Your workspace is the environment in which you perform most of your work. An optimal workspace is critical to your success. Consider these productivity life hacks for your desk.
Your workspace is your desk, your chair, the office, the people. It’s a big part of your life. Aside from out of office meetings, you will spend more time in this space, than any other consolidated space in your life. Think about it: kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms all may get several hours of your dedicated time, but none of them will command 8-10 (or more) hours of your life each day.
Many people do not have the ability to change their entire workspace, so this email is focused on things almost everyone can influence in their work environment.
Clutter: Yes or No?
There used to be a lot of pressure to clean and organize desks. The thought was that if there is clutter on your desk, there is clutter in your mind. However, Einstein himself made a comment on this bit of work culture, “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?”
It comes down to individual preference. Some people work well in clutter, and feel uncomfortable in a tidy space. Others feel overcome by messes and require pristine environments in order to produce their best work. The trick here, is to know what works for you, and stick to it. If you think best with papers on your desk, don’t feel bad if you have a few renting space there. On the other hand, if cleanliness is your heaven, don’t let your space get messy. If clutter inhibits your productivity, carve out some time and clean that desk.
Music
If you work in a shared workspace, this one can be critical. Studies have shown that most music doesn’t actually increase productivity, it really only increases entertainment. – But is that so bad? No. However, music can be very distracting, even if it is also entertaining. If you find that you think best with music, consider listening to music that has approximately 70-130 beats per minute. Some studies have shown this to be the appropriate tempo for music which increases productivity.
Plants and Windows
Most employers will allow you to have a plant at your desk. Some desks may allow you to sit near a window. There’s a reason these are such coveted items in an office environment. In support of in-office plants, there is evidence that having live plants in an office environment increases attention span, and helps you recover from demanding work tasks.
Other research has shown that windows are beneficial to office employees. Especially windows withnatural landscapes which can be seen when looking through them. It gives a sense of wellness and improves health.
