We feel the pressure of being told to speed up and produce greater quantities, but if your work environment doesn’t allow it, then it’s hard to be productive.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your overall productivity, then these recommendations on how to improve your work environment may come in handy.
Choose a background noise to help improve your work environment
Where are you productive? Some people prefer to work in a busy, public space rather than in a quiet one. Working alone can be boring to some and also shortens the amount of time you have to sit and work.
Keep your attention focused and find a space that allows you to work for a long period of time. Monitor the level of activity around you to determine whether or not you can stay focused.
You might need to find the right environment in order to stay productive while working; a café may be an active environment, while working in a library may mean feeling pressured to stay on task and quiet.
Working while you’re surrounded by people may add extra pressure. Working in a place without other people could help you to focus better, but some people need the presence of others to keep them motivated to work.
Create a ‘work only’ zone
Productivity is increased when you are in a place that will help you focus. Separate your workspace from your other spaces by gradually redesigning it to resemble an office.
Working in front of the TV or in the kitchen is a no-no, there are way too many distractions to take your mind away from the task at hand. A dedicated office workstation is a must.
Personalise your work environment to improve productivity
Personalising your space includes placing objects which represent your work in order to give you a constant connection to that environment.
A good way to make your work environment feel more like home is by taking a picture of someone you care about, replacing your screensaver, and adding your own personal touches.
No matter what takes your fancy, personalise your desk to make it unique.
Eliminate Clutter
We all have those corners in our homes that are cluttered with items we don’t need. But as crowded as it is, it doesn’t seem like such a big deal. It’s just clutter.
You can’t be productive if your desk is cluttered and distracting. In order to get things done efficiently, a desk that is too cluttered can be problematic.
Pencil holders help you organise the contents of your office desk, making the items in your desk drawer easier to search and reach.
Keep a bag with you to store gadgets and documents. Do this to avoid forgetting anything when travelling. Be sure to organise the contents of your bag with small containers or ziplock bags to prevent clutter.
Scents are your friend
Research has shown that scents can be good for us because they can trigger memories and change our emotions. Although everyone has different views about smells, some studies say specific scents can help improve people’s moods.
So if you enjoy a certain scent in the environment, bring it into your workplace to create a positive atmosphere.
When you are in the office and cannot stay organised, use air fresheners to keep your office smelling fresh. Flowers have a sweet and fresh smell and make your work environment more appealing.
About the Author
Jarred Manasse is a freelance writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. When he is not at the desk, you’ll find him hiking, camping, running or relaxing on the couch watching sports.
