You’ve probably heard the expression “tidy home, tidy mind” a hundred times before, but unless this catchy turn of phrase is also an elaborate scheme concocted by cleaning companies to trick us into buying their products, I believe it to be true. Now, the “home” part can be exchanged for many things, but in this case we’ll be talking about…
WORKSPACE
Whether it be a desk or a desktop, a cluttered workspace can hamper productivity, and not being able to find something is both frustrating and time consuming. So…
How could your workspace be configured to better serve you?
- Preparation. Collect all the tools, supplies and documents you need to complete your tasks. These may be physical or digital, but either way, make sure that you have everything required so as not to interrupt the flow of work.
- Stick to the essentials. If there are multiple tasks to be getting on with, only put in front of you what’s required. The prospect of too much work can be overwhelming and prompt a bout of procrastination, so get that pile of papers or opened tabs out of sight. You will get to them later.
- Zhuzh it up a bit (yes, I did just look up the spelling of “zhuzh.”) There’s nothing wrong with a plant, a nicknack or something fun to lift your mood. It shouldn’t all be doom and gloom. And, for an extra kick, why not surround your workspace with things that motivate and inspire? This might be a picture, a quote or a desktop wallpaper. Whatever it is, make sure its something that’s driving you towards your goals.
What aspects of your wider environment might be hindering your productivity.
So, you might be lucky enough to have an office space in a remote Swiss cabin, with spectacular views, voice-activated air-conditioning and a little robot assistant named Kioko that provides bottomless Starbucks at the touch of a button. But, alas, most of us do not.
Noise, temperature and just general discomfort can be distracting, especially if they are part of a shared workspace.
TOP TIPS:
- Don’t skimp on the quality. If you’re in a position to choose office furniture, a sturdy, supportive and adjustable chair is very important. If you’re unable to do so, make the best out of what you have: a cushion, a foot stool, anything that’ll help, really. Neck and back pain are debilitating. Make sure you are comfortable.
- Temperature. Recent studies suggest that the slightly warmer temperature of 25°C (77°F) is optimal for focused work. However, this might be slightly different for everyone, so if you work within a group and you find yourself sweating, shivering or snoozing, perhaps call a meeting and come to a group compromise. Also, layers. With the cost of living being so expensive right now, it might be time to bundle up, rather than turn on the heat. If you get too hot, you can always take them off. Better still, if the option is there, return to the office.
- Sound. Do you work better in quiet or with music and sounds? If it’s the former and you happen to be in a particularly noisy workspace, see what your options are. Can you move/set up elsewhere? If not, perhaps try some noise-cancelling headphones or a playlist of ambient sounds/white noise etc. Whatever works for you. The best advice is to try and not let it anger you — focus on the task at hand. And be gentle with yourself.
Shake things up
If your workspace is at home, it can feel a bit stagnant to eat, sleep and work in the same place. So, if your situation allows for it, explore your area and see if there is a coffee shop/pub/library etc. where you can spend a few hours at work. That way, you’re breaking up your day and, if you walk, are getting in a bit of fresh air and exercise as well. Just make sure you’re going for the right reasons. If the place serves food, perhaps eat before, otherwise you’re just taking yourself out for lunch!
Ultimately, the ideal workspace is going to be different for everyone, and we all have different needs, preferences and limitations. If there is anything here that helps, that’s great! Take what you need and forget the rest.
Enjoyed this article? Want to read more? Check out O&B’s thoughts and tips on INTERRUPTIONS.
You’ve probably heard the expression “tidy home, tidy mind” a hundred times before, but unless this catchy turn of phrase is also an elaborate scheme concocted by cleaning companies to trick us into buying their products, I believe it to be true. Now, the “home” part can be exchanged for many things, but in this case we’ll be talking about…
WORKSPACE
Whether it be a desk or a desktop, a cluttered workspace can hamper productivity, and not being able to find something is both frustrating and time consuming. So…
How could your workspace be configured to better serve you?
- Preparation. Collect all the tools, supplies and documents you need to complete your tasks. These may be physical or digital, but either way, make sure that you have everything required so as not to interrupt the flow of work.
- Stick to the essentials. If there are multiple tasks to be getting on with, only put in front of you what’s required. The prospect of too much work can be overwhelming and prompt a bout of procrastination, so get that pile of papers or opened tabs out of sight. You will get to them later.
- Zhuzh it up a bit (yes, I did just look up the spelling of “zhuzh.”) There’s nothing wrong with a plant, a nicknack or something fun to lift your mood. It shouldn’t all be doom and gloom. And, for an extra kick, why not surround your workspace with things that motivate and inspire? This might be a picture, a quote or a desktop wallpaper. Whatever it is, make sure its something that’s driving you towards your goals.
What aspects of your wider environment might be hindering your productivity.
So, you might be lucky enough to have an office space in a remote Swiss cabin, with spectacular views, voice-activated air-conditioning and a little robot assistant named Kioko that provides bottomless Starbucks at the touch of a button. But, alas, most of us do not.
Noise, temperature and just general discomfort can be distracting, especially if they are part of a shared workspace.
TOP TIPS:
- Don’t skimp on the quality. If you’re in a position to choose office furniture, a sturdy, supportive and adjustable chair is very important. If you’re unable to do so, make the best out of what you have: a cushion, a foot stool, anything that’ll help, really. Neck and back pain are debilitating. Make sure you are comfortable.
- Temperature. Recent studies suggest that the slightly warmer temperature of 25°C (77°F) is optimal for focused work. However, this might be slightly different for everyone, so if you work within a group and you find yourself sweating, shivering or snoozing, perhaps call a meeting and come to a group compromise. Also, layers. With the cost of living being so expensive right now, it might be time to bundle up, rather than turn on the heat. If you get too hot, you can always take them off. Better still, if the option is there, return to the office.
- Sound. Do you work better in quiet or with music and sounds? If it’s the former and you happen to be in a particularly noisy workspace, see what your options are. Can you move/set up elsewhere? If not, perhaps try some noise-cancelling headphones or a playlist of ambient sounds/white noise etc. Whatever works for you. The best advice is to try and not let it anger you — focus on the task at hand. And be gentle with yourself.
Shake things up
If your workspace is at home, it can feel a bit stagnant to eat, sleep and work in the same place. So, if your situation allows for it, explore your area and see if there is a coffee shop/pub/library etc. where you can spend a few hours at work. That way, you’re breaking up your day and, if you walk, are getting in a bit of fresh air and exercise as well. Just make sure you’re going for the right reasons. If the place serves food, perhaps eat before, otherwise you’re just taking yourself out for lunch!
Ultimately, the ideal workspace is going to be different for everyone, and we all have different needs, preferences and limitations. If there is anything here that helps, that’s great! Take what you need and forget the rest.
Enjoyed this article? Want to read more? Check out O&B’s thoughts and tips on INTERRUPTIONS.