The ways in which we think and behave are formed by the spaces we inhabit. These spaces affect our psychological health, creativity and productivity. Seeing as most people spend the majority of their time working in the same space, it is important to optimise your workspace to be arranged as constructively as possible.
Eliminate clutter
Get rid of superfluous items that accumulate in your workspace. These things divert your attention, which minimises your capacity to get work done. It is difficult to focus on the task at hand when you are in a cluttered and messy space. Once you have narrowed things down to those you really need, make sure all these items all have their own allocated homes. You can make use of organizational devices like cups, trays and folder holder to compartmentalize the items on your desktop.
Personalize your workspace
A 2010 study showed that workers who were given the chance to organize a small workspace in any way they liked were up to 32% more productive than workers who were not granted this opportunity.
There’s no need to clutter your space with unnecessary objects to make it feel like your own. You can personalise it with a few simple touches like adding a plant, a photograph, your own lamp or anything that motivates you. You will produce more and better work if you surround yourself with things that inspire you.
Pay attention to lighting, colour and space
It is imperative to work in a space that is well lit, even if you don’t have access to natural light or a desk near a window. Task lamps or table lamps can help lighten up your space, and will also add design elements that customize your space, providing it with a personal touch.
Since different colour and light levels have different effects on your state of mind, it is recommended that you adjust the hue and brightness of your space according to the kind of work that you do. It has been found that both green and blue enhance performance with work that entail coming up with new ideas. On the other hand, the colour red has been associated with better performance on tasks that require attention to detail.
In a similar vein, dimmer spaces have been linked to enhanced creativity with regard to idea generation, whereas brighter environments have been shown to be more favourable for evaluative and analytical thinking.
Furthermore, a 2007 revealed that higher ceilings go hand in hand with the feeling of freedom, along with a way of thinking that is more abstract and relational. This helps people to recognise and understand links between concepts and objects.
Take advantage of plants and windows
Certainly one of the easiest and most effective ways of optimising your workspace is to invest in a plant or two. Research has repeatedly proven the various benefits of having plants in office spaces. The presence of plants helps people to manage stress levels and recover from taxing or challenging tasks. It has also been shown that plants tend to reduce pollution levels in workspaces.
The importance of the look and feel of your workspace can easily be overlooked, especially when you are under a lot of pressure and struggling to meet deadlines. People who aren’t really interested in interior design are also inclined to neglect this important factor.
Working in a space where you feel content and comfortable is essential for optimizing productivity and psychological well-being. Anthony Manas, the CEO of Cube Workspace, established the premium office letting company inspired by his 23 years of experience as an interior designer. As a result, Cube Workspace is driven by innovation and design, and has embraced a look and feel that maximises creativity and productivity.
