Spruce up your personal workspace to create a conducive environment. Whether you are working from home or at an office, attention to the finest details can give your productivity and creativity a boost. Here are five great workspace hacks.
1. Brighten your space
We can’t overemphasise the importance of good lighting . Working in a poorly-lit environment can strain your eyes and give you a headache, which hinders productivity. If you are working from home, position your workstation where there’s plenty of natural lighting or install lighting fixtures with adjustable filters. These help reduce glare, providing a more conducive environment for reading and working.
2. Change up your colours
The colours in your work environment can affect your mood and the way you work. With this in mind, pick a dominant colour you’re comfortable with for your workspace. Research has shown that green and blue boost productivity, while yellow is said to trigger innovation. If you work in an office environment, bring items like mugs, picture frames, vases or more from home in a hue that suits you. At home, consider repainting a wall or installing hanging wall art pieces with a dominant colour.
3. Bring nature in
It’s a known fact that being close to nature has a positive effect on our mental and physical well-being. To make your workspace conducive, consider bringing elements of nature indoors. A small potted plant (in a convenient, self-watering planter) – or even a terrarium – can add some greenery to your workspace. If you don’t fancy the upkeep that comes with a real plant, changing your screensaver to that of natural scenery will provide respite for weary eyes.
4. Cut the clutter
An organised workspace will keep you focused and productive. If your desk looks like a war zone, it’s time to take out the trash. Invest in a storage unit and some folders, and spend a few minutes organising and filing your documents daily. If your stationery collection is running amok, a small concrete pot will provide a chic touch to your desk that serves as a hold-all as well.
5. Get comfortable
Most people spend the most part of their workday seated – and we all know poor sitting posture does no good for us. Ensure your workstation is comfortably and ergonomically fitted – align your computer screen such that the top of your monitor is at eye-level, and that your feet rest flat on the floor. Recline your chair slightly – studies have shown that this position alleviates the stress placed on your spine. If you fancy a workout, switch from sitting on a chair to balancing on a fitness ball – you’ll strengthen your core and enjoy a greater sense of well-being.