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For people who have chosen a role in content or other marketing jobs, there’s no reason to be uncomfortable at work. None. Sure, creating creative strategies and implementing them might push you out of your comfort zone, but physically speaking, a comfortable work space is a must.
In this article, I discuss the following:
- What is a comfortable work space?
- Why one is needed
- How to create it in-office and at home
- My setup of a comfortable work space
What is a comfortable work space?
A comfortable work space to me as a creator and content strategist is a place where I can get stuff done. Of course, the definition of “getting stuff done” can be wide arranging and can include:
- Keyword research
- SEO analysis
- Writing
- Podcast production
- Content planning
- Landing page building
- Email campaigns
- Meetings – but not the ones that could have been an email
So my work space needs to be able to accommodate all these different tasks I do for work – duh! I think it’s worth mentioning, because it’s not always a given. I’m looking at the open-office design with unassigned desks here. Yes, I can carry my laptop with me and do, but it’s way more comfortable to work for me in my office setup.
Why it’s needed
Undoubtedly, companies should be after performance. And to create and achieve a content performance culture, that means we need the cultures – including the way people work – that enable teammates to do their best.
How to create it in-office and at home
If you are buying in bulk for your company consider using a retailer like Samsung which offers bulk discounts on many items – including laptops, computer storage and monitors.
You can also browse through the 80 items on my office product recommendations on Amazon.
My setup of a comfortable work space
When it comes to setting up the space in a conducive manner to drive performance, for me it comes down to a few items:
The chair
I’ve been using a gaming chair for a few years now. And no, I’m not a middle-aged gamer, but I love how comfortable they are. How have I sat in office chairs without a head rest for decades? Crazy! Get one that fits your body and that includes the features that you need. Some even have massage pillows for your back!
Office chairs have come a long way as well.
I also use these armrest pads to position my arms even better.
The Desk
The desk setup matters. I use a MacBook Pro that is displaying on two big monitors for me. One monitor is the main one I’m working on while the other has email, instant messaging and holds windows or apps I’m not currently using.
I use a VariDesk that sits on top of another desk table and that easily allows me to transiting from sitting to standing and vice versa.
There’s many other standup-sit down desk options available for your consideration as well. Some people like working on their couch and while there are ways to setup a couch desk, I wouldn’t recommend that as your main area to work in.
Read next: Remote work: How to make working remote for the first time a success
Positioning
How you set up your work space also matters. For example, I’m a fan of looking out a window. That works great in my home office. The way my home office area works, I can look out the window, get some natural light and can still see who is entering the room. That might not be an option in an office setting, so decide what’s most important to you.
A small foot rest helps me be even more comfortable while working on my computer.
Treadmill
Perhaps not an essential piece of a comfortable work space, but if you walk on phone calls and can’t sit still for hours at a time, an office treadmill might be an option. The one I have easily slides under my desk when I want to walk on it and then just slides forward and out of the way when I’m sitting down or standing in front of my desk.
Personalization
Certainly, everything should be personalized in the way that makes that specific employee comfortable. That takes some flexibility within a budget, but it’s possible. And some preferred products might even be cheaper than what the company would have bought to begin with. For example, I once had a company buy me headphones to be used on phone calls that were super expensive but only covered one ear. Ugh. I needed one that covered both ears and the ones I had in mind were way cheaper.
Perhaps put some pictures of loved ones around your work space or awards or other art that you like. I also put a fake plant behind myself, which can be seen on video calls. I do think it makes my work space set up look a bit nicer.
