Have you ever been sat at your desk clockwatching, hoping your workday will come to an end? Don’t’ worry, you’re not alone; research suggests that around a third of us are distracted for a whopping 3 hours a day, which equals 759 hours per year! If this is you, fear not!
We’re here to tell you, we think the secret (or not so secret) way to maximum productivity at work is hidden in your office styling. Whether you work from home or in the office, take a look at our top styling tips to help with your daily productivity.
Lighting
This is one of the most important factors in staying focused and feeling inspired, yet it’s probably one of the most overlooked and least invested in. Bad lighting can cause fatigue, eyestrain, and headaches, and it’s even been shown that a dark workspace can actually contribute towards depression.
Incorporating as much natural light as possible by placing your desk near a window to let the natural light shine in. It’s also worth investing in a desk lamp for those winter days.
Organisation
As the famous saying goes “a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind”. So surely, the reverse should hold true – a tidy desk would lead to a clearer mind and heightened productivity. Take time every morning to arrange your desk and clear away any unnecessary paper and throw away those disposable coffee cups. With these distractions gone, you’ll be surprised by your efficiency at the end of the day.
Incorporate splashes of colour
Did you know that colours have the power to change the way you feel? For example, blue has the ability to stimulate the mind, while green has a calming and balancing effect. You can incorporate colours onto your desk through post-it notes, pen holders, funky notebooks, and pens. Even if they don’t seem to be working their magic, your spirit is bound to be lifted by the increased vibrancy of your desk.
Add plants
Can plants really help you do more work? It sounds silly, but yes! Adding a plant or two on your desk or in the office can not only improve productiveness, but also happiness – which is the key to life! Not only is the colour green supposedly relaxing for the eyes, but plants are also an impeccable air filter. Breathing in cleaner air will aid in more efficient thinking and help boost productivity throughout the day.
A few of our favourite plants are the Peace Lily – but make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight, water weekly and spritz the leaves occasionally, especially during the hot summer months. A Spider Plant on the corner of your desk or in a hanging pot grows well in low light conditions. However, you’ll need to keep the soil moist at all times with frequent watering. If you have floor space to fill, make a statement with a Monstera, also known as a Swiss Cheese Plant. This beauty can grow just about anywhere with very little light. Just make sure to water the plant when the top half of the soil is completely dry and feed it monthly with plant food.
Room Scents
Much like the colour of the room you work in, the smell of a room can affects your mood, mindset, and productivity. Consider adding scents to your workspace to jar your mind into focus when you start to notice yourself drifting off. Scents like
- Pine – increases alertness
- Cinnamon – improves focus
- Lavender – helps to relax during a stressful day
- Peppermint – lifts your mood
- Citrus – wakes you up and lifts your spirits
So, there you have it, our top tips that are sure to help boost your productivity whilst working.