Building Your Ideal Workday Carry Kit
- fotaquest
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Building Your Ideal Workday Carry Kit
By Lars Guo
Published: June 18, 2026
Opening Message: Hi folks! I hope you are all doing well! This blog shares my personal opinions on what employees and management may want to bring to work. Keep in mind that this list can vary greatly depending on your industry, workplace environment, and job responsibilities. This article will not include items that I recommend carrying every day in general. For more information on that topic, please check out my article here: https://fotaquest.wixsite.com/lgjinsei/post/everyday-carry-recommendations-for-daily-preparedness I hope you enjoy the article!
Lunch/Dinner: Food is extremely important, especially for people working shifts that are six hours or longer, and sometimes even five hours depending on your state regulations and break policies. Having proper nutrition helps you stay focused and maintain your energy throughout your shift. I recommend bringing a healthy meal with protein, vegetables, a drink, and perhaps a side item like fruit or pretzels that can help keep you full. Personally, I bring a ground beef and pork grain bowl containing brown rice, red peppers, green peppers, onions, carrots, and rehydrated cranberries, all cooked in chicken broth. I also bring a drink and pretzels for my break.
Water Bottle: Some workplaces provide water fountains or water dispensers, but having your own water bottle is still very useful. It allows you to refill it as needed and bring water directly to your workspace. Staying hydrated is important whether you're working or on break. I learned this lesson personally after not drinking enough water and having to leave work early. I also take advantage of the water jugs at Macy's to stay hydrated and complete my shifts feeling healthy and energized.
Backpack/Cooler: Having a backpack or cooler is helpful for transporting your meals and keeping food at safe temperatures depending on what you bring. It also provides a place to store work essentials and keeps everything organized. I usually carry my meals in an adult bento box inside my black work backpack.
Spare Uniform: If your workplace requires a uniform, having a backup can be very useful. You never know when you may be rushing out the door, spill something, or need a replacement unexpectedly. I always carry a spare Macy's work shirt in my backpack even though I have not needed to use it yet. It gives me peace of mind. It can also be useful if you happen to be nearby and are unexpectedly asked to cover additional hours.
Sweaters/Jackets: Weather can change unexpectedly, and workplace temperatures can vary. Having a sweater or jacket available can keep you comfortable without relying on borrowing one from someone else. I keep one in my work backpack and often use it after my shifts when temperatures drop.
Laptop/Tablet and Chargers: This category is highly dependent on your profession. Retail and food service positions often do not require them, while corporate, freelance, and office-related jobs may rely heavily on these devices. The type of laptop or tablet you need depends on the tasks you perform. Some workplaces even provide company equipment. Personally, I use my laptop for volunteer work, Udemy courses, resume development, and blogging.
Name Tag: A name tag helps customers, coworkers, and managers know who you are, especially if you are new to a workplace. It creates a more welcoming and professional environment. At my workplace, name tags are required while on the job.
Earbuds/Headphones: Earbuds and headphones are another situational item. Some workplaces permit employees to use them for calls or listening to music, while others prohibit them entirely. Even if you cannot use them during work hours, they are still useful during your commute. My job at Macy's does not allow earbuds because I work as a sales associate, and staying focused on customers is important.
Closing Message: What do you think about these ideas? Do you agree with my choices? Is there anything I missed that you would add to your workday carry kit? Let me know in the comments below! I hope you enjoyed the blog and I look forward to sharing the next one with you. Have a wonderful day and stay safe, happy, and prepared!
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