My exquisite desk: Stephanie Miletich, COO at YWCA West Central Michigan

Here at HR Brew, we’re interested in learning more about how people work, and how the way they work is changing. With that in mind, we’re asking professionals to tell us about their desk setups.

What are you proud of in your workspace? Do you keep mementos with you while you work? What’s your emotional support animal/plant/action figure? If you want to show us your desk, you can submit your story here!

Stephanie Miletich is the COO at YWCA West Central Michigan, a nonprofit located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. With the help of a small team, she manages everything from payroll to recruiting, facilities, and conflict resolution.

Miletich has taken great care to create an inviting office that serves multiple purposes—and all in a space that has an entire wall of cabinets and sinks from when it used to be a medical office. She’s also learned about ways to help all of her colleagues create a more welcoming environment at the office.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Tell us about your office setup.

I wanted it to feel more homey so I brought in more typical home/living room elements. There’s an L-shaped desk for ample workspace including two large monitors. There’s also a cozy seating area anchored by a nice area rug, tying everything together for one-on-one meetings. Lastly, there is a brainstorming station with a large whiteboard.

What are your favorite things about your space?

It is a calming and comforting space around me that lends itself to a similar mental space.

[And] the Tiffany-style floor lamp similar to the one featured in the opening credits of the hit sitcom Friends because I'm a HUGE Friends fan. Also, photos of family, and artwork created by myself or family.

How did you come up with the setup?

I literally used graph paper, to scale, because it is not a giant space. I have two doors in my office and a counter because this space used to be used as a nurse examiner space…I wanted to be very particular to maximize the use, but also be mindful that I was limited in my space. So I had little cutouts of the furniture with the graph pictures so I could move them around and get the most out of the space.

What is the most functional choice you made?

Mounting the monitors on arms that attach to the corner of the desk keeps the desktop clear which I love. Again a clear space lends itself to a clear mental space.

[I also use] a Rocketbook, which is a reusable notebook. As an environmentally conscientious person, these notebooks are so eco-friendly, and not only do I use them in every meeting, I keep the mini on my desk in place of sticky notes.