How To Create A Productive Workplace at Home
Productive workspaces, whether at home or in the office, have everything to do with efficiency. Many studies have concluded that people are getting easily frustrated by their output at work. They feel tired and drained all the time.
Today, most of us are busy, but not all of us are productive.
Being busy and being productive are two different things that are often confused. This could be a reason why many people aren’t happy with their work. Their output is not meeting their personal expectations.
However, small adjustments to one’s workspace can help boost productivity. Which elements contribute to a smooth workflow? How can we curate a space to help meet our standards?
Why do you need a productive workspace?
Our productivity is not limited to an efficient workflow. It also relates to being satisfied with our work. Setting up an optimized workspace allows us to actually enjoy the work that we’re doing.
Our workspace environment has significant effects on our ability to achieve daily goals.There are certain factors in a workspace that are crucial to productivity. They not only impact physical health, but also influence mood. The location of our set-up, the items on table, the potential clutter, all these factors play a role.
A disorganized, mindless workspace can be a leading factor behind decreasing productivity levels. So, before we learn how to can create an efficient workspace, we must understanding some factors that influence productivity.
How Does Workspace Environment Affect Productivity?
Lighting: Insufficient lighting at the workspace can very well lead to eyestrain, headaches, and fatigue. It causes drowsiness and a lack of focus. Natural lighting, on the other hand, boosts concentration by 15%. Thus, it is imperative that lighting is bright, cool, & natural (as much as possible) to help us stay alert and efficient.
Temperature: According to scientists, 70 degrees Fahrenheit (or 21 degrees Celsius) is the optimum temperature to increase productivity in the workspace. Working in cold temperatures can affect workflow by 44% making us nearly half as productive as those working in warmer surroundings.
Noise: Noise can dramatically affect our physical health. Prolonged exposure to loud and surprising sounds like continuously ringing phones spikes the blood pressure and increases heart rate. It makes us vulnerable to mistakes. We feel fatigued and less focused with constant background noise in the workspace.
Technology: We are likely to waste as much as 167 hours (7 full days) a year on slow and outdated technology. This is more than what we spend on annual holidays. Thus, investing in new and updated technology accelerates productivity by making it easier and smoother.
Furniture: An organized desk can save up to 4.3 hours per week. A cluttered desk, on the other hand, can easily hinder our brain’s ability to process information. An untidy desk steals our attention and distracts us from work. Similarly, having the correct chair makes a big difference too. A comfortable and ergonomic office chair can boost productivity by 17.7%. Plus, they can help with back pain and other injuries.
How to Create a Productive Workspace at Home
The pandemic has been successful in showing us an alternate way to work and live. As a result, it is estimated that by the end of 2021, 51% of the people around the world will be permanently working remotely.
Remote work has its advantages, yet the informal surroundings can lead us astray. Here are a few ways to maximize workflow:
1. Have a Dedicated Space to Work
Your choice of workspace is what matters most. Choose one area of your home and don’t change it. Working from home doesn’t mean you have to sit on your couch and work from there.
A dedicated workspace with natural lighting is ideal. Get dressed as you would for the office before you sit down to work. Separate your home space from your workspace to help get into the right mindset.
2. A comfortable table and chair
Your productivity may be affected because you’re not seated in a proper position. Working from the couch or from a bed is an easy way to feel lethargic.
Invest in an optimal desk and chair. Feel comfortable and supported so you’re aligned to do your best work. Standing desks or convertible desks may work for you. A pilates ball in lieu of a chair may help with posture and back pain.
3. Keep your essentials handy
As you sit down to work, make sure that you have all the essentials you need. Office supplies, work necessities, a water bottle, etc. Keep them handy.
Getting up repeatedly will not only hinder productivity but will also pull focus. Fight the urge to slip out of your workspace. Keep a pen and notebook handy and write down household obligations that need to be accomplished at a later time. It’s amazing how much can be achieved with these small changes.
4. Declutter your surroundings
Messy or cluttered surroundings can affect us in ways that we don’t even realize. Decluttering your space will not only keep it tidy but also prevents us from getting distracted. Also known as “visual noise”, the ‘mess’ in our workspace can interrupt productivity.
Reorganizing and minimizing the amount of items in our space makes us feel more productive. You can invest in shelves or bins to store things that are not needed on are regular basis. This will keep the necessary items within reach while the unnecessary items sit nicely tucked away.
5. Personalize your workspace
Just because it’s called a ‘workspace’, it doesn’t have to be boring. It’s YOUR office. Own it and make it your own. Personalize your workspace to make it inspiring. Incorporate a color theme if you like. Decorate the walls with your favorite quotes and affirmations. Spice it up by adding YOUR personality to it.
We read about how much our environment impacts our mood, so keep your workspace positive and up-lifting. Make it look attractive to you. Make it a space you would WANT to be in.
6. Include potted plants in your room
Working from home doesn’t mean that we have to be detached from natural surroundings. In fact, do just the opposite. Include potted plants to give the space a little life. Studies show that keeping plants in our workplace can improve your productivity up to 15%. However, be mindful about what plants you choose to incorporate into your space.
Choose plants that can thrive with little sunlight. Succulents like aloe vera can be potted easily indoors. They’re a widely available plant that require little maintenance. Other possible alternatives include peace lilies and snake plants. If you have a bigger budget, you can also consider a bonsai plant.
7. Create a space to relax
As important as it is to work, rest and relaxation are equally important for productivity. Constant sitting can cause back pain, stress, and other ailments. So while you build a productive workspace, make sure you make space (and time) to relax. Indulge in a small comfy couch or recharge on a chaise.
Additionally, some spare open space can do wonders. Our workspace doesn’t have to be closed or congested. Allow sufficient space to simply walk around the room or take a quick stretch. Remove any furniture that isn’t necessary.
Final Thoughts
A productive workspace ultimately makes a difference. It influences workflow and daily routine. These factors affect our satisfaction with work and ultimately, our quality of life. Hence, it is important to build a workspace that not just complements our professional life but also lets us thrive as individuals. For more information on The Triangle Sessions contact us today.