Chances are you spend most of your waking weekday hours at your desk. But despite the amount of time you’re sitting in that one spot, it’s likely that you didn’t put that much thought into designing or organizing it. Here’s how to create a workspace that will not only increase your productivity, but also your comfort.
Think about how you work.
According to Stephen Tortorella, the design manager at Industrious, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for the ideal workspace. “The most important thing you can do is critically evaluate how you work,” he says. “Some people like to work near a lot of natural light while others prefer a cozy nook.”
For example, although most desk jobs require a computer, the right setup can vary greatly. If you’re a graphic designer, you may need extra room for a drawing tablet. Other professionals may work best with multiple monitors.
In terms of ergonomics, the key is to find a good fit between your body and your working environment. “You don’t want to put your body into any awkward positions or postures,” says Brooke Fenn, a board-certified ergonomist and occupational therapist who works in the consulting division of workplace product company Humanscale.
Arrange your tools properly.
Start by identifying the tools you use every day. “You want to be able to move these things and position them to fit the individual person,” Fenn says.
Fenn adds that most people don’t put much thought into where they place their tools — and their bodies can pay the price. “If you’re right-handed, you want to place anything you use a lot — like your phone — on the right side so you’re not constantly reaching across your body,” she says. “In general, you should have more space to the side of your dominant hand.” Eliminating clutter can also help you avoid twisting to access any tools you may need.
Buy the right computer accessories.
When it comes to your computer, Fenn recommends not relying solely on a laptop. “It’s important to find ways to separate your hands from your eyes,” she says. The solution? Purchase an external keyboard and mouse. Position them at or a little below your rested elbow height so your shoulders are relaxed. You can add a cushioned palm support in front of the keyboard so that your wrists stay straight and don’t touch your desk.
An external monitor will also keep your eyes raised and the strain off of your neck. “It’s a misconception that your eyes should look directly into the center of the screen,” Fenn says. “They should come in line with the top line of text, which is about an inch below the top of the screen. That will keep your neck in the most controlled alignment.” You can easily adjust your monitor height by placing it on a stack of books.
Adjust your chair.
Fenn believes the chair is the most important part of any workspace. “Everything that happens in the chair will impact the positioning of your hands, eyes, and back,” she says. A few rules of thumb: Your feet should be flat (on the floor or a footrest, or even a box); your hips and knees should be the same height; and there should be about a two-inch gap between your knee and the edge of the seat.
A chair with adjustable seat height can help counteract an all-to-common problem: desks that are too high. “Standard desk height is 29.5″, which correlates with a resting elbow height of a male who is 6′4″, which is far too high for most people,” Fenn says. “To accommodate, you can elevate your seat and use a footrest.”
Add a personal touch.
While you don’t want to cover your desk with knick knacks, a few design touches are okay. “It’s great to personalize your workspace since you’re spending a good part of your day there,” Fenn says. “Just make sure they’re not getting in the way.”
For example, she says, don’t put a frame underneath your monitor since it may mean having to raise the screen higher. A lamp can be helpful, as long as it’s placed on the opposite side of your writing hand to avoid casting a shadow when you’re putting pen to paper. Tortorella, meanwhile, is a big fan of greenery, which not only looks great, but also helps filter the air. “Even a tiny desk plant is a nice thing to have,” he says.
Pick the right palette.
Color can play an important role in how you work. Too bright, and you might not be able to concentrate. That’s why Tortorella loves muted tones (like whites and off-whites) mixed with pops of color (say, from plants or artwork). “That’s what we go for in our spaces — something timeless, but also calming, so you can be productive,” he says.