Can you share one piece of advice for setting up a comfortable and ergonomic workspace at home? What is one thing you've done to improve your workspace?

Question

Creating a comfortable workspace at home has become essential in today's evolving work landscape. This article presents expert-backed tips to optimize your home office for productivity and well-being. From ergonomic setups to incorporating nature-inspired elements, discover practical strategies to enhance your work environment.

Yulonda Buster · Answer

One of the best pieces of advice I can offer for creating a comfortable and ergonomic home workspace is to start with the foundation: your chair and desk setup. Comfort doesn't mean sacrificing posture, and posture doesn't mean sacrificing style. A supportive chair that encourages proper alignment can dramatically reduce fatigue and tension, especially during long work sessions. Look for one with lumbar support and adjustable features, allowing you to customize the fit to your body. Your feet should rest flat on the floor, your knees should form a 90-degree angle, and your arms should rest comfortably on the desk or armrests at elbow height. It may seem simple, but correcting these core elements can significantly improve your energy and focus throughout the day.
Beyond posture, pay attention to screen height and lighting. Your monitor should be at eye level to reduce neck and shoulder strain. If you're using a laptop, consider a riser with an external keyboard and mouse for added convenience. Equally important is lighting. Natural light is ideal, but not always available. A well-lit space that includes a combination of overhead lighting and a task lamp can help minimize eye strain and elevate your mood.
In my own workspace, I've taken it a step further by integrating design elements that support function and inspiration. I've layered different types of lighting, including a soft desk lamp and ambient wall sconces, to maintain a warm, focused atmosphere throughout the day. I've also surrounded myself with textures and colors that make me feel calm and motivated, such as a few carefully chosen pieces of art that reflect my personality. Greenery is another must-have for me. A small potted plant or fresh flowers add life and softness to the room, which balances out the tech and structure of a typical workstation.
Creating an ergonomic workspace isn't just about preventing discomfort; it's about supporting your mindset, creativity, and workflow. 
When your space works with you instead of against you, you're more likely to stay engaged, focused, and at ease. It's those thoughtful little touches paired with wise ergonomic choices that turn a basic home office into a space where you want to spend time.

Kiel Kellow · Answer

One piece of advice I'd give is to stop treating your home workspace like a temporary setup. It's worth investing in a chair that actually supports your back and a desk that fits your space and your workflow.
What made a big difference for me personally was adding a simple sit-stand desk. I didn't go overboard. Just a solid, adjustable one that lets me move around during the day. It helped with my energy levels and posture, especially during long planning sessions or back-to-back Zoom calls.
In remodeling, we think a lot about function and comfort, and I've learned that even small upgrades like better lighting, a second monitor, or a place to hide cords go a long way in making your workspace feel like somewhere you want to be, not just where you have to be.

Vasilii Kiselev · Answer

One of the best things I've done for my workspace at home was actually... leaving it. I used to try to force productivity in one perfect corner with the right chair, lighting, monitor, you name it. But what really changed things for me was creating little 'zones' instead — one for deep work, one for quick meetings, one where I think better with a cup of coffee in hand.
I realized I don't need one flawless desk setup — I need flexibility. My brain works differently at 7 AM than it does at 3 PM, so my space needs to keep up.
Also: a good pair of noise-canceling headphones and a rule — no emails in my focus zone. That small boundary alone has probably saved me hours of scattered attention.
It's not about chasing Pinterest-worthy setups — it's about knowing how you work best and building around that.

Matt Bowman · Answer

I upgraded to a height-adjustable desk and added a compact walking pad underneath. It gives me the option to sit, stand, or walk during the day while staying fully plugged into work. Even 20 minutes of slow walking during calls or administrative tasks clears brain fog and keeps my energy steady.
If there's one piece of advice I'd give: Stop designing your workspace around being still. Build it to encourage low-effort movement during low-focus tasks. I use the walking pad at a slow pace—just enough to stay sharp and keep my blood moving. It's one of the few changes I've made that actually helped my posture and kept my energy up without throwing off my workflow.

Ahmad Faiz · Answer

As a roofing contractor, I spend most of my time out in the field. However, when I'm back in the office handling estimates, permits, supplier calls, and running the business side of Achilles Roofing and Exterior, that workspace should not give me a backache or a headache.
One piece of advice? Invest in a chair that actually supports your posture. Not some cheap office chair with a slick design—but one that locks your lower back in place and forces you to sit correctly. You're not doing your business any favors if your spine is out of alignment after a few hours at the desk. Roofing is hard enough on the body—don't let office work finish the job.
One thing I personally did? I mounted my monitor at eye level—right on the wall above the desk. Simple bracket, a few screws, and boom—no more craning my neck down to stare at a laptop all day. That change alone reduced my shoulder tension by the end of the week. I also keep a standing mat nearby, so when I switch to standing for calls or planning, I'm not feeling it in my knees.
Bottom line—your workspace should work for you. We spend a lot of time getting roofing crews the right gear and safety setup out on site. Why treat your home office like an afterthought?

Ender Korkmaz · Answer

I worked remotely for a few years when COVID hit, so I upgraded my workspace with custom lighting and a whisper-quiet cooling unit. The goal was never about making it look better. I just wanted a space that stayed consistent every day. So I moved my workspace into a separate room. When the environment remains the same, my focus improves. There are fewer distractions, and I can stay in the zone longer.
My advice is simple: do not just think about comfort. Think about energy. You can sit in the best chair, but you will still feel tired if the light hurts your eyes or the air feels heavy. Small changes like better airflow or softer lighting can make a big difference. Once I fixed that, my workdays felt lighter, smoother, and more focused.

Tom Molnar · Answer

Get the screen higher on the monitor stand with its upper edge at eye level; it's a less costly, better solution than replacing your desk. Adjustable monitor arms can free workspace and spare your neck after strategy marathon sprints. I upgraded my own setup last year by adding a motorized sit-stand desk; the ability to nudge the whole rig a few centimeters every hour keeps energy up and stops that end-of-day rigidity that used to follow me into client pitches.

Mane Jayme · Answer

I work from home full time as a Digital and Communications Manager, which means I spend most of my day writing, planning, and talking to people online.
One thing I've learned is that having a comfy and smart workspace makes a huge difference. It's not just about having a desk and a chair; it's about making sure your space helps you feel good and get things done.
For example, I use two computer screens (a dual monitor setup) so I can see lots of things at once without switching back and forth all the time. This helps me work faster and makes it easier to focus. I also have a soft, warm lamp on the right side of my desk so the light doesn't hurt my eyes when I'm working at night. Under my desk, I keep a footstool, which helps my legs feel more relaxed, especially when I sit for a long time. And to keep my phone, tablet, and other gadgets ready to use, I have a charger with four ports; that way, I don't run out of battery or have messy cords everywhere.
These small changes make my workspace feel nicer and help me do my job better every day. If you're setting up your own work spot, try adding things that make you feel comfortable and organized; it really makes a difference.

Ashley Kenny · Answer

I never understood the benefit of having a window view at work until I created one. The opportunity to view the activities going on outside, even as simple as a little wind blowing around the tree branches or a bird flying by, has offered a sense of calmness I didn't know I was missing. I enjoy hearing the natural sounds of the outdoors, including traffic, kids playing, and animals searching. These glances seem to create a calmness, and when I return to my work, I'm often in an improved state of mind and body. My workspace has become a more welcoming one as I look forward to the view and the surprises it offers each day. To me, this is cognitive ergonomics at play, improving my overall well-being when I need it most.

Max Casey · Answer

As someone who leads Arizona's only real estate company focused solely on inherited home sales, I've learned that working environments must adapt quickly to complex, emotional situations. During the pandemic, my team and I handled the South Mountain Home case entirely remotely, a property that was severely neglected and emotionally sensitive. What saved us wasn't just technology; it was my workspace setup. I invested in an adjustable standing desk and a curved monitor, but the real upgrade was integrating soft, warm lighting and acoustic panels. It sounds trivial, but in emotionally charged calls with grieving clients, creating a calming visual and auditory space made all the difference.
One overlooked tip: ditch the cold, modern minimalist setup. It photographs well, but in practice, it feels sterile. My advice? Add texture: soft rugs, wood finishes, plants, and never underestimate the psychological impact of comfort on productivity. When you're navigating probate cases that involve both loss and large financial decisions, your workspace shouldn't feel like a transaction; it should feel like a place where people are heard.

Christopher Pappas · Answer

Cluttered spaces lead to a cluttered mind, especially when working from home. I made the mistake of keeping everything on my desk, from pens to random paperwork. After reorganizing my desk with only essential items and utilizing vertical storage, I noticed a marked improvement in my productivity and mental clarity.
Having an organized and tidy workspace allows you to focus more effectively. Simple additions like drawer organizers or floating shelves can create a more structured environment where everything has its place. This boosts not just physical comfort but also mental comfort, making it easier to stay on task.

Carr Lanphier · Answer

One thing I've done in my home workspace is change the wall color, and it's really helped create a space where I can feel focused and attentive throughout the day. When I first "moved in" to my home office, the walls were a pretty drab off-white, and switching to a color with more energy and visual interest (I went with a neutral yellow) has really helped boost my energy and overall mood while I'm working.

Jeremy Yamaguchi · Answer

One piece of advice that I would give, speaking as someone who primarily works from home, would be to make sure you eliminate visual distractions. For me, for example, I love being outside, so I'll often get distracted looking out my window. I learned that I'm a lot more productive when I am not facing a window! I actually turned my desk around so that I am facing away from my window and not toward it.

Lord Robert Newborough · Answer

I found that incorporating pieces from the land into my workspace helped bring daily clarity and peace. A piece of reclaimed timber from a fallen oak now supports my desk, reminding me of resilience. We placed dried native herbs near the computer as a subtle nod to our Wild Beauty botanicals. It's more than decor; it creates emotional continuity between my surroundings and our estate's philosophy.
Comfort comes not just from ergonomic equipment, but from spaces that reflect your values and rhythms. A supportive chair matters, yes, but so does sensory integrity. Too often we copy corporate models rather than designing with intentionality and personal energy. Home workspaces should honor life, not mimic sterile productivity zones.

14 Tips and Ideas to Set Up a Comfortable Workspace at Home

14 Tips and Ideas to Set Up a Comfortable Workspace at Home

Invest in Proper Chair and Desk Setup

Create Flexible Work Zones at Home

Add Movement with Adjustable Desk and Treadmill

Prioritize Posture and Eye-Level Screen Placement

Optimize Lighting and Air Quality

Elevate Screens and Vary Working Positions

Enhance Productivity with Dual Monitors and Accessories

Incorporate a Calming Window View

Design a Comforting Space for Emotional Work

Declutter for Improved Focus and Productivity

Energize Your Workspace with Strategic Colors

Minimize Visual Distractions for Better Focus

Integrate Nature-Inspired Elements for Clarity

Support Your Spine with Ergonomic Seating