Where we work is also where we live. If you think about it, you probably spend just as much time in your office or cubicle as you do in your kitchen at home.
Does your workspace feel inviting or does it make you want to cringe? An unorganized or boring work environment will dramatically stunt our productivity. It’s not just about how our workspace looks though, it’s how it feels that creates the feeling of a relaxing space. Even more, it’s how we work.
Here are 4 ways you can create a more relaxing workspace:
1. Keep only what is needed on your desk; nothing else. By keeping on our desk only what we are presently working on, we have our workspace designed to only focus on the most important task(s).
2. Clear out the clutter. When you walk into your workspace does it give you a feeling of dread, or does it invite you in? You can’t expect to have a relaxing workspace with piles of paper, receipts, files and miscellaneous junk crowding your space. If you only change one thing, get organized. Maybe you like piles of stuff; perhaps it helps you concentrate. But this doesn’t mean the piles can’t be organized.
3. Make your space comfortable. Ergonomic is one of the biggest buzz words around every office it seems, but there’s a reason why ergonomics are important. Here’s some basic ergo tips:
• Make sure your feet are firmly planted on the floor.
• Keep proper posture. n Adjust the arms of your chair so they’re level with your keyboard.
• Place referenced documents for typing near the keyboard to prevent repetitive neck movement.
• Your wrists should be straight and “float” about the keyboard.
• Relax your hand on the mouse to prevent cramping.
• Adjust brightness/contrast on your monitor; place away from windows and bright lights to prevent glare.
• Adjust your screen font size to make it properly readable.
4. Personalize your workspace. When we personalize our desk space, it helps remind us that things outside of work are important. Pictures of family members and loved ones can help us stay motivated and remember what we’re working for, instead of working for “work’s” sake.
Our workspace should be visually appealing to us. Adding plants, recent photos, fresh flowers and fresh fruit to your desk is a good start.
