home is a skill. It can be hard at first. But over time, with practice and some forward thinking, you can create a very productive and enjoyable working environment, just a few steps away from where you sleep.