7 essential elements for a comfortable office space that boosts productivity

There’s no reason to feel uncomfortable at work for anyone who has chosen a career in content creation, marketing, or similar fields. While crafting and executing creative strategies might push you outside your comfort zone mentally, your physical workspace should be a haven of comfort, enabling you to perform at your best.

Here’s how my workspace currently looks, but of course, what’s comfortable is a personal choice.

Defining a Comfortable Office Space

As a creator and content strategist, I define a comfortable office space as an environment that empowers me to get things done efficiently and while being positioned correctly. The tasks that fall under the umbrella of “getting things done” are diverse, including:

• Conducting keyword research
• Writing compelling content
• Producing engaging podcasts
• Developing content plans and strategies
• Crafting persuasive landing pages
• Launching impactful email campaigns
• Attending meetings (but not those that could’ve been an email)
• Livestream

My office space must be adaptable and supportive to accommodate this wide range of tasks. While it may seem obvious, it’s worth emphasizing because not all workspaces are designed with comfort and productivity in mind. Open-office layouts with unassigned desks, for instance, can hinder comfort and focus. Sure, I can tote my laptop around, but I work best with a dedicated, personalized office setup. My home-office setup works for me.

That includes a mix of practical – like good lighting – and also looks, which can be accomplished with a small fake office plant.

Read next: Simple Cable Management Ideas to Try

The Importance of a Comfortable Workspace

There’s no doubt that companies should prioritize performance. To foster a culture of content performance, it’s crucial to create an environment – including the physical workspace – that empowers team members to do their best work.

Read next: Home office furniture ideas to improve your work-from-home setup

Creating a Cozy Office Space In-Office and At Home

When purchasing office equipment in bulk for your company, consider retailers like Samsung that offer discounts on items such as laptops, computer storage, and monitors. But, please remember that what works for one person might not work for another. 

For individual office needs, browse through my curated list of 80-plus office product recommendations .

My Personal Comfortable Office Space Setup

For me, driving performance through a conducive workspace boils down to a few key elements:

1. The Chair

I swear by my gaming chair. No, I’m not a middle-aged gamer, but I love the comfort it provides. How did I survive decades in office chairs without a headrest? Wild! Choose a chair that fits your body and includes the features you need. Some even come with massage pillows for your back! 

A chair with massage pillow is even more comfortable.

Office chairs have also come a long way in terms of ergonomics and comfort.

I use armrest pads to optimize my arm positioning further.

2. The Desk

My desk setup revolves around my MacBook Pro connected to two large monitors. One monitor serves as my primary workspace, while the other shows my email, instant messaging, and any windows or apps not currently in use.

I use a VariDesk that sits atop another desk, allowing me to transition between sitting and standing positions easily.

There are numerous other sit-stand desk options available to suit your preferences. While some enjoy working from their couch, and there are ways to set up a couch desk, I wouldn’t recommend it as your primary workspace.

3. Positioning

How you arrange your workspace matters. Personally, I love having a window view. In my home office, I can gaze outside, soak up some natural light, and see who’s entering the room. This setup might not be feasible in an office setting, so prioritize what’s most important to you.

A small footrest enhances my comfort while working at my computer.

4. Treadmill 

While perhaps not an essential element of comfortable office space, an office treadmill might be a game-changer if you’re someone who walks during phone calls or can’t sit still for hours. Mine easily slides under my desk when I want to walk and tucks away when sitting or standing at my desk.

5. Personalization

Every workspace should be tailored to the individual employee’s comfort preferences. This requires some flexibility within a budget, but it’s doable. Sometimes, an employee’s preferred products might even be more cost-effective than the company planned to purchase. Personal photos, awards, or artwork can add the right personal touch. I have a fake plant behind me that’s visible during video calls, adding a touch of visual appeal to my office setup.

In my background, you can see football helmets and sound panels. The panels certainly have a functional and aesthetic place.

6.  Standing mat

I would highly recommend standing on a padded mat when standing. It really helps make the environment more comfortable.

7. Lighting

Poor lighting is just not going to work for me. On the other hand, well-designed lighting can boost mood, reduce fatigue, and enhance the overall work experience. I use indirect lighting through floor lamps during most of the day. 

Whenever possible, I try to maximize natural light in my workspace. Studies have shown that natural light is indeed helpful. 

In my home office, I’m fortunate to have a window to get my natural light source. I’ve positioned my desk so that the window is in front of me, providing a pleasant view and some illumination. When the sun is too bright, I use adjustable shades to control the light entering the room, ensuring a comfortable working environment throughout the day.

When I go live, I use several ring lights lighting me up directly. I wouldn’t recommend having them on beyond livestreams, though.

By investing in proper lighting for your workspace, you can experience numerous benefits, including:

• Reduced eye strain and headaches
• Improved mood and decreased fatigue
• Enhanced productivity and focus
• Better color rendering and visual clarity
• A more inviting and comfortable workspace

Everyone’s lighting preferences are different, so don’t be afraid to experiment with various light sources and placements until you find the perfect setup for your needs.

Investing in a comfortable office space is worthwhile for employers and employees. We can create environments that foster productivity, creativity, and overall job satisfaction by prioritizing comfort and personalization. So get comfy and get going on designing your ideal workspace!