You Are Where You Work

A rhapsodic review of the newest high-tech must-have for the office, the latest, greatest...chair.

Yes, it matters. Workspace, environment, and ergonomics are really important, but often overlooked. Offices are designed for efficient use of space, but too often that design ignores efficiency of process and plain old comfort. I visited a cubicle farm at a Very Large Company yesterday, and it reminded me how lucky I am to be a free range chicken.

My office is in an old Wrangler cut-and-sew plant in downtown Greensboro, NC. I've got about 140 square feet of east-facing windows, high ceilings, and a bunch of comfortable old furniture, including sturdy leather chairs from my grandfather's office and a couch that's often occupied by my dog. I don't have a $1600 chair for my computer desk, but I do have a comfortable, adjustable knockoff.

Who cares? I do, a lot. I'm more productive, more comfortable, and just happier in a space full of natural light, with a door that locks and room to move around. And I think all of that makes me a better reporter and writer, and that maybe your people would perform better if they liked their workplace more.