Use proper lighting. The use of proper lighting is extremely important for productivity but is often overlooked. Improper lighting tends to result in eye strain and headaches and thus, diminished productivity. If you work in an office, try to bring in your own lamps and lighting. Using natural or soft white coloured bulbs is best. If you’re working from home, try to rely on as much natural light as possible by opening blinds and working near a window.
Make sure you have a comfortable chair and desk. Moving around and adjusting in your seat while working can kill your train of thought and slow you down. This is why it’s extra important to make sure your chair and desk setup is comfortable. Invest in an office chair that provides back support and make sure it’s set at a proper height in relation to your desk. Your arms should be able to rest comfortably on your desk and the top of your monitor should be at or below eye level for optimal performance.
3. Declutter your space. Research shows that a decluttered and organized space can drastically improve focus and productivity. Keep clutter to a minimum and make use of a desk organizer to keep pens, pencils, paper clips, and other office supplies organized and easy-to-access. An organized space helps keep your head clear and your thoughts in order, so you can focus on your work instead of getting distracted by how messy your office is. Organized workspace = organized thoughts.
4. Decorate. Your office surroundings can become your greatest source of inspiration while at work. Decorate with colours that inspire you by using photos, posters, artwork, and other decoration.
5. Bring in nature. Humans are biological creatures and research shows that small doses of nature can improve focus and productivity. If you work in an office with a window, incorporate nature by decorating with plants. If you work in an office with little to no sunlight, decorate with pictures of plants or the outdoors, set a nature-inspired desktop background, and take periodic breaks by getting outside or going for a short walk. Fresh air and seeing beyond the four walls of your office is a great way to clear your mind.
“I should not be more excited about your business than you are.” - Dan Plowman