Your work environment and the way your office is decorated and organized has a direct impact on how you feel while at work and ultimately your productivity. If your office decor is drab or dreary looking, chances are you’re not going to be too psyched about being there. If your office space is cluttered and disorganized you will likely feel overwhelmed and disorganized, yourself. On the other hand, if your office is organized and cheery, your performance will be much more satisfactory. There are many ways to make your office more purposeful and comfortable from practicing feng shui to adding personal touches to your decor.
First, let’s talk about color. Of course, it is not typically practical to paint your office or cubical, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add color in other ways! Cool colors like blues and greens are said to have a calming effect while warm colors such as reds, oranges and yellows are said to make you feel more energized and focused. Choose colors that inspire you and make you most comfortable. Some ways to incorporate color without actually painting the walls include artwork, an area rug, colored furniture or some funky office supplies. Have fun with it! (Just be sure not to get too outrageous to the point of becoming unprofessional.) Lighting can also make a big difference in your level of comfort. You don’t need to settle for harsh overhead lighting. You can always bring in a small lamp which will provide more warmth and be easier on your eyes.
There are many things you can do to promote physical comfortability while at work as well. Air quality is super important in staying alert and clear-minded. While a window is preferable, you can still keep your air fresh if you aren’t lucky enough to have one. Bring some of the outdoors indoors and buy some plants! There are many plants that actually filter and purify air! Some examples are the spider plant, the snake plant, golden pothos, and warneck dracaena. Not only will these little guys improve your air quality, but plants just seem to have a way of cheering you up. If it’s hot and stuffy, invest in a small fan or an air conditioner (if your building allows it).
If you’re going to be spending a lot of your time sitting at a desk, you should definitely invest in a good and comfortable chair. Maybe even sneak a foot rest under your desk. Some people find it beneficial to swap out a traditional office chair for an exercise ball, depending on whether it’s appropriate for your place of work and position. (If you’re in human resources, interviewees may find it distracting and ...well.... strange to see you bouncing around your office on a huge ball.) However, if you don’t really have to interact with people, it may be beneficial to use one for a few hours each day. It is said that they encourage you to sit up straight and engage your core stabilizer muscles, ultimately improving posture and decreasing back pain. Even then, it may be impractical to spend your whole work-day on one. Whatever works for you!
Now let’s talk about office organization and layout. Check out some info on feng shui. I am a true believer that room layout and energy flow can have a huge impact your comfort level. Make sure your space isn’t too cramped and don’t bring in unnecessary clutter. Set up your desk so that you have a clear view of the door. Make sure to set your computer to a comfortable viewing distance and your eyes should line up just a little above the center of your screen to prevent you from getting neck cramps.
Organization in essential for optimal productivity. Invest in some organizational units such as file cabinets, folders, bulletin boards and shelves. Try to build up instead of out to avoid cluttering your work space. Make sure the things you use most are easily accessible and replace supplies as needed.
Finally, add some personal touches. Research shows a positive correlation between art and productivity at work. Not only does pleasing artwork increase productivity, but it relieves stress and improves morale and creativity. You can also bring in a few personal pictures that are comforting and inspiring to you. Just make sure they’re work appropriate. (Not pictures from your crazy bachelor party or of you in your bikini on your spring break trip!) Another way to boost your mood and add a personal touch is creating a small motivation board. Print out some of your favorite quotes or inspiring photos to provide a little pick-me-up when needed and pin them to a board or use magnets to post them on a file cabinet. Depending on your office, you may want to get a plug in air freshener (just be sure to check with office-mates or company policy before bringing one in). I would suggest Bath & Body Works Wallflowers plug-ins. They have a huge selection of light and fresh fragrances that won’t be overwhelming. I suggest the Island Margarita scent. WARNING: MAY CAUSE UNCONTROLLABLE AFTER-WORK MARGARITA CRAVINGS!
Take into account your office space’s color, lighting, layout, organization and general decor and consider whether or not you’re happy with it. You’ll be surprised how making a few simple changes can transform your space into an environment of optimal productivity!
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