LOF Office Furniture
Login Your Basket 0

5 Ways A Good Working Environment Improves Productivity

Posted on

Get Organised and Clear the Clutter

A messy workspace makes for a disorganised life. Do you have to sift through piles of papers to find what you’re looking for? Is your desk drawer brimming with miscellaneous items that don’t have a home? Are you always hunting for your pen or glasses under the mess that accumulates around you?

Having too many distractions around your workspace makes it difficult to stay focused, and is a definite hindrance to your productivity levels. Get organised by only allowing items that you NEED to stay on your desk, and be ruthless about unnecessary clutter. The same goes for the wider office space around you, especially if you’re working in a room with other people. Encourage everyone to be responsible for their own area, and work together to keep shared spaces clear.

Introduce Natural Light, Fresh Air and Positive Fragrance

Being stuck in an office with fluorescent lighting, over-zealous air conditioning and a stale scent is enough to dampen anyone’s spirits. Studies have shown that increasing the amount of natural light you’re exposed to can help with your health, productivity and general well-being. If your office layout doesn’t allow for everybody to be seated near a window, an adjustable lamp will allow individuals to select a lighting level that’s comfortable for them, and which decreases eye strain.

Similarly, everyone is different when it comes to their preferred room temperature, so avoid turning the heating or air con up too high, and try opening the windows! Of course, if it’s freezing outside or the height of summer you may need to rely on artificial temperature control, but use it in moderation where possible.

Did you know that our brains can have an emotional response to certain smells? Lemon is known to boost concentration, while lavender is soothing when you’re feeling overwhelmed. If you’re working from home, try a scented candle on your desk, or a bunch of fresh flowers. It might be more difficult to introduce scent in a shared working environment, but a small air freshener could make a big difference to your mood and motivation.

Choose Comfortable Furniture

If you’re going to be spending long periods of time sitting at a desk, make sure that your chair is up to the task, and that your screen is set at the correct height! Poor posture when working can contribute to chronic neck and back pain. Choose an ergonomic office chair that offers support to your back. When sitting at a computer, the top of your screen should be at, or just below, eye level; you should be able to have your feet flat on the floor, with your thighs parallel to the floor; when typing, your arms from the elbows should also be parallel to the floor, with no bend in your wrists in order to reach the keyboard comfortably.

Height-adjustable sit-stand desks are increasingly popular, allowing workers to change their position with ease. These special workstations have been proven to be effective in boosting productivity while keeping the user healthy and active. If you’re not able to work standing up, make sure you take regular breaks to stand and stretch your legs or go for a walk to the photocopier.

  1. Background Noise, or Not?

Some people work well with music playing in the background, while others prefer to have silence if they need to concentrate. Working in a busy coffee shop might seem impossible to those who like things calm and serene, but the hustle and bustle of a busy space can help some people stay focused and motivated.

If you’re a lover of peace and quiet, but find yourself having to work in a noisy place, try using earplugs or noise cancelling headphones to avoid getting distracted. Similarly, those who like to have their favourite tunes blasting while they type should be aware of the impact this can have on others, and monitor the volume levels.

Take Regular Breaks and Stay Hydrated

It’s hard to focus when you’re feeling hungry, and we all know that keeping our bodies hydrated is great for our memory, concentration and overall energy levels. If there’s space in your office, try to provide an area where employees can make a drink or something to eat. A small fridge and a kettle doesn’t take up too much room.

You might consider extending this idea to incorporate a breakout space, where people can come together to brainstorm and discuss ideas over a coffee in a less formal setting than a meeting room. Comfortable seating, café-style tables and refreshment facilities are a great addition to a busy office.

If you need help to plan your office space, we can help you to do it. See our previous projects to get an idea of our work.

Our Recent Posts

website uptime string
Your Basket
Your Basket Is EmptyReturn To Shop
Calculate Shipping