While the concept of “sparking joy” has proven the catchiest concept from Kondo’s work, it’s not the only criterion that should be used to curate a healthy work environment. In fact, most objects in a workspace, such as a desk or a chair, will not inherently spark joy, but that doesn’t make those objects any less necessary for achieving your goals and leading a productive work life. Unsurprisingly, functionality is a vital standard to determine whether or not an object deserves to take up space in your home office.
With that in mind, there are plenty of objects that don’t spark joy and, quite frankly, aren’t all that functional. Using that rickety dining room chair, for instance, as your office chair may seem financially prudent in the short-term, but in the long-term could cause serious mental and physical ailments, thereby impacting your performance at work. So unless that dining room chair is an old heirloom that you associate with a beloved relative, you might want to part ways with it and find another, more functional piece to sit on for hours each day.
Through the study of ergonomics, we have learned how the right office furniture can support our physical and emotional health, keeping us productive throughout the day and sparking a sense of joy as we work more efficiently and effectively. By promoting healthier posture, ergonomic office chairs and standing desks can be vital pieces in a de-cluttered home office and a work life that promotes healthy habits.