diff --git a/python/mozbuild/mozbuild/backend/cpp_eclipse.py b/python/mozbuild/mozbuild/backend/cpp_eclipse.py
index 090dc66f199..07c81a9c3f5 100644
--- a/python/mozbuild/mozbuild/backend/cpp_eclipse.py
+++ b/python/mozbuild/mozbuild/backend/cpp_eclipse.py
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ class CppEclipseBackend(CommonBackend):
         CommonBackend._init(self)
 
         self._paths_to_defines = {}
-        self._workspace_dir = os.path.join(self.environment.topobjdir, 'eclipse_workspace')
+        self._workspace_dir = self.get_workspace_path()
         self._project_dir = os.path.join(self._workspace_dir, 'gecko')
 
         self._macbundle = self.environment.substs['MOZ_MACBUNDLE_NAME']
@@ -48,6 +48,14 @@ class CppEclipseBackend(CommonBackend):
         self.summary.backend_detailed_summary = types.MethodType(detailed,
             self.summary)
 
+    def get_workspace_path(self):
+        # Eclipse doesn't support having the workspace inside the srcdir.
+        # Since most people have their objdir inside their srcdir it's easier
+        # and more consistent to just put the workspace along side the srcdir
+        srcdir_parent = os.path.dirname(self.environment.topsrcdir)
+        workspace_dirname = "eclipse_" + os.path.basename(self.environment.topobjdir)
+        return os.path.join(srcdir_parent, workspace_dirname)
+
     def consume_object(self, obj):
         obj.ack()