Audrey
Do you struggle to focus and be productive when working from home or in the office? Do you often find yourself distracted by social media, emails, or household chores? You are not alone!
According to the World Building Council, there is a link between office design and a team member’s productivity and wellness. In fact, studies have shown that the work environment can have a significant impact on our ability to focus, stay motivated, and get things done.
With so many people working remotely or from home, creating a productive workspace has never been more important. Creating and maintaining a productive workspace can be a drag, but with a little bit of effort and some helpful tips, you can transform your workspace into a place where you can get things done efficiently and effectively.
1. Set Up A Functional And Comfortable Workspace
In setting up, you must first consider the area of your workspace. If your workspace is in an office, you must ensure enough space for small body movements after long work hours. On the other hand, if you’re working from home, you need to choose any available room.
It will help if you convert an unused room into a space free of distractions. Moreover, it’s advisable if your chosen area includes windows and faster internet connection access. A recent poll in Australia shows that a slow internet connection is one reason for low productivity and frustration. So, choosing the right option for your internet service provider is best.
After choosing your ideal working space, it’s time to choose the right furniture. It’s crucial to maintain proper ergonomics when working. Therefore, you must select well-designed chairs, an excellent eye-level monitor, and an adjustable height table. You can work comfortably with high-quality ergonomic furniture, increasing your motivation and dedication.
2. Keep Your Workspace Clean And Organize
According to a survey, 57% of American acknowledge that they evaluate their colleagues based on the cleanliness or tidiness of their workstations. While another report shares that clutter in your office space can negatively influence productivity and motivation. Compared to messy and stuffed places, organized and clean spaces increase productivity resulting in excellent working performance.
Decluttering your workspace on a regular basis is highly recommended. One way to achieve this is by eliminating unnecessary items, such as pens, paper clips, and random pieces of paper. Additionally, ensure that frequently used items are within reach to minimize distractions and the need to leave your seat regularly.
Additionally, avoid stacking books and papers on your desk. Instead, consider adding an organizational system. You can opt for a desk with filing and storage units. Practice clearing up your space and set a time for you to organize your files and other things at the end of the day.
3. Make It Bright
As mentioned earlier, your chosen area should include windows. It would help to position your desk before them to have a good amount of natural light. According to different studies, natural light has several benefits, such as improving your vision and increasing productivity. So, it’s best to ensure your windows are uncovered and clear of obstructions.
However, if you decide to mimic the look of natural light, you can use full-spectrum bulbs. These bulbs are expensive compared to others, but they offer bright lighting. Also, you can consider artificial lighting or a spotlight or headlight if necessary to improve your mental cognition and alertness.
Aside from proper lighting, you must choose the color that best suits your preference and mood. Here are some colors that you can choose:
- Green for broader thinking
- Red to gain an energetic boost
- Blue offers calming and peaceful vibes
- Pink also provides a calming effect
- White is perfect for a modern appeal
The following colors can help you to brighten up your workspace. You can consider other soft and subtle colors for your wall. Moreover, neutral tones are also a perfect option.
4. Embrace The Nature
Embracing nature allows you to reduce stress due to work. Hence, consider adding desk plants and flowers. Adding plants can help purify the air, while flowers can lift the aesthetics of your workplace, becoming a good source of inspiration and positivity. When choosing plants, opt for low-maintenance plants that don’t require too much natural light.
Aside from plants, using scents inspired by nature can help create a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere in your workplace. Here are some scents you can try in your office:
- Citrus to help you think clearly
- Peppermint for enhanced mental concentration
- Juniper for improved alertness
- Lavender can calm one’s mind and body
Embracing nature in the office doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Some simple natural elements can help reduce stress levels and enhance creativity.
5. Make It More Personal
Another way to set up your workspace is by making it more personal. You can add some precious items, like your family photo or a lucky charm. You can also hang your favorite artwork or prints on the walls.
Conclusion
Spending hours in a cramped and enclosed workspace can be mentally and physically draining. Working on some of these suggestions can help lift your spirits while working.
Remember that to increase your productivity at work, you can transform your space into a tremendous driving force to keep you motivated.
