Your workspace is where you spend a considerable chunk of your day. Since you spend a lot of time there, you have to be getting some real work done. You need a space to be creative and get the most out of your hours.
If you spend a lot of time at your desk with nothing to show for it at the end of the day, here are a few changes you can make to improve your productivity and keep the juices flowing.
Get rid of clutter
Getting clutter out of the way is the first thing to do. A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind. Things that can distract you, such as your phone or tablet, should be as far away from your workplace as possible. Beyond that, you should strip your work area to the bare minimum you need on a work day.
Work-related things can contribute to clutter. Keeping old files on your desk can cause you to overestimate the work you need to do and put extra pressure on you. That kind of anxiety is not suitable for a productive work day. So a tip that you could follow is to start each day by getting rid of everything you don’t need throughout the day. That will go a long way in helping you relax and focus on the tasks ahead.
And finally, don’t fall into the “office supplies” trap. When you go shopping for office supplies, there are a lot of shiny trinkets that you flat out don’t need. While a quirky pencil extender or separate books for your planner and journal may be fun, little things like this can add up and cause big clutter.
Get the necessary tools.
After clearing up all the noise in your workspace, it is time to put in all the necessities. Think about everything you will need to improve the flow of your space: your laptop, monitors, keyboard, and a notebook or two. Depending on your profession, opt for specialized equipment like 4k monitors for video editors or keyboards for writers and developers.
Stripping your workspace down to the basics will help you improve focus and establish a work-only zone. It is essential if you work from home. Your work life and home life can blend in ways that make both unfulfilling. You can change that by setting clear boundaries between where you work and everywhere else.
Get storage
File cabinets, desks with drawers, and shelves will help you keep your desktop clear. More points if everything you need is within arm’s reach. Instead of placing extra printing paper, staplers, and paper clips on top of your desk, keep them within easy reach in bins and drawers.
The storage is for items that you use during a workday but not often enough that they need to sit on top of your desk. However, it is not enough to through everything in a bin until you need them. Taking out the time to store everything neatly and appropriately will save you more time in the future when you need them.
Ergonomic Furniture
Sitting at a desk for hours at a stretch can be terrible for your health. Staying comfortable and maintaining a good posture all day is essential. An ergonomic office chair that keeps your spine aligned all day is ideal. But it goes beyond that; your desk should be at elbow level while sitting so you don’t slouch forward and your screen at eye level.
While the position you sit in is essential, you shouldn’t spend long periods seated. Make time to stand, stretch and walk a bit to keep your joints fluid and your back happy.
Standing desks are one way to go. They keep you upright, so no slouching during the day but standing for hours can get tiresome, so be sure to mix up your work positions, so you don’t stay in the same state for too long.
Lighting and ventilation
The brightness and air quality will go a long way in improving the general feel of your office space. Many people find natural light sufficient, but in the absence of that, lamps and mood lights can set the scene for your work environment, depending on your preference.
Avoid setting up your workspace in small rooms without quality airflow. Heat and humidity from bad air can make you irritable throughout the day and harm your productivity. Work in a room with air conditioners and windows. Be sure to open your windows multiple times throughout the day to let fresh, clean air in.
Personalize
Finally, your workspace should be a reflection of you. Don’t be scared to let your creativity show in how you decorate your area. Add a plant or two, art, posters, and family pictures. All of these can help motivate you. Working is not the most pleasant thing, but the personal touches may make it bearable. Personalizing your workspace can improve the emotional connection with your work and make you feel more fulfilled.
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