Working in an office requires many of us to spend the vast majority of our time sitting at a desk. This is why your work setup plays a huge role in your productivity and energy levels. A disorganized and unpleasant working environment can have a massive impact on your performance.
Your surroundings influence the way you feel and because of this, it is crucial to optimize your workspace. This means that it is worth putting effort and time into creating a comfortable work setup, which will ensure you thrive every day. Today we will cover seven key factors which will help you set up the most productive workspace.
Table of Contents
Keep Goals In Sight
Regardless of whether you are based in a corporate office or you work from home, distractions will always be present in any environment. For example, an overwhelming workload can make you decrease your motivation and lose sight of your goals.
Therefore, it is important to improve your desk setup by incorporating ever-present reminders of where you are and what you hope to achieve in the future. The most crucial aspect is determining the reason why you are doing a particular job. Then you may want to find an inspiring and representative image or a poster to remind you of your vision.
Find A Comfortable Chair
It is important to invest in a high quality chair to help you maintain a healthy posture and increase your productivity. You can follow Branch’s advice on how to find the most comfortable office chair for long hours. This guidance will provide you with an understanding of the different factors involved in choosing a suitable office chair.
As a result, you will be able to reduce physical discomfort and ensure you can stay focused. Also, the chances of developing chronic conditions due to poor posture will be minimized. By obtaining the most comfortable office chair for long hours, you will be able to sustain productivity throughout the workday.
Invest in Quality Monitors
You’ll be looking at a screen for most of your workday, so it’s best to get a high-quality monitor for your setup. There are different things to consider depending on your line of work. A monitor with excellent color accuracy must be your priority if you need to handle graphics, photos, or videos. A dual-monitor setup has also become popular in recent years, as it makes it easier to use several programs simultaneously. Screen size is another thing that can depend on factors like how much space you have at home. But getting the latest monitor models may not always be within your budget. Consider going for any of these refurbished LCD monitorsthat are slightly older and used but still provide top-notch visual quality. With tons of brands and models available, you can find the perfect match for your work-from-home setup.
Minimize Clutter
If you are sitting in a disorganized or messy area, you may find yourself getting distracted by your surroundings. As a result, you may not be able to finish most of your work on time. It may be helpful to take a few minutes every day to tidy up your workspace and eliminate distractions.
Be sure to maintain an organization system, which suits your style. Also, instead of wasting time in the morning, it is advisable to sit down at the end of your shift and write down your to-do list for the following day. This will help you reflect on your accomplishments and how you can move forward.
Introduce Greenery
Although keeping your desktop clutter-free is often recommended, you may want to make an exception for plants. The mere presence of greenery on your desk is known to improve work performance. In addition, they can help purify the air and reduce your chances of getting sick.
Keeping plants around your office is also helpful in increasing alertness, sustaining focus, improving mood, and reducing stress. Moreover, the best part is that you can find a variety of low-maintenance options and enhance your working environment straightaway. This way, you will feel more energetic and creative, which can help you manage your workload better.
Personalize Your Space
Personalizing your space can help you improve your emotional connection to your work. However, it is important to do this in moderation and not let your personal touch turn into clutter. You will not want items that are not used frequently to take up space.
With that being said, it is still important to tailor your work setup to appeal to your visual side. This is why, you will need to find a balance, which helps you stay motivated. It is recommended to select a few personal items, that inspire you to be productive.
Incorporate Movement
One of the best ways to stay focused during the day is to acknowledge when you have hit a productivity wall. Then, it may be beneficial to take a few short and quick breaks to gain a new perspective on the task at hand. This is why, it is important to change positions from time to time and incorporate movement throughout the day.
For example, you may want to place the copy machine or phone on the other side of the room. As a result, you will have a reason to stand up and move more regularly. Including some sitting stretches and time to destress can also be helpful.
Improve Lighting
Proper lighting should be a huge priority when it comes to optimizing your workspace. Not only will this improve workplace aesthetics, but it can also change your mood and maximize your energy levels and concentration.
This is because out bodies require natural light in order to maintain our sleep-wake cycles. Therefore, the quality of your indoor lighting will affect the way you sleep at night. As a result, this can have a significant impact on your productivity and wellbeing. It may be useful to either set up your desk near a window or invest in lighting solutions that mimic natural light.