How to Design Your Office to Maximize Productivity: COVID-19 has made millions of Americans move from shared work environments to their couch. Experts predict that this trend will only continue for years to come. If you are one of the many professionals now clocking in from the comfort of home, you may want to invest in a well-designed home office. Small but purposeful changes can keep you focused; in turn, minor mistakes can leave you distracted.
Designate the Space for Work and Work Alone
This means no television or games in the room. If possible, keep your work computer separate from the one you use for pleasure. This will help you get into the right headspace when entering the environment.
Invest in a Quality Chair
You will spend hour after hour, day after day in the same seat. So make sure it’s a comfy one with sufficient back support. Look for options with soft materials rather than a hardened exterior, and a swivel will help you access a full range of your desk. For more tips on picking out an ergonomic chair, click here.
Be Strategic With Your Choice of Lighting
Natural light will give you a jolt of awakeness, so try to position your desk near a window. Avoid dim lighting at all costs, as this will cause eye fatigue and consequential tiredness.
Leverage Color Psychology to Enhance Energy and Concentration
Colors can influence our mood in surprising ways. As noted in this article, purple can feed the imagination, yellow can heighten energy, and can prove calming. Consider how color can help you throughout your day to achieve your goals. For example, if you become nervous prepping for presentations, favor cooler tones rather than fiery reds. Reversely, if you want a color that will bring you out of your shell, go for splashes of orange or red.
Similarly, Scents Can Awaken Your Brain
Entrepeneur.com lists the six scents that enhance productivity as lemon, lavender, jasmine, rosemary, cinnamon, and peppermint. Each brings its own nuances, making them uniquely suited for certain occasions. For example, jasmine can make someone feel confident and cinnamon can help battle tiredness.
Keep Reminders of Chores and Clutter Out of Sight
If you’re weighed down with grunt work, it’s natural to find any excuse to get out of your work responsibilities. Limit temptation by keeping reminders out of your line of sight, including laundry baskets or stuffed shelves. When your attention shifts from your computer or desk, it should meet a purposeful backdrop meant to soothe rather than distract. A tidy environment without random piles of files will keep your head in the game rather than disoriented. How to Design Your Office to Maximize Productivity.
Create a VIsual Signifyer on Your Door For “Do Not Disturb”
A well-intentioned family member banging on the door can interrupt important meetings, so come up with a system to alert your friends and loved ones when you are busy. Ideas can include a sign you hang from your door—when flipped to the green side, family members know that you’re free to talk. When red, you aren’t to be disturbed.
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