Physical clutter and visual distractions can drive up stress, reduce focus, and lead to emotional exhaustion. While many assume burnout is mostly tied to in-person work environments, that’s no longer the full picture. In 2025, even with the rise in remote work, 66% of American employees still report experiencing burnout. One overlooked reason is that many remote workers aren’t fully leveraging one of their biggest advantages: the ability to design a home setup that supports their mental health and productivity.
The environment in which we work can either deplete or restore us. When people take control of their environment, they often see real improvements in wellbeing, engagement, and stress levels. Here are four critical elements of home office design that affect wellbeing:
1. Nature
Studies suggest access to daylight significantly impacts how employees feel and function. Natural light boosts mood and energy while reducing eye strain. Add elements like houseplants and nature-inspired textures. Even artificial plants and nature imagery have positive effects.
Biophilic design is the idea that humans naturally feel better and less stressed when we’re around nature. It uses things from the natural world to help people focus better, feel calmer, and stay healthier, even if you’re stuck inside all day. Nature isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a powerful tool for emotional regulation and cognitive recovery.
2. Ergonomics
Adjustable chairs, properly positioned monitors, and standing desks help reduce back pain, eye strain, and repetitive stress injuries. OSHA confirms that using ergonomic principles helps prevent chronic physical injuries caused by poor workplace setup.
3. Visual Layout
The visual tone of a workspace matters. Muted, calming colors like greens and blues are proven to reduce anxiety, while organized layouts help improve focus. If possible, create task-specific zones (e.g., focus, video calls) and include nature-inspired elements. Personalized home offices that allow employees to add their own touches can increase job satisfaction and a sense of ownership.
4. Clutter
One evidence-backed technique to refresh your space is to continuously audit your home office. Minimal, organized spaces are linked to lower cortisol and better task performance. Hold onto items that are useful, used often, or help you feel productive, but recycle old papers, outdated tech, or anything you haven’t used in the last 6–12 months.
If you’re sharing your home office with family in a space like the kitchen, bedroom, or living room, or working alongside a child, activity-based zones support focus and reduce visual chaos.
- Look for a corner in the designated room with low traffic.
- Use a fold-out desk or wall-mounted table to save space.
- Try a screen divider or baskets and cube shelving to set a physical boundary.
Research confirms that children respond well to consistent visual cues and clutter-free shared spaces help regulate stress in both adults and children. UNC’s Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute notes that visual cues help children understand routines and expected behaviors, supporting independence and reducing confusion or problem behavior.
What about noise? For working parents, noise is going to happen. We can’t avoid that. But instead of trying to eliminate it entirely, you can use noise-canceling headphones or a white noise machine to help maintain focus. Simply saying “Mommy’s working!” isn’t enough to set boundaries with a child. Instead, set up a mini “office” nearby with crayons, puzzles, or a toy laptop so they feel included but can work independently. Use a visual schedule or a timer to show when you’re available, and plan intentional breaks to connect. Predictability and routine help children feel secure and support your ability to focus.
Burnout can easily come from environments that chip away at our focus, comfort, and peace of mind. Fortunately, remote work gives us the rare opportunity to take control of that environment, even for working parents. By intentionally designing a home setup that includes natural elements, supports healthy posture, reduces clutter, and accommodates the realities of family life, we can create a place of restoration, focus, and resilience. Small, thoughtful changes today can make a meaningful difference in how productive we feel tomorrow.