Have you ever noticed how you can’t focus in a messy room? Or how you absolutely must clean your cubicle before you can read another email?
For me, productivity is 50% my brain and 50% my environment. Studies have actually shown workplace environments can significantly affect employees’ productivity. Controlling the environment around us is usually much easier than trying to control the whirlwind of thoughts in our minds, so why not implement a few simple design hacks into your workspace this year?
Below I’ve outlined 7 tips to help increase your productivity by enhancing your working environment – whether that be a cubicle or home office.
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1. Clean up areas within your line of sight
I would say clean all the areas around you, but sometimes this isn’t in your control. Cleaning up at least in your immediate area and within your line of sight can help clear your mind and prepare your brain to start a new task.
I also think it’s important for all of the items in your workspace to have their own home. Having a place to return items when you’re finished using them helps keep things clean and organized. (More on this tip in my Home Organization blog post.) For example, a paper tray can hold planners and notebooks. File folders can hold loose papers. A cute pencil holder can organize pens and pencils.
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2. Maintain empty space on your desk
Similar to how you shouldn’t take on many tasks at a time, you should have as little as possible out on your desk. Physical empty space creates the illusion of empty space in your mind, and can encourage visualization and creativity.
3. Use color to your advantage
I stick to neutrals with pops of colorful decor in my home, but in an office space, I think there’s more room for color since it’s not a place you’re using to “wind down.” And if you are using it for that, well… stop. Go home.
I find that color in my workspace helps me stay energized but too much of it can be distracting. In my cubicle, I kept my sightline pretty neutral and included colors on the sides and behind me. I used patterned craft paper to act as a wallpaper around my ugly beige cubicle walls.
4. Display inspiration around you
Inspiring wall art, notes, motivational quotes and photos can boost your mood and help add color to your space. Just keep the images simple and aesthetically pleasing. Download my free office printables here!
5. Add life to your workspace with plants
You guys know I love plants. Plants can bring life to your workspace just as they do to your home. And if you’re spending 8 hours a day in a space, why not make it as home-y as possible?
And even if you’re not big on houseplants in your home, there’s ample research on why you should have plants in your workspace.
My favorite workspace plant is the pothos – which stays a nice size, responds well to pruning and can survive neglect.
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6. Imitate warmth with lighting
If you’re not lucky enough to have bright, natural light in your workspace, you probably have depressing fluorescent lighting above you. Adding a small lamp or string of lights can add subtle light to your immediate area and create the illusion of warmth thanks to their more orange glow.
7. Consider all the senses
I’m big on imitating warmth because I’m often freezing in the office. And if you’re a woman, chances are you are too. I always have a giant sherpa blanket draped over my office chair so I can work comfortably.
True design is all about making spaces functional, not just pretty. In order to make your workspace functional, you should consider not only what you’re seeing but what you’re hearing, smelling and feeling.
Noise canceling headphones and a great Apple Music focus playlist can work wonders for my productivity. I also keep essential oils and candles at my desk and even though I can’t burn them at work opening them can emit a nice, subtle scent.
I hope this inspires you to update your workspace and boost your productivity. Don’t forget to subscribe below to get my free office printables to hang in your workspace while they’re still available!
