Although we might not consciously notice it, while we are awake we are constantly being influenced by our surroundings. Everything that is around us can subtly affect our mood and ability to focus, which means that at work environmental factors can either help or hinder our productivity. These include the temperature, lighting, noise, and everything that we can see.
Depending on where you work and your position in the company hierarchy, you might not be able to control all of these things. But one aspect of your working environment that you will almost certainly be able to alter is your desk. This short guide offers some suggestions for creating a desk setup that is conducive to hard work.
Invest in an ergonomic chair
The reason so many people feel compelled to get up from their office desks regularly is not to gossip by the water cooler or satisfy a severe caffeine addiction, although they might do these things. It’s most likely to be because they are uncomfortable. To put it simply, human bodies are not designed for long periods of sitting down. It restricts circulation, and this leads to a loss of energy and poor posture which quickly becomes uncomfortable, if not painful. Ergonomic chairs will help you sustain a healthy posture for longer and help blood to circulate around your body, staving off fatigue for longer. This gives you more working time.
Have your goals in sight
Whether you choose a photo of your loved ones, the classic “hang in there” motivational poster, or something else entirely, it can be useful to have something in your eyeline as you work to keep you motivated. Even a sticky note with a list of your goals or an inspiring quote can do the trick.
Add some plants
Along with not being suited to sitting in chairs all day, humans are also not really made to spend long periods of time in sterile, neutrally coloured and artificially lit environments. The dull surroundings of your average office don’t actually help much with productivity. In fact, they can lead to feelings of stress and depression. However, the sight of a houseplant or two on your desk can provide some relief from this. Not only does looking at them reduce stress, but they also help oxygenate the room. This can increase your mood and energy levels.
Hide cables and clutter
Cables and clutter – especially work documents – on your desk have been shown to make people feel more stressful and overwhelmed, like they have too much work to do. This effect was not only present in the desk owners who were studied, but in colleagues who could also see that person’s messy desk while they worked. Go for wireless accessories whenever possible, and for things that do have to have cables, consider buying a cable organiser to keep your desk tidy.
Conclusion
Sometimes, sitting down and doing focused work is hard, especially if the work itself is not stimulating. You can make it easier by investing in quality furniture that helps keep your energy levels up, and by removing distractions and stress-inducing elements from your work environment. Replace them with stress-reducing decorations like plants and reminders of what you’re working for instead.