It’s no surprise that working in good conditions leads to better work. Claustrophobic cubicles and uncomfortable chairs all contribute to feeling unhappy and less productive. The environments people work in make a huge difference to their outlook and how they go about their jobs. For example, people who work outdoors often feel free and less constrained. Offices in wealthy companies like Google or Apple are designed to make their employees feel as relaxed as possible, as this leads to a better work ethic and higher productivity. You can apply these things to your own office, whether that’s at work or in your own home. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.
One: Design
Good design makes your surroundings appear effortless and lets your mind concentrate without distractions. Design consists of many individual elements, from purely aesthetic properties to ergonomics and comfort. Having your office as well-designed as possible gives you a better chance of focusing on your work with the distraction of a wobbly desk leg or a heater that won’t switch off. If you can do it yourself, that’s brilliant, but there are also professional teams who can help you create the perfect working environment to your specifications – for more information, take a look at Stoica’s website. Even if you’re just looking for inspiration, these places have some of the most beautiful and functional designs that you’ll start to wonder how you got anything done in your office before.
Two: Desk
If your job involves using a computer, it’s likely that you spend most of your working hours at a desk. Sitting all day without stretching has been connected to deep vein thrombosis and can be extremely severe. There are, however, ways of making your desk space more suitable for extended periods of use. For example, standing desks have recently been shown to increase productivity as they are easy to come and go from. You will also find yourself more energized by the freedom of not having to settle in every time you want to use the computer. If this doesn’t appeal to you, invest in a good, ergonomic chair that supports your back and keeps your posture healthy. Discomfort is linked to poorer work ethic as it serves as a painful distraction. Small changes to the position of your neck and wrists can make such a difference to your comfort and therefore productivity.
Three: (Dis)Organization
Whether you consider yourself a tidy person or not, being organized at work is one of the easiest ways to keep on track and stay productive. If you thrive in mess, it is because you actually have an understanding of where everything is, but by reducing the clutter that stands between you and the object you need, you’ll find yourself wasting less time hunting it down. Keep your office space simple and make sure everything you have is useful to you. Resist the urge to keep items around ‘just in case they come in handy later’, as this is rarely true. Organize your space to help organize your mind.
