Create a Productive Workspace: Tips and Tricks

Did you know the average American spends only 2 hours and 23 minutes at their desk? With so little time for focused work, making our workspaces better is key to being productive.

Whether you’re in an office or working from home, your workspace setup affects your work efficiency. In fact, 65% of workers think they’d work better from home than in an office.

We’ve collected tips from DIY, design, and home improvement experts. They share advice from their own experiences and research to help you make a better workspace.

Key Takeaways:

• A quiet workspace can significantly improve productivity, so find a space away from distractions.
• Declutter your desk and keep it organized with folders and sticky notes to stay focused.
• A tidy environment, both in your workspace and your entire house, enhances concentration.
• Consider adding greenery to your workspace for visual variety and fresh air.
• Certain scents, such as peppermint, rosemary, and sweet orange, can have a positive impact on productivity.

Follow these tips to make a workspace that boosts productivity and helps you reach your goals. Look forward to more ways to improve your work environment in the next sections!

Establish a Strong Company Culture

To boost workplace productivity, creating a strong company culture is key. Company culture is a major factor for both job seekers and employees:

• 23 percent of job seekers said “company values and culture” greatly affects their job choice.
• 21 percent left a job in the past year because of a bad company culture.
• 34 percent quit within the first 90 days due to the culture not fitting their expectations.

A strong company culture does more than just make work pleasant. It brings real benefits for both workers and employers. For example, bad workplace cultures cause high turnover, costing U.S. employers nearly $50 billion yearly.

Creating a positive company culture boosts productivity and makes employees happier. When workers connect with the company’s mission and values, they work harder and are more engaged.

So, how can you build a strong company culture?
Start by defining and sharing the company’s mission and values with everyone. This keeps everyone on the same page. Also, setting clear rules for ethical behavior and communication makes the workplace better.

Another key part of company culture is the office setup. The way the office is laid out affects how productive and happy employees are. Think about designing the office to reduce distractions and fit what employees need. This might mean open areas for teamwork or private spots for deep work.

It’s also vital to focus on employee well-being and work-life balance. Happy employees who balance work and life do better at their jobs. Encouraging everyone to use their vacation days and offering flexible hours helps build a positive culture.

When hiring, it’s important to look for people who fit the company culture, not just their skills. A diverse team brings different ideas to the table, which helps solve problems and innovate.

Finally, using digital tools and a digital workplace helps keep remote workers connected and builds unity in the team. With more people working remotely, technology is key to keeping everyone working together well.

In conclusion, having a strong company culture is crucial for making the workplace better and keeping employees happy. By setting clear goals, making the workplace positive, and designing offices that work for everyone, companies can create a culture that leads to success.

Create Opportunities for Movement

Moving more in the workspace can boost productivity and well-being. Sitting too long can make us tired and unfocused. But, taking regular breaks to move can refresh our minds and bodies.

Creating special spots for moving around at work helps a lot. For instance, having a spot for copying or printing can get people up and moving. This way, they don’t sit too long at their desks.

Places like a water cooler or coffee spot are great for quick breaks and chatting. They help people move and also build team connections. This boosts teamwork and creativity.

Encouraging short breaks during the day is another good idea. This could mean using standing desks or having easy-to-do stretches. Adding movement chances at work lowers the risk of muscle problems and keeps the team healthy and lively.

But moving isn’t just about physical activity. Taking mental breaks, like meditating or doing creative things, helps too. These breaks refresh our minds and make us more focused and clear-headed when we go back to work.

A work environment that encourages moving and breaks helps everyone do better. It makes work more dynamic and productive. Putting employee well-being first through movement helps everyone and makes the company more successful.

Incorporate Plants and Greenery

Adding plants and greenery to the office can boost productivity. They make the workspace more beautiful and offer many benefits. These benefits make work more productive and fulfilling.

Studies show that office plants reduce stress and improve well-being. In Norway, workers without outdoor views were more likely to have plants. In Denmark, those with a “green view” were happier and more productive.

Plants do more than look good and make employees happy. They help workers stay focused and do better on tests. Workers with plants finished tests 19% faster than those without.

Greenery also makes the office cooler and healthier. Plants block solar radiation and help with evaporation. Cities with lots of greenery stay cooler, fighting the heat island effect.

Trees and other plants clean the air by trapping pollutants. A single city tree can catch 100 grams of pollutants a year. Ivy and other plants also clean the air by removing harmful gases and particles.

“Staff in office spaces with plants rate air quality more positively than those in areas without flora.”

Plants don’t just clean the air; they also make the office calmer. Studies say indoor plants reduce noise, helping people work better. Moving water features can also make the office feel clearer and calmer.

Being outdoors is good for mental health. The American Psychological Association says nature lowers anxiety and stress. Flowers can also make people feel less stressed, with 90% of people feeling calmer after being around them.

To enjoy the benefits of nature, create therapeutic gardens at work. These spaces let employees relax and improve their mental health, says the UK National Health Service Forest information service.

Adding plants and greenery to the office boosts productivity, lowers stress, and makes the workplace healthier and nicer. Plants offer many benefits, from beauty to air quality and mental health. So, why not add some nature to your office and see the positive effects it can have on your work and well-being?

Give Tech Gadgets a Home

Smartphones, tablets, and other tech gadgets can be both helpful and distracting at work. To stay productive, it’s key to have a spot for these devices when not in use. Keeping them out of sight helps you focus on work better. Storing them in a drawer or special area keeps your workspace tidy and ensures you don’t waste time on devices.

“A clutter-free workspace helps promote organization, which in turn enhances productivity. By giving your tech gadgets a home, you can minimize distractions and maintain focus on your work tasks.”

In today’s digital world, there are many gadgets that can boost your productivity. For example, the Xebec Tri-Screen 2 is a portable laptop monitor that’s highly praised. The SteelSeries Aerox 3 wireless mouse has a water-resistant shell and long battery life, making work easier.

Consider the Tsj Office Glass Desktop Whiteboard, now 10% off on Amazon for $29. It’s great for jotting down notes or reminders. The Boogie Board Blackboard Smart Scan Reusable Notebook is also a good choice, offering a green way to take digital notes and save them for later.

If you like drinking coffee or tea at work, the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2 is perfect. It keeps your drink warm for up to 80 minutes, thanks to its battery life.

The Joeyank Fidget Cube is great for those who fidget or need a stress relief. It’s on sale for 12% off on Amazon, costing $22. This cube lets you fidget and stay focused at work.

For coffee lovers, the Aeropress Original Coffee Press is a must-have. It’s discounted by 12% on Amazon, priced at $35. It makes brewing coffee quick and easy, so you can enjoy a fresh cup right at your desk.

Want to add some fun to your workspace? The Sound RX The Hype Button is a fun gadget, now 40% off on Amazon for $15. It lets you play fun sound effects, making work more enjoyable.

The Nulaxy Dual Folding Cell Phone Stand is great for keeping your phone or tablet at the right angle. It’s discounted by 40% on Amazon, priced at $9. This stand is adjustable and portable, ideal for both office and travel.

To keep your workspace tidy, consider the Sleek Socket Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer. It’s priced at $40 on Amazon and hides cables and power cords behind furniture. This device makes your workspace look sleek and organized.

For larger tech items like monitors or printers, a sturdy stand or mount is crucial. The Anker Solix C1000X is a durable option, now 24% off at Home Depot for $679. It lets you mount your monitor at the perfect height and angle.

Wireless keyboards are available from $18.99 to $89.95, fitting every budget. External hard drives, for storing files on the go, cost between $35 to $80.

Wireless charging pads are a must for avoiding tangled cables. They’re priced around $59.99 and make charging devices easy without the mess.

Cable holders and organizers, at $9.95, help manage wires and cables on your desk. They make it easier to find and use the cables you need.

Programmable keypads with customizable hotkeys are great for quick access to functions. They cost $38.99 and save time by letting you set shortcuts.

USB docking stations, priced at $89.95, add more ports for peripherals. They make connecting multiple devices to your computer seamless.

Screen mirroring devices, around $19.99, allow wireless sharing of content to larger displays. This makes presentations or collaborative work easier and more efficient.

VoIP phones, at $45, offer internet-based voice communications. They’re great for remote work or international calls, saving money on calls.

Smartboards are often used in offices for presentations and meetings. They’re a valuable tool for collaboration and brainstorming, costing about $1,199.

Conference room equipment, including microphones, speakers, and cameras for video conferencing, is priced at $69.99. This equipment is key for effective virtual meetings with colleagues and clients.

By giving your tech gadgets a proper home and using the right accessories, you can make your workspace more organized and efficient. Whether it’s a simple phone stand or a high-tech monitor mount, these gadgets help you stay focused and productive.

Keep Your Workspace Clean

Keeping your workspace clean is key for staying productive and feeling good. A tidy space helps you focus better and work more efficiently. By cleaning regularly and valuing cleanliness, you can make your workspace better.

Begin by setting a cleaning schedule. Cleaning your space often saves time and effort. Focus on areas touched a lot or where people walk by a lot. These spots can spread germs easily. Cleaning them often keeps your space clean and stops the spread of sickness.

Don’t let food and drinks in some parts of your workspace. This stops work from getting messy, damages equipment, and creates safety risks. Make areas for eating to keep your work clean and germ-free.

Having personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies is a must. Things like hand sanitizers, gloves, and masks help stop diseases from spreading. Keeping these items handy lets everyone stay clean and healthy.

Checking your workspace and common areas often is important. It helps spot dangers and fix them before they cause problems. Think about getting a professional cleaning service for your office. They can help keep your space clean and safe.

Encourage your team to keep their workspace tidy. When everyone feels responsible, they’ll keep their area clean. This means less lost time and more work getting done.

A neat workspace makes a good impression on visitors. It also makes employees feel more confident and happy. Everything in its place saves time and makes work easier.

For those in manufacturing or shared workspaces, a clean and organized area is a big plus. In manufacturing, it means quick access to what you need. In shared spaces, it helps everyone work together better.

Less stress and more confidence come from a clutter-free desk. Getting rid of clutter and organizing your space lowers stress. It also makes finding things faster.

In conclusion, a clean and organized workspace is crucial for doing well at work and feeling good. It shows you’re professional and makes clients and visitors feel confident. Start cleaning more and see how it changes your work life.

Personalize Your Office Space

Making your office space personal is more than just adding pretty things. It’s about building a strong emotional bond with your work area. This bond can boost your productivity and happiness. By personalizing your space, you make it reflect your unique style and personality.

Start by adding items that mean something to you. This could be a photo, a plant, or a keepsake. These items remind you of your goals and keep you motivated. They also help you connect with others at work.

Choosing the right office supplies and furniture is another way to personalize. Pick a color scheme that matches your style or furniture that makes you comfortable. Items that make you happy and feel at home can make your workspace more creative and productive.

Don’t forget about the impact of artwork and plants. Hang art that speaks to you to add character and spark creativity. Adding plants can make your space calm and inspiring, improving your mood and health.