You know what it’s like when you walk in to a place, be it a store, restaurant, or coffee shop and “the energy just isn’t right?” You can’t put your finger on it, but it’s all just wrong. You can’t relax, are unable to focus on what you are supposed to be doing in there, and can’t wait to get out of there.
How do you feel about your desk or wherever it is you write?
Studies show that when you take the time to actually DESIGN your workspace, you will be 32% more productive than those that are in bare-bones workspaces that they have no control over.
Why is a cozy workplace a more productive workplace? It’s impossible to know definitively, but I have a few theories:
– If you pick colors and textures that you enjoy, you will feel good. We are all more productive when we feel good.
– Decorating your space with objects that bring back good memories makes you happy, provides inspiration, and ignites creativity.
– Decorating your space also provides a sense of control, which is empowering. Empowered people get more done and are happier doing it.
– Making the lighting choices that are appropriate for what you are doing leads to better vision and eye health.
How to create a productive workspace
1. Choose colors, textures, and fabrics that make you feel happy and relaxed. Forget what the “experts” in color theory tell you, and choose what you like.
2. Ensure that everything in your workspace has a home. Your workspace should not and cannot become a dumping ground for everything else that doesn’t have a place. This doesn’t mean that the environment has to be sterile – as that goes against the principles – but a disorganized workspace is not a productive one. If that is the place for mail, fine. But, find a basket for it.
3. Decorate the space with objects that have happy memories, provide inspiration, or otherwise make you smile. A few key pieces to visually pull you away from what you are working on when you need a break.
4. Ensure your workspace has room to get up and walk around. The ability to get up, move around, walk out/act out a scene, and stand up to relieve stress is invaluable.
5. Consider getting a standing desk or having a convertible workspace so you can split your time between standing and sitting.
What are you going to do to improve YOUR workspace? Post in the comments section.
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I’ve just moved my office and can’t agree with you more that a cozy beautiful workspace is key to productivity, at least for me. I’ve converted to a standing desk and am mostly liking it. I have a fountain and am going to add plants, lots and lots of plants. And I think always some fresh flowers about. Still working on a place for everything but that’s the goal.