How to Become an Office Superhero: 10 Things to Keep in Your Desk that Will Make You Popular at Work

Underneath my skirt suit is a leotard suit that bears a big "O" in the center.

That's right, folks. I am an office superhero. The cubicle is my lair.

When I hear cries of distress from the metropolis I call my office, I strip down into my superhero attire and fly through the halls to the rescue of whoever is in danger.

When I returned to the workforce after taking two full years off work to finish my degree, I came to my cubicle armed with a shoebox full of things that I knew I'd need from time to time during the workday.

Then, as my time at the office progressed, I noticed that more often than myself needing the items in the shoebox in my bottom desk drawer, I was 'lending' them to coworkers.

Here are ten things to always have on hand in your cubicle or office that can help you come to the rescue of a coworker. Keep these on hand and all your coworkers will know where to go when disaster strikes:

1. Tampons

Why does it always seem like us women are always unprepared for our monthly visitor? Sure, the ladies room vending machine may sell generic pads and tampons for a dime, but isn't just more comfortable to have a better quality brand? Women co-workers are always whispering to their fellow females, asking if they have a feminine product. Having one on hand could just save your co-worker embarrassment!

2. Band-Aids

This is a big one! In today's fast-paced office people are filing faster, sifting through paperwork faster which means one thing: papercuts. By keeping a stash of bandages in your desk, you are sure to be a lifesaver for your bleeding buddy. Aside from papercuts, there could be lunchtime mishaps with a butter knife, lost battles with an office machine or another boo-boo-causing calamity.

3. Safety Pin

Buttons bounce off. Bras break. Zippers fail. Help keep your wardrobe-malfunction-having coworker clothed by having a safety pin handy. Literally keep him or her together for the rest of the day, literally taking them to safety.

4. Gum or Breathmints

"Oh my God. I just had a tuna hoagie for lunch and my appointment is here!" you're coworker screams. Sounds like a job for the office superhero! Having a stash of breathmints can halt halitosis is seconds, saving your coworker from breathing onion, tuna or just plain bad breath on a client or supervisor.

5. Spare Change

"Does anyone have change for a $20?" Sounds like a coworker is dying of thirst, but cannot retrieve anything from the vending machine. Ta-da! Maybe you don't have change for a $20, but having a cup 'o coins stashed in your desk, you can present the change necessary to quench the needs of your parched partner.

6. Nonperishable Food

"I am sooooo hungry! But I don't have time to go to lunch." Or, "I am starving but I'm strapped until payday." No problem. By keeping some food in your desk, such as oatmeal packets, mac-n-cheese cups, cup-o-noodles or cans of soup, you can qualm the hunger pangs of your office mate by offering them a quick and easy lunch option. After all, having someone starve to death underneath your watch as office superhero would not be very responsible.

7. Antacids

Heartburn and gas are two things that can make for a very uncomfortable day at the office. Having Tums or Rolaids on hand can literally relieve your coworkers. In fact, there will be a new way to spell relief: (Insert your name here!)

8. Pain Killers

What superhero would want one of its faithful to endure unnecessary suffering? Who doesn't suffer from the occasional office headache? It seems that no one ever has the over-the-counter pain medication they need when that headache strikes either. Keeping your desk stocked with Advil, Tylenol or your favorite pill is sure to help you keep your office superhero status.

9. Cough Drops

Whether a coworker's cough is getting in their way of their phone calls, or if their through is just dry from the AC, being able to offer up a cough drop is a soothing way to help them get through the day. Keep a flavor on hand that most people like, such as orange or cherry.

10. Saline Solution/Rewetting Drops

Dry mouths aren't the only things arid in the office. Contact lens wearers often suffer from dry eyes. Or, contact lens wearers can get things caught in their eyes. Not having saline solution readily available can be disastrous, as it is not recommended to use water on lenses. Being able to squirt some saline can save someone's sight!

Tip: Keep the above items in stock. If you run out of an item, you can longer achieve superhero status.

So, if you want to become an office superhero, stock your lair with these items. And remember, the office life you could be saving could even end up being your own!

The big "O" leotard is of course optional.