Summer Paurus, an HR team of one, shares her exquisite office setup

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? Introduce us to your emotional support animal/plant/action figure. If you want to show us your desk, you can submit your story here!

Summer Paurus works out of the headquarters of Vehrs Distributing, an 85-person alcohol distributor based in Spokane, Washington. Though she has some support from parent company Epic Wines & Spirits, which acquired Vehrs in 2020, Paurus is an HR team of one.

Speaking from her office, where she’s required to work five days a week, Paurus shared how she set up her desk and why it was crucial for her to think about the experience of visitors in that space.

Tell us about your desk setup.

I try my best to make sure my office at work is a warm and inviting space for both myself and those who may need to visit.

I have pictures of all of my family and animals on my walls so I’m reminded of what’s keeping me going most days.

I put up different decor on my office door and window, depending on the month and time of year, and try to keep encouraging messages displayed along with warm lamps and plants, and I have a small USB essential oil diffuser, too.

What have you learned about creating an inviting space at work?

A lot of people tend to see HR as scary or bad news when they need to visit, and I don’t want to put off that vibe. I want to always make sure I’m open and inviting and can help others feel comfortable in their work environment.

I have a huge open door policy. Unless my sign’s up because I’m working on payroll…I want everyone to know they can come in here. It’s not scary. I don’t want people to think that HR is always bad, that they always associate it that way.

What’s up with that negative reputation for HR?

I got coffee the other day…and [the barista] asked what I did. And I told her I was in HR and she goes, “Oh!” and she jumped back…I said, “it’s literally fine,” and she’s like, “No, they’re scary.”

I'm trying to just [share] the idea that everything's okay. I’m here for the employees to help them and I want them to know that, and I want them to feel that. A lot of people, you can tell them you’re gonna support them, but unless you physically show it or are able to accommodate that, they won’t believe you. So I want to be able to actually do that.

What are your favorite things about your office, and what functional choices did you make?

I have a corner on my desk that has a lamp (I can change it to cool or warm temperature looks) on a raised stand with a cute plant. I love this corner! I have three dogs, five cats, and six chickens. So I have all their pictures up.

[I keep] my snacks in a drawer close by. I also have my computers backed toward my door so that I can still see what’s happening in the office, but I’m able to work on some things more privately.

Have you displayed any objects for sentimental reasons? If so, what are they and why do they have meaning?

I have a tiny play dog park on my desk with moveable dog figurines, and I think it represents me well because of my love for all the animals and my need for tiny fidget accessories. I also have a Friends-themed stress ball and a cat Post-it note holder that makes me smile.

What is one accessory you think every desk should have?

A fan! I think, even in a nice temperature controlled environment, a desk fan is nice for air circulation. I’m also just a strong believer in having everyone personalize their desks and their area. I think it helps us get to know one another a little better.