Full-time remote work makes small ergonomic problems into chronic ones. Spend in the right order.
The priority order
1. Chair — adjustable height, lumbar support. The one item worth real money.
2. Second screen — the largest single productivity gain for most desk work.
3. Desk height — elbows at ninety degrees. A cheap riser fixes most setups.
4. Audio — a wired headset for calls.
5. Everything else.
The two free improvements
Position the desk so light comes from the side rather than behind the screen, and work somewhere with a door if you possibly can. Separation between work and rest matters more than equipment.
Ask for the budget
Many remote employers have an equipment allowance and do not advertise it. Ask in the first week.
Common questions
What should I buy first for a home office?
A proper adjustable chair. It is the item with the longest-term health consequences.
Will my employer pay for equipment?
Often, up to a budget. Ask during onboarding; many companies do not mention it unless asked.