Design a productive, peaceful environment that supports your best work.
Your workspace profoundly affects your focus, creativity, and overall wellbeing. Whether you work from home or in an office, these principles help you create an environment that supports productivity without sacrificing comfort.
Top of screen at or slightly below eye level. About arm's length away. Directly in front, not to the side.
Feet flat on floor or footrest. Knees at 90 degrees. Thighs parallel to ground. Back supported.
Elbows at 90 degrees or slightly more. Wrists neutral, not bent. Mouse close to keyboard.
Natural light is best but not causing glare. Task lighting for detailed work. Ambient lighting to prevent eye strain.
Stand or walk every 30-60 minutes. Stretch shoulders and neck. Look away from screen regularly.
68-76°F (20-24°C) is ideal. Personal heater or fan as needed. Layers for flexibility.
At the end of each day, clear your desk completely. File papers, put away supplies, wipe the surface. Starting fresh each morning creates mental clarity and reduces overwhelm.
When you pick up a paper or item, deal with it immediately—file it, act on it, or discard it. Don't create "to deal with later" piles.
Reduce visual clutter. Use drawer organizers, closed storage, and neutral colors. Your eyes should find rest, not stimulation, in your workspace.
1-3 meaningful personal items create warmth without distraction. Photos, art, or plants that bring joy but don't demand attention.
Don't have a dedicated office? Create a workspace zone using a corner, closet conversion, or folding desk. The key is having a designated spot that signals "work mode" to your brain, even if it's compact. Clear boundaries matter more than square footage.