When you’re at work, how much attention do you pay to your surroundings? You might think the space around your computer has no impact on your productivity, but you’d be wrong. Several studies show that a disorganized, untidy work environment can lead to stress, distraction, and poor performance. A clutter-free, aesthetically pleasing workspace, on the other hand, will allow you to get your best work done.
There are so many aspects of your workstation that impact not only your productivity but also your mental and physical health too. If you are not careful about how you sit down to work each day, your inadequate work environment could negatively affect your life in several ways. To help you out, here are four easy ways to optimize your workspace.
Organize
It doesn’t matter whether you work in an office cubicle, a hot-desk zone, a dispatcher desk, or from the comfort of your own home: the first step to optimizing your workspace is to tidy and organize it. No loose papers covering everything and coffee cup rings on every surface. Get rid of everything you don’t need and find a dedicated space for everything else. You may need to invest in some storage solutions like folders and document trays to keep everything off the desk. This will instantly create more space that will alleviate stress, as well as ensuring you can always find what you need.
Make it comfortable
If you are tolerating an uncomfortable work setup, your performance is likely to suffer. When you’re in physical discomfort you will not be able to sit and focus on your tasks for long periods. Not to mention the fact that your health could suffer. Office workers who sit in inadequate chairs with poor posture often succumb to chronic pain and joint problems that can stay with them for the rest of their lives. You must take steps to remedy this right away. The best thing you can do is to invest in a quality ergonomic desk chair that supports your lower back and promotes correct spinal alignment. Make sure your computer is the right height for your body and that your screen is not too close to your eyes.
Keep it light
If the blinds are closed and you’re squinting to see the screen then you are at risk of experiencing eye strain, headaches, and vision degeneration. Humans are like plants in that we thrive on natural sunlight. Open the curtains and let the light shine in. You will be greatly helping your eyes while also giving your mental health a boost. If your office is dim and gloomy then invest in a sun lamp for your desk that mimics natural sunlight.
Make it personal
Working at a plain desk all day can be draining to your mental energy. Keep yourself upbeat and positive by adding some personal effects to your workspace that make you feel good. This could be plants, pictures of your family, or souvenirs from your travels.
In the beginning, you may find it difficult to make the changes and keep up these habits. But once you start to follow these tips, you will soon see the benefits shine through in your productivity and health.