A lot of us spend a large portion of our lives at work, finding ourselves subject to lighting, furniture, office temperatures, and other environmental factors that are, let’s just say, not of our choosing. Here’s looking at you, cubicle workers and open floor plan employees. While some have the good fortune of working remotely or in hybrid situations, in traditional work settings personal comfort can sometimes take a backseat to productivity.
But the truth is, you don’t have to (nor should you) choose between feeling good and progressing on your tasks while at the office. With a few mindful adjustments to your personal workspace, you can create a “feel good” oasis that supports your well-being, reduces stress, and helps you show up as your best self.
5 Tips for Creating Comfort at the Office
Try these five simple ways to bring ease, warmth, and well-being into your workday.
1. Personalize Your Workspace with Comfort Touches
You may not be able to choose your chair or desk, but you may be surprised how much you can create a comfortable office setup with just a few thoughtfully chosen accessories. Add a small pillow to your chair or a mini plush rug under your desk. Bring calming visuals into your space by choosing personal photos, artwork, or inspiring scenery for your desk or computer wallpaper. Add plants to improve your mood, soften your workspace, and contribute to air cleanliness.
2. Control the Climate (as Much as You Can)
Humans are finicky beings when it comes to temperature, so it’s near impossible to make an entire staff happy with one thermostat. Whether you run cold or hot, it’s a good idea to take what you can into your own hands when it comes to regulating your body temperature. Keep a lightweight cardigan, scarf, or throw blanket for overly air-conditioned offices. For warmer spaces, use a personal fan or small desktop humidifier if the space allows (Handheld fan pro1s can be carried in hand, around the neck, or folded to be set on a desk, perfect for desktop use and keeping cool on commutes).
3. Create a Mini Sensory Oasis
When seeking to create a calm workspace, cater to all of your senses. Play soft music or nature sounds while working (use headphones if you’re in a shared space). Use a soft desk light instead of harsh overhead lighting if possible, and wear blue light glasses at the computer to prevent eye strain. Stock your desk with a sensory comfort kit for when days feel a little extra stressful. Ideas for self-care items to include in your desk kit: lip balm, hand cream, essential oil rollers, calming tea blends, stress-relief sprays, cozy socks, snacks, a journal.
4. Prioritize Ergonomic Comfort
Reduce discomfort at work further by ensuring you have an ergonomic office setup. Check your posture - Is your computer screen at eye level? Are your feet flat on the ground with your legs at a 90 degree angle? Are your arms relaxed? Is your lower back strained? Use a lumbar support pillow or footrest if needed. If possible, consider using a standing desk or desk converter to provide options that allow you to move and get blood circulation going.
5. Build in Feel-Good Break Rituals
One way to combat discomfort (mental and physical) is to ensure you’re allowing for proper breaks from work. Take mini breaks to stretch, breathe, or sip something warm. Step outside for a walk or sunshine when possible. Try a short breathing or grounding exercise to reset your energy. If necessary, schedule these times into your day so they don’t get pushed to the backburner.
Comfort Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Tool
While employee comfort may not be top of mind to many business leaders, creating a comfortable workspace ultimately supports focus, creativity, emotional well being, and productivity. A feel-good office environment doesn’t require a full renovation either. By taking a little time and effort to make a few thoughtful changes to your workspace, you can reap the benefits of personalized comfort at the office.
Gearing up for a much needed vacation from work? Check out our tips for staying comfortable while traveling. (Link to “Feel Good on the Go: How to Stay Comfortable While Traveling”)