Where we work has a profound effect on our productivity – and there’s data to prove it. Happy workers are 13% more productive than their less content counterparts, an Oxford University study shows.
Business leaders on their favorite place to work
The environment we choose to work in – whether it’s a home office, a bustling café, or a traditional workplace – can foster or dampen that happiness and productivity. The founders and CEOs below know that, so they always gravitate towards their favorite spots.
Here’s where they get their best work done and how these environments contribute to their success.
Liz Willits, Content Phenom
“My favorite place to work is my home office. I get my best work done there, because:
- It’s a dedicated workspace with fewer distractions.
- I have two extra monitors at my desk, which I love, because I can cross-reference info on the different screens.
- I have a desk treadmill, which helps me incorporate more movement into my day and keeps me awake on sleepy afternoons.
To change things up, sometimes I work at a table on my back patio with a portable second monitor or on my living room sofa.
I’ve tried coworking spaces, and it’s not my personal preference.
I can’t justify spending time commuting to an office space and paying a monthly fee to access it when I have a home office that’s more comfortable and has fewer distractions. However, I know people who thrive at coworking spaces. Everyone’s different!”
—Liz Willits, Owner at Content Phenom
Michael Olsen, Mailbird
“My favorite place to work is definitely from home. I have a big ultrawide monitor that makes multitasking much easier so I can manage multiple projects at the same time.
I get my best work done at home because I’m in a quiet spot and can maintain focus for hours. Unlike a co-working space, where there can be many distractions and noise, my home office has that perfect balance of comfort and efficiency. It’s easy to avoid interruptions, and my outcomes are much better.”
—Michael Olsen, Co-founder, CEO and CTO of Mailbird
Related: Mailbird’s Christin Baugarten talks remote work, stress management — and finding home in Bali
Liviu Tanase, ZeroBounce
“I know that by now, millions of people have adapted to working from home – and I do enjoy being able to spend more time with my wife and our baby. But I still do my most meaningful work in our office in Santa Barbara, which is about 20 minutes away from my house. It’s quiet and I can get a lot done in that office, so I go there two-three times a week.
I still work at home, too – usually, late into the night, when everyone’s asleep and when my team in Europe wakes up.
If you need to get something done, you’ll do it almost anywhere. But if I were to pick a favorite, I’m most productive in the office. Once I’m done, I love getting home and knowing I can take a few hours off to be with my family.”
—Liviu Tanase, Founder and CEO of ZeroBounce
Jonathan Hasson, UBQT
“My favorite work spot is actually at home, very early in the morning, around 5 a.m. It’s a quiet time, with everyone else still asleep. I often begin my day with some light stretching and yoga, then make myself a cup of tea, settle in the living room, and kick-off the day.
Outside of my home, Heal Cafe in Jumeirah (Dubai) is my favorite retreat. My cofounder, Lara Varjabedian, introduced me to it, and her list of ‘happy places’ are always spot-on! Heal Cafe’s outdoor space is stunning, they have an olive tree in the middle and the food is fabulous.
Occasionally, I’ll work in different spaces, for a change of scenery. Earlier this year, I experienced WeWork at Hub71 in Abu Dhabi. Lara and I met an angel investor from the UAE there who showed interest in our startup. I also like working from the lobby of Dubai’s 25hours Hotel.
But still, home – in my living room – is where I’m most productive. As a co-founder of tech startup UBQT, I’m constantly juggling multiple tasks and working around the clock. So I need that ability to focus without disruptions.
However, I’m not saying no to the idea of one day having a small office in the middle of the desert. It’s beautiful and tranquil, so that would be a great place to work.”
— Jonathan Hasson, Co-founder of UBQT
Dr. Letitia Wright, Wright Place Studios
“One of my favorite places to work is the Capital One Café, where I can get a fantastic coffee and use the space of work. There is one close to my home and I love going there for a work session. I have an office in Rancho Cucamonga as well as an office in my house. It makes it easy to work things out if I come up with ideas at 2AM.
Additionally, I like working in elegant, upscale hotels when I am in Los Angeles or out of town. Being in a beautiful, prosperous environment helps you think bigger. I get good work done in those places. Beautiful surroundings deeply inspire me.
But my absolute favorite is working on the water. One of my friends has a small boat at Lake Arrowhead he uses for co-working weeks. He will send us all a note on what dates are available and you select a day that works for you.
You have to spend the entire day. But he sails and provides food and drink-self serve. You have great wi-fi and great networking. I’ve done it a few times and it’s just a lovely way to work that inspires big thinking and vivid imagination.”
— Dr. Letitia Wright, founder of Wright Place Studios
Gianluca Ferruggia, DesignRush
“My favorite place to work is my home office. It’s a space I personally designed to boost my creativity and productivity. The large windows let in ample natural light, and the garden view is really calming. I have a large wooden desk, an ergonomic chair, and a few art pieces on the walls.
I also love the cozy area in my living room. It has a vintage armchair by the fireplace, with a side table where I keep my laptop and my favorite books.
A few times a year, I go to co-working spaces to meet peers and get fresh perspectives. Still, I prefer my home office. I get the best results when I work in a controlled environment. When I enter this room, my productivity switch automatically turns on. It’s also quiet, and that allows for deep focus.”
— Gianluca Ferruggia, General Manager at DesignRush
Pam Stone, Vision Made Media
“My favorite place to work is my home. It’s a place that allows me to effortlessly balance personal and work life: my world. However, I’ve also worked in a co-working space called Haven Collective run by two women owners.
Yet, I prefer to work in my home office. When I work there, it’s quiet and I’m able to escape from the stress and pressures of the outside world. There is a window which allows the sun to come in and I play music, ranging from slow jazz to rap, depending on my mood.”
— Pam Stone, CEO of Vision Made Media
Angilie Kapoor, Oversight Global
“I found that my favorite place to work is somewhere with a connection to nature, like a beachside café, an open villa by the pool, or a sunny terrace with a cool breeze. In these settings, I’m not only content but also productive.
I tend to avoid co-working spaces because, being primarily an introvert, I’ve learned and understand that being around many people can be draining for me energetically.
At home, I love working on terraces, balconies, and patios. These natural settings seem to help me achieve alignment, balance, and harmony, which enables me to produce my best work.”
—Angilie Kapoor, Conscious Leadership Coach + Founder of Oversight Global
Pearl Chiarenza, Women’s Successful Living
“My favorite place to work is my home office, a space I’ve intentionally designed to inspire and empower me—just like the spaces we all deserve.
I know many of us, especially those over 35, struggle with putting ourselves first. That’s why I created a self-love empowerment wall in my office. It’s colorful and uplifting, with a mural of a girl on a bike surrounded by butterflies, symbolizing the freedom and joy we should all feel. The quotes on the wall – like ‘I love the woman I’ve become because I fought to become her’ and ‘Dream Big’ – serve as daily reminders of my worth and journey.
This environment is where I feel most connected to myself and where I do my best work because I’m surrounded by affirmations of my own value. This is why I rarely use co-working spaces—my home office gives me everything I need to thrive.”
— Pearl Chiarenza, founder of Women’s Successful Living
Simon Harper, SRH Design
“My favorite place to work is my local Starbucks. The staff team is the best, and I’ve made many friends and acquaintances there. The friendly and positive atmosphere always lifts my spirits and makes work enjoyable.
I’ve not been to a co-working space since the pandemic. Coffee shops are my co-working spaces.
At home, I work best in my office. You’ll occasionally find me there surrounded by Lego, Teenage Mutant Turtle Figures, Pops, and retro game consoles.
Coffee shops are great, but my garden office is perfect when I need to focus and record videos; nature surrounds it (we have a small wood behind us), natural light, and the things I love. It’s bliss!
—Simon Harper, Email Marketing Consultant and Founder of SRH Design
Yanis Kerdjana, Ideta
I believe there are two types of work: at-the-table work and away-from-the-table work.
Away-from-the-table work is for creativity and innovation. It’s during these moments—like walking by the sea or running through the city streets at night—that I often find my best ideas.
However, to bring these ideas to life, there’s no substitute for focused, at-the-table work. For this, a well-lit environment is crucial. My favorite spot is in the living room, from where I can see the garden. It’s a space where I can concentrate and be productive.
As for co-working spaces, they can be great for networking and collaborative moments. But when I need to focus without interruptions, I prefer to work in isolation and fully immerse myself in the task at hand.”
—Yanis Kerdjana, Co-founder of Ideta