Create your ideal work environment in an office, at home, or on the road to maximize productivity and focus. This article contains four useful tips for setting up a workspace that facilitates creativity and focus. Many people are currently navigating an environment of working from home, while modern technology allows remote work to be possible in more locations than ever. Most work environments come with their own set of challenges but an ideal work setup can alleviate stress and promote productivity. For additional time management tips head over to this article on tips for focus on productivity.
#1. Set up an uncluttered and enjoyable space with essential work items.
Sit down to work with the essentials. Minimizing clutter and unnecessary items will help promote focus. Whether you are in an office or creating a home office on your dining room table, the correct set up is so important for focused work.
Invest in essential items such as a wireless mouse, laptop stand, additional monitors, wireless keyboard, etc. These items can help improve the efficiency of daily tasks and help you feel prepared. Beyond having necessary technical tools, it’s important to remove unnecessary clutter or items that may steal your focus from the task at hand.
Create a space that you enjoy spending time in. A 40-hour workweek is a substantial amount of time. Invest in office furniture or make sure your office has a comfortable set up. If working in a unique location, such as a coffee shop, choose a comfortable place with a chair and table set up.
Go a step further to create a comfortable space by adding your favorite decor. Pictures and motivational quotes are a great option for offices at home and at places of business. Diffusers and candles can be a nice addition to a home office. Scents are known to trigger certain memories and can be used as a tool to retain information and perform well. Use an essential oil diffuser or light a candle during times of focus. This can help motivate you and create a focused mindset to tackle the task at hand. If you feel especially inspired by the smell of coffee, try lighting this hand-poured coffee scented candle when you sit down to work.
#2. Physically move locations to increase focus and creativity.
If you’re struggling to focus get up and physically change locations. Refocus by grabbing a specific drink or grab only the essentials. Although extra monitors are convenient, sometimes the additional distractions and clutter at your desk at home or in an office can keep you from focusing at your full potential. Physically moving can create a new focus zone. Stay in this new location until the task at hand is done. This can help break up the day and promote focused work with a personal deadline.
If you can’t physically change locations, try changing between standing and sitting. You can purchase a special desk that allows you to switch between standing or sitting or simply create a makeshift area that is at the proper ergonomic height. Again, stay standing until a specific task is completed as this will encourage you to maintain focus on the specific task.
Moving can also be helpful for promoting creativity and productivity. If you’re able to listen to something related to work, try walking while you listen. Going for a walk can also be a great way to come up with good ideas that can be limited while sitting at your desk. Walk with a notepad or use the notes section in your phone to record all your ideas. You never know which ones will become your next project!
#3. Create a mobile office.
Create a mobile office to maximize time on the go. This is a useful tool for people with the flexibility and freedom to work remotely or for someone who wants to squeeze a few extra minutes of work in a unique environment (i.e., carpool lane, appointment waiting room, etc.).
Consistently use one bag or backpack for work items. Make sure this bag has the essentials such as a charger, mouse, or headphones or keep duplicates whenever possible. This allows work to be created in the car, at a coffee shop, or other unique locations. By having the essentials on hand, previous time spent that could be considered “wasted” can become productive time to tackle important tasks.
#4. Make sure to have a good WiFi connection or a quiet space when necessary to create your ideal work environment.
A mobile hotspot is incredibly useful for being able to work remote or in unique locations. While most offices, homes or coffee shops have access to WiFi, ensuring an adequate internet connection is important for maximum productivity. It is especially important to have a good internet connection for video meetings. A separate home office, a quiet meeting space in an office or a separate room in a coffee shop can all serve as good locations to hold a meeting. Your car can also be a quiet location to hold a meeting over the phone. This is another instance where having a “mobile office” with a purse or backpack would be ideal as it ensures that you have all your essential items.
When traveling or trying to work in a car, consider where you may lose service or be unavailable. Plan your route ahead of time and download any essential items before losing service. These are essential considerations when planning meetings or other times to connect.
