Whether you are working from home, as has become very standard in recent years, or have your everyday office, your workspace is where you spend a substantial amount of time almost every day.
It makes sense then that it should reflect not only your work ethic but also your personality, to make it more your own, and make you more productive, not only enhancing the look but also elevating the environment around your workspace. Of course, there are a huge number of things you can do to do this, but here we have 8 tips you can use to get started on your journey.
Opportunities for Movement
You want to create opportunities for movement in your workspace, no matter what type of physical workspace layout you have or decide on. Ample space to move can help you and/or your team focus more easily and be more productive. One thing that any workspace requires is desks, and so you want to make sure you get the right ones, like affordable second hand office desks, with movement in mind. Taking short breaks, and stretching your legs, are incredibly important for office work, and that is how you want to start changing your workplace.
Plants and Greenery
Start incorporating some greenery into your work environment in order to make it more vibrant and enjoyable to spend time in. It’s not just about creating attractive social media posts for the algorithm, it makes your office not only look more alive but also be more alive. Having plants around has been proven to help produce cleaner air, making workers more motivated, creative, and energetic. From reducing stress to improving the general workflow, there are no downsides to having plants around.
Declutter and Organize
A cluttered mind is never far from a cluttered space, and that is definitely not good for your work output. Take some time to tidy up your office, and organize your belongings. Use bins, shelves, and cable organizers to keep your workspace tidy, and consequently, your mind clear. Throw out whatever you do not need anymore, instead of hoarding things you know belong in the waste bin. Spending five minutes digging through heaps of papers and cables you are not even sure work anymore just to find a pen is not anyone’s idea of time well spent.
Enter the Light
This is important for practically any space, except perhaps a cinema. Good. Lighting. Let there be light. This is doubly true for your workspace. Natural light is what you want to go with as much as possible, as it not only reduces the strain on your eyes but also improves your mood. Try and position your desk near a window to really soak in the sunlight. For working after dark, you can utilize task lighting, for example, a desk or a ring lamp, and you have a workspace for all seasons.
Take Breaks
This one is a little different, but it is very important for your mental and physical health to take breaks while working. Working too long in one sport can injure your productivity, not to mention your back. So, set regular reminders to just get up, stretch a bit, walk around a little, and distract yourself with something else. It can definitely be a lifesaver. Listening to music while at work has also been found to reduce stress and increase productivity, so do not hesitate to put those speakers or headphones to good use!
No-Phone Zone
Smartphones, tablets, and other tech gadgets can aid you in staying organized and efficient, however, as anyone would agree, they can be huge distractions that suck up a lot of time and can also clutter up the place. Smartphone-addicted employees can lose all-too-valuable work time without even being aware of it. The most effective way to help you avoid the temptation of mobile devices is to find a home for them. And leave them there. There are already enough screens competing for your attention, so keep your phone, smartwatch, and the like at a distance so your focus does not constantly get pulled by the constant stream of notifications.
Personalization
This is important for you to do. Especially in this hyperfast, impersonal, and disconnected work culture, taking some time to personalize your workspace, in moderation of course, can give you more of an emotional connection to your work. However, it is also important you do not go overboard and start cluttering up the place but display your personal items sparingly. Things like a personal plant, wallpapers on your PC, or stickers are all good ideas. Perhaps a framed photo of your spouse and/or children if you have any, which might inspire or push you to be even more productive, a little extra motivation when the day gets long and you are tired of everything and everyone.
Distinct Home Office
If you are working from home, one thing you absolutely should make sure of is that your home office is distinct, as the line between personal and professional space obviously gets very blurry very quickly when you are working from home. To stay productive and on track, it is important for you to separate work and home spaces. If you do not have a separate room to serve as a home office, maybe use bookshelves or the like to delineate a workspace, or even things like filing cabinets or floor lamps can achieve the effect. These visual partitions help you remain focused on actually working when you are in your home office.
Half of our time or more is spent working, and nowadays that means we mostly do it in one environment, day in and day out. So we should do our best to maximize the work output we can achieve in them, with a few nifty tricks and tips. There are also a lot more you can discover on your own, of course, but these are a good start, and sure to set you right back on track. Own your space, and it will be worth it.
Become a Harlem Insider!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
